12 day itinerary for Bad Lands, Mt Rushmore, Glacier National Park, Yellowstone , Teton, Grand Canyon, Taos, 4 Corners, Pikes Peak, Dodge City

Itinerary

What an exciting road trip you have planned! With so many incredible destinations, you’re in for a treat. Here’s a family-friendly 12-day itinerary that balances driving with plenty of time to explore each location. Buckle up, and let’s hit the road!

## Day 1: Arrival in Badlands National Park, South Dakota

• Morning: Arrive in Badlands National Park. Settle into your accommodation.
• Afternoon: Explore the Badlands Loop Road. Stop at the various overlooks for stunning views and take a short hike on the Notch Trail (1.5 miles round trip).
• Evening: Have a picnic dinner at one of the scenic spots. Don’t forget to catch the sunset at Big Badlands Overlook!

## Day 2: Badlands to Mount Rushmore

• Morning: Visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center for educational exhibits.
• Midday: Drive to Mount Rushmore (about 1 hour).
• Afternoon: Explore the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Take the Presidential Trail for a closer view of the sculptures.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in nearby Keystone. Consider a fun evening at Rushmore Cave or a local ice cream shop!

## Day 3: Mount Rushmore to Glacier National Park

• Morning: Depart early for Glacier National Park (about 10 hours drive). Pack snacks and games for the road!
• Afternoon: Arrive in Glacier National Park. Check into your accommodation.
• Evening: Relax and enjoy a family dinner at a local restaurant. If time allows, take a short evening stroll around Lake McDonald.

## Day 4: Glacier National Park

• All ## Day: Spend the day exploring Glacier! Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road (check for road conditions). Stop at Logan Pass for breathtaking views and a family-friendly hike on the Hidden Lake Trail (3 miles round trip).
• Evening: Return to your accommodation and share stories about your day over dinner.

## Day 5: Glacier to Yellowstone National Park

• Morning: Depart for Yellowstone National Park (about 6 hours drive).
• Afternoon: Arrive in Yellowstone. Visit the West Entrance and head to the iconic Old Faithful geyser. Check the eruption schedule!
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at the Old Faithful Lodge or a picnic in the park. Look out for wildlife as you drive back to your accommodation.

## Day 6: Yellowstone National Park

• All ## Day: Explore Yellowstone! Visit the Grand Prismatic Spring, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Yellowstone Lake area. Consider a family-friendly hike, like the Fairy Falls Trail (5 miles round trip).
• Evening: Return to your accommodation and relax. Share your favorite moments from the day!

## Day 7: Yellowstone to Grand Teton National Park

• Morning: Depart for Grand Teton National Park (about 1.5 hours drive).
• Midday: Arrive and explore the park. Visit the Jenny Lake area and take a scenic boat ride or hike to Hidden Falls (1.2 miles round trip).
• Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at a local restaurant in Jackson Hole. Don’t miss the chance to try some local game dishes!

## Day 8: Grand Teton to Taos, New Mexico

• Morning: Depart for Taos (about 10 hours drive). This will be a long travel day, so plan for breaks and snacks.
• Evening: Arrive in Taos. Check into your accommodation and unwind. Enjoy a casual dinner at a local eatery.

## Day 9: Taos

• All ## Day: Explore Taos! Visit the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a family-friendly hike in the nearby Carson National Forest or visit the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge for stunning views.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in Taos and perhaps catch a local music performance or art gallery.

## Day 10: Taos to Four Corners

• Morning: Depart for the Four Corners Monument (about 3 hours drive).
• Midday: Arrive at the Four Corners and take the classic family photo standing in four states at once!
• Afternoon: Explore the nearby Navajo Nation and consider visiting a local market for souvenirs.
• Evening: Drive to your accommodation in the area (consider staying in Farmington, NM) and enjoy dinner.

## Day 11: Four Corners to Pikes Peak

• Morning: Depart for Pikes Peak (about 5 hours drive).
• Afternoon: Arrive and take the Pikes Peak Highway to the summit. Enjoy the breathtaking views and the famous donuts at the summit house!
• Evening: Head back down and enjoy dinner in Colorado Springs. Consider visiting the Garden of the Gods for a sunset view.

## Day 12: Pikes Peak to Dodge City

• Morning: Depart for Dodge City (about 6 hours drive).
• Afternoon: Arrive in Dodge City. Visit the Boot Hill Museum to learn about the Wild West and enjoy some interactive exhibits.
• Evening: Have a fun dinner at a local diner, and reflect on your amazing road trip!

Tips for the Road:

• Pack Snacks: Keep a cooler with healthy snacks and drinks to keep everyone energized.
• Games & Entertainment: Bring along road trip games, audiobooks, or music playlists to keep the family entertained during long drives.
• Flexibility: Be open to adjusting the itinerary based on weather or family preferences. Sometimes the best memories come from unexpected detours!

Enjoy your adventure! Each stop is filled with natural beauty and family-friendly activities that will create lasting memories. Safe travels!