Northern Rockies Travel Guide - Mt. Rushmore to Yellowstone (Part 2)

The Northern Rockies Travel Guide is a resource for those planning a road trip in the region. It is especially useful for road trips running from Mt. Rushmore, South Dakota to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, and adjoining areas. All the popular attractions are included, such as Mt. Rushmore, the Black Hills of South Dakota, Badlands National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Grand Teton National Park. Many less famous destinations are also included. Details include descriptions, links to many references, and suggested visit times. Also, review our recommended travel itineraries. For easiest use, scroll map to top.

Using the Interactive Map

Place your mouse pointer on any item number (in purple) on the map. A brief description will appear. Click on the number for a link to detailed information below. Detailed Highway Map of Wyoming, Montana, & South Dakota in separate window

Yellowstone National Park | Grand Teton National Park

Northern Rockies Destinations

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For travelers coming out from the east, the I-70 (or I-80/I-76) option via Denver can make an attractive loop trip. The "can't miss" attraction is spectacular Rocky Mountain National Park, outside of Boulder, Colorado. The park offers some of America's finest mountain scenery and one of its greatest scenic drives. A special feature is that the wilderness can be accessed by relatively short day hikes, especially in the Bear Lake area. The amazing Trail Ridge Drive crosses the Continental Divide, topping out at an elevation of over 12,000 feet. However being near an urban area, the park is quite busy in the summer, and camping reservations are essential on the east side of the Divide.

A further detour (I-70 west, then US-24 west) would take you first to Colorado Springs and a chance to visit might Pikes Peak. The 14,110 foot peak can be accessed by auto road or an exciting ride on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway (reservations suggested in summer). There is a gift shop at the top of Pikes Peak (equipped with oxygen tanks) and amazing views in every direction.

In either case, your loop trip would eventually continue north on I-25 to reach the Black Hills or west on I-80 to reach Yellowstone National Park. See recommended itineraries. Visit time: at least two extra days.

• Rocky Mountain National Park (NPS)
• Estes Park Chamber of Commerce (Gateway to RMNP)
• Introduction to Rocky Mountain National Park
• The Fabulous Sky Pond Hike
• Emerald Lake, Fall Colors
• Pikes Peak, America's Mountain
• Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Devils Tower is a nearly vertical monolith which rises 1,267 feet above the meandering Belle Fourche River. The nation's first national monument, Devils Tower was also made famous in the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" as the location where the aliens landed. The monolith is very popular with rock climbers. Ordinary travelers will find this out-of-the-way stop to be very peaceful and quiet with a pleasant campground. Directions: Leave I-90 onto US-14 between Sundance and Moorcroft. Midway, take WY-24 north to Devils Tower. There is lodging is Sundance. Visit time: a few hours to overnight stop.

• Devils Tower National Monument (NPS)
• America's First National Monument

The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is the site of the famous victory of the Sioux and Cheyenne over General Custer on June 25, 1876, also known as Custer's Last Stand. The battlefield is accessible and set up for self-guided tours. Ranger talks are given during the day, and guided tours may be purchased from a Native American concessionaire. In 2003, the new Indian Memorial was dedicated, which honors the participants of both sides of the battle. Visit time: a few hours, but it is a detour if you are heading across Wyoming to Yellowstone. Lodging in Sheridan, Wyoming.

• Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument (NPS)
• Friends of the Little Bighorn

Most travelers en route from the Black Hills to Yellowstone just pass through, but the Bighorn Mountain also offer spectacular scenery and recreation opportunities, and with far less congestion than the area' many popular destinations. No region in Wyoming is provided with a more diverse landscape, from lush grasslands to alpine meadows, from crystal-clear lakes to glacial carved valleys, from rolling hills to sheer mountain walls. Besides numerous campgrounds and picnic areas, seven lodges are available. There are 1,500 miles of trail and access to the Cloud Peak Wilderness Area. All three highways through the mountains - US-14, US-14a, and US-16 - are scenic byways. Visit time: an hour to drive through, could spend a day or more.

• Bighorn National Forest (NFS)
• Recreation Opportunities (NFS)
• Big Horn Mountains Guide

The town of Thermopolis offers visitors a travel break at Hot Springs State Park, the world's largest mineral hot springs. The renowned Wyoming Dinosaur Center is also located here, as well as other museums. Hunting, Fishing, and pack trips are available in the area. Float trips and fishing trips are offered on the Wind River, through 2,000 foot deep Wind River Canyon. Visit time: a few hours, or an overnight stay.

• Thermopolis Chamber of Commerce
• Hot Springs State Park
• Wyoming Dinosaur Center and Dig Sites
• Wind River Rafting

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