YSP to Badlands drive?

looking to drive from yellowstone to the Badlands...doable in one day?? Is there one better route (scenic wise) than another?? Should I break the drive into 2 parts??

Hoping to hit Rushmore, etc on the return drive.

YSP to Badlands drive?

It%26#39;s probably around a 9 hour drive, depending on where you exit YNP. So, yes, doable to get there in one day, not doable as a side trip or day trip from Yellowstone.

YSP to Badlands drive?

Hi there. Here is what we did on our July 2007 trip.

We drove from Wisconsin to Sioux Falls where we spent our first night. We then stopped at the Petrified Gardens and then drove through the Badlands (1/2 day) and then arrived in Rapid City for our second night.

We then did Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Thunderhead Mountain, and Bear Country in one day. We spent that night in Rapid City again.

The next morning we left (6-7 am) for Yellowstone. We drove I-90 and then stopped at Devils Tower, where we spent about 1 hour. We had our 3 kids; 5, 2, and 1 so we couldn%26#39;t do the hike, but you could spend 2-3 hours there. A MUST SEE!

We then took 16 out of Buffalo through the Powder River Pass, very pretty!! Then 16/20 through Greybull, then 14/16 to Cody. We spent the night in Cody. There are a lot of activities there to do here. We were then 1 hour from Yellowstone. We left early and got to Yellowstone early so we could have a whole day hiking and exploring.

As for driving straight from the Badlands to Yellowstone, it could be done. It would take you at least 9 hours, is my guess. And that is without stopping for gas, food, or anything. We broke it up as we wanted to see things along the way. I would highly suggest stopping in Cody, WY (if not doing anything in Rapid City on the way to YNP). You have to drive through YNP and the speed limits are 45 mph which really slow your travel time.

IMO, I would stop at Devils Tower and then spend the night in Cody, WY and see things there. That way you can start out fresh in the morning.

Have a great trip!

My bad, I read your post wrong. You are coming from the other direction.

You could do it, but I would stop at Devils Tower, coming the direction I said, just reversed. I would plan things I wanted to see on the way, determine how long to stay there, and then if it is doable in one day. If not find a hotel that is as far as you want to drive for one day and stay there. You can do the Badlands in 1/2 day and make it back to Rapid City that night. I would then base in Rapid City. The HoJo there is very nice!

You could do it but may miss some nice sights.

Posted a response to same question in the Wyoming forum.