I've read many posts on these areas already but would enjoy your input of our plans.

Our trip is June 19-30. We plan to stay in Moran for 2 nights (June 20, 21) to visit the Tetons, West Yellowstone (june 22, 23) or OFI if a cancellation, Gardiner (24th) and Cody (25th). We'll head to Devils Tower and plan on staying around Mt Rushmore - maybe Keystone area (no availability at Custer State Park) for 2 nights (26 and 27). The rest of the time will be with family before returning home.

What road would be the best/most scenic from leaving Yellowstone to travel to Cody? Beartooth Hwy or Chief Joseph Scenic Highway? Or is that even an option? The last day at YNP would be in the north area and figured we could exit that way.

Thanks in advance!

Both take you out of your way to get to Cody, but. IMO, the detour is worth it. I think Beartooh is more scenic, but it will also be the longest route.

I think it depends on whether you will be on the Tower-Canyon-Lake side of the park during your stay. If not I would go that route and out the east entrance to Cody. If you are covering that at another time you could go out through the Lamar Valley to the Beartooth. You would have to turn around (which isn't a bad thing to do) at some point (maybe the Vista area) to return to the place where it meets up with the Chief Joseph (you will pass this after you leave the northeast entrance on the way to the Beartooth) and take that into Cody.

We did a loop from Canyon and back on this route stopping many places along the way. It was a long day but doable and you won't be covering as much ground. Although it is a very pretty drive I wouldn't give up seeing Canyon, etc. to do it. And I think the east entrance is worth seeing also. Can't do it all in the time you will be there so just pick what sounds best to you. Also, be aware of road construction in all areas -- may impact your plans.

Thank you for your responses. We should be in YNP for 4 full days if all goes as planned. We don't mind the longer route to take in the beauty of the area. I'm sure it is all wonderful. Since we'll be coming from the Tetons, we figured we would do Lake and Hayden Valley to Canyon the first day, OF area on 2nd day, Canyon, Tower, and Lamar Valley 3rd, Mammoth and more Lamar Valley area the last day on the way out. Does this sound reasonable or do you have better suggestions?

Do the other places we have planned to stay sound ok? We will be traveling to MN after SD.

As to the "other places" you plan to stay, It's a great trip. You can't beat Keystone for access to Mt Rushmore, but there are touristy areas that detract from the Black Hills experience. I would recommend Hill City. Since it's further from the main attractions, it doesn't have as big a tourist market, and it gives you a good taste of the Black Hills. Mt. Rushmore doesn't take a whole day to see, so I would recommend seeing either Wind Cave or doing the wildlife loop at Custer State Park. If you have time, the Badlands are a good detour on your way to MN.