A road trip from Yellowstone to the Badlands is one of the most breathtaking drives in the United States, filled with diverse landscapes, iconic wildlife, and unforgettable natural wonders. This journey takes you through a dramatic transition from the steaming geysers and lush forests of Yellowstone National Park to the rugged, otherworldly formations of Badlands National Park. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, family traveler, or solo adventurer, this road trip delivers a blend of geological wonder, historical richness, and scenic beauty that’s hard to match.
Starting the Journey in Yellowstone National Park
Exploring Yellowstone’s Top Highlights
Before hitting the road, be sure to explore Yellowstone thoroughly. As America’s first national park, it spans parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho and offers a wide range of natural attractions.
- Old Faithful: The most famous geyser in the world, erupting regularly every 90 minutes.
- Grand Prismatic Spring: A colorful hot spring visible even from a short hike above.
- Lamar Valley: Known as America’s Serengeti, perfect for spotting bison, wolves, and bears.
- Yellowstone Lake: A peaceful place to relax, kayak, or have a picnic.
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: A breathtaking canyon with dramatic waterfalls.
Best Places to Stay in Yellowstone
Accommodations inside Yellowstone range from historic lodges to rustic campgrounds. For road trippers, staying at Canyon Village or Madison Campground offers good access to park roads and scenic routes leading eastward.
Leaving Yellowstone: The Drive East
Scenic Route Options
As you leave Yellowstone heading toward South Dakota, you’ll have multiple routes to choose from, but the most scenic and popular is through Cody, Wyoming, heading east on US Highway 14. This route takes you through the Bighorn Mountains and offers panoramic views, switchbacks, and plenty of photo stops.
Stop in Cody, Wyoming
Founded by Buffalo Bill Cody, this town is rich in Old West history. Highlights include the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, local rodeos, and authentic western dining. It’s a great place to rest for a night before continuing on to the Badlands.
Bighorn National Forest
This stunning forested mountain area offers scenic pullouts, hiking opportunities, and alpine lakes. Consider stretching your legs at Shell Falls or taking a short hike near Meadowlark Lake for a peaceful break.
Passing Through the Great Plains
Crossing into South Dakota
After leaving the mountains behind, the landscape opens up into the vast Great Plains. As you drive through northeastern Wyoming into western South Dakota, you’ll experience the sweeping views and rolling prairies that define this region.
Key Stops Before the Badlands
- Devils Tower National Monument: An iconic volcanic butte and sacred Native American site in northeastern Wyoming.
- Sundance, Wyoming: A charming town with Wild West vibes and historical saloons.
- Spearfish Canyon, South Dakota: A scenic byway with waterfalls and stunning cliffs, worth a slight detour.
Arriving at Badlands National Park
What Makes the Badlands Unique
Badlands National Park is famous for its layered rock formations, fossil beds, and dramatic buttes and spires. The landscape looks alien, almost lunar, especially at sunrise and sunset when colors intensify across the cliffs and ridges.
Top Things to Do in the Badlands
- Badlands Loop Road: A scenic drive with multiple overlooks and trailheads.
- Notch Trail: A moderately difficult hike with a wooden ladder climb and stunning vistas.
- Fossil Exhibit Trail: A short, family-friendly walk that explains the region’s ancient life forms.
- Wildlife Viewing: Look for bison, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, and even ferrets in the grasslands.
Where to Stay Near the Badlands
You can camp inside the park at Cedar Pass Campground or stay in nearby Wall, South Dakota. Wall offers motels, restaurants, and the famous Wall Drug store, a quirky and fun roadside attraction known for its free ice water and homemade donuts.
Combining National Parks in One Epic Trip
Other Nearby Attractions
This Yellowstone to Badlands road trip also puts you within reach of other remarkable sites:
- Mount Rushmore: Just a few hours from the Badlands, this national memorial features the carved faces of four U.S. presidents.
- Wind Cave National Park: One of the longest and most complex cave systems in the world.
- Custer State Park: Offers scenic drives, swimming lakes, and large herds of bison.
Travel Tips for the Yellowstone to Badlands Road Trip
Best Time to Travel
The ideal time for this trip is late spring through early fall. July and August offer warm weather but can be crowded. September provides cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, plus beautiful autumn colors in Yellowstone.
Driving Considerations
- Make sure your vehicle is in good condition, especially brakes and tires.
- Cell service is limited in rural and mountainous areas download offline maps ahead of time.
- Fuel up whenever you have the chance, especially between towns.
What to Pack
- National Park pass for entry to multiple parks
- Plenty of water and snacks for long stretches
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Camera and tripod for landscapes and night skies
- Layers of clothing for temperature changes
The Yellowstone to Badlands road trip offers one of the most dynamic and unforgettable travel experiences in the American West. From the thermal wonders of Yellowstone to the sharp spires of the Badlands, this route is packed with scenic drives, natural landmarks, and opportunities to explore remote and inspiring landscapes. With thoughtful planning, a spirit of adventure, and appreciation for the open road, this journey promises to be as enriching as it is visually stunning. It’s not just a road trip it’s an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.