This big, family-friendly loop starts and ends in Hutchinson and favors national parks, small towns, and scenic drives over major cities. It includes Glacier, Mount Rushmore, Zion, and the Grand Canyon; expect several long driving days, especially between the parks.
Budget
About $3,500–$6,500 per person, assuming a family sharing a vehicle and lodging, moderate meals, and park fees; excludes vehicle wear, major activities, and any required timed-entry reservations. Park fees and lodging vary by season.
Best time to visit
Late June through early September offers the best chance of open high-country roads and services, though it is busy. Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road and the Grand Canyon North Rim are seasonal; check official park alerts, road status, shuttle schedules, and entry requirements before booking.
Hutchinson to the Black Hills
Make the long northbound drive to the Black Hills, with a relaxed evening near Mount Rushmore.
Morning
Drive from Hutchinson to the Black Hills
Allow about 7–8 hours of driving, plus meal and rest stops. Break up the trip in small towns along the route.
About $45–$75 fuelAfternoon
Check in near Keystone
Settle into lodging around Keystone, a convenient small-town base for Mount Rushmore. Allow 15–30 minutes from the Black Hills approach, depending on your lodging.
About $150–$300 lodgingEvening
Dinner in Keystone
Keep the first evening easy with dinner in town; most Keystone lodging and restaurants are within about 5–10 minutes of one another.
About $15–$30
Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park
See the iconic memorial in the morning, then enjoy wildlife and mountain scenery nearby.
Morning
Visit
Walk the Grand View Terrace and Presidential Trail at a kid-friendly pace. From Keystone, it is about a 10-minute drive; parking is charged separately.
About $10 parking per vehicleAfternoon
Drive the Wildlife Loop
Look for bison, pronghorn, and burros along the scenic loop. Allow about 45 minutes from Mount Rushmore to the Wildlife Loop entrance, then take your time on the drive.
About $20 per vehicleEvening
Easy evening in Custer
Head to Custer for dinner and an early night; the drive from the Wildlife Loop area is about 30–45 minutes depending on where you finish.
About $15–$30
Badlands to Billings
Cross western South Dakota with a memorable Badlands stop before continuing toward Montana.
Morning
Drive to
Allow roughly 1.5 hours from the Custer area to the park’s western side. Pack water and snacks before leaving.
About $30 per vehicleAfternoon
Explore the
Choose a couple of short overlooks or trails and keep the midday walk brief in hot weather. The first overlooks are about 10–20 minutes from the western entrance.
About Included with park entryEvening
Continue to Billings
The drive from the Badlands area to Billings is about 5–6 hours, so plan for a late arrival and a simple dinner near your lodging.
About $15–$30 dinner
Billings to Glacier’s east side
Travel north through Montana and settle near St. Mary for easy access to Glacier’s eastern highlights.
Morning
Drive from Billings toward St. Mary
Allow about 5 hours behind the wheel, plus breaks. The route passes through smaller Montana communities rather than major cities.
About $40–$65 fuelAfternoon
Check in and prepare for the park
Stay in or near St. Mary and stock up on water, snacks, and layers. Local lodging and the park entrance are generally within 5–15 minutes.
About $180–$350 lodgingEvening
Relax by
Enjoy a gentle lakeside stroll or picnic before an early night. The lake access is about 10 minutes from the St. Mary area.
Free
Going-to-the-Sun Road and Logan Pass
Spend the day on Glacier’s signature mountain road, with scenic stops and a family-friendly high-country walk.
Morning
Drive to Logan Pass
From St. Mary, allow about 45 minutes to Logan Pass without stops; add time for viewpoints and possible traffic. Check current road and vehicle reservation rules before setting out.
About Park entry included with passAfternoon
Walk the
The trail begins at Logan Pass and offers dramatic views; turn around whenever the family has had enough, and check conditions for snow or wildlife closures.
FreeEvening
Return to St. Mary
Allow about 45 minutes back from Logan Pass, longer with scenic stops. Have an early dinner and rest after the mountain day.
About $15–$30
Many Glacier
Focus on Glacier’s east-side lakes and trails, keeping the day centered around the Many Glacier valley.
Morning
Explore Many Glacier
Drive about 45–60 minutes from St. Mary to the Many Glacier area. Arrive early for parking and choose a trail suited to your family’s energy and conditions.
About Park entry included with passAfternoon
Enjoy
Take a lakeshore stroll or relax by the water after your morning outing. is only a short walk from .
FreeEvening
Return to St. Mary
Drive about 45–60 minutes back to your lodging, then keep dinner simple and prepare for a west-side transfer the next day.
About $15–$30
Glacier’s west side
Cross the park by road and settle near West Glacier for lakeside time and easier access to the west entrance.
Morning
Drive from St. Mary to West Glacier
Allow 2–3 hours via the park’s scenic route without extended stops; road conditions, construction, and reservation rules can change the plan.
About $25–$45 fuelAfternoon
Visit and
Enjoy the lakeshore, visitor information, and a gentle village stroll. Apgar is about 5 minutes from the West Glacier entrance.
FreeEvening
Sunset at
Find a quiet lakeside spot and enjoy the evening light. The lakeshore is a short walk or a few minutes’ drive from .
Free
Glacier to Idaho Falls
Use this as a practical travel day south, with an overnight stop in a smaller regional city.
Morning
Depart West Glacier
Start early for the drive to Idaho Falls, approximately 6.5–7.5 hours before breaks. Keep snacks and entertainment handy for the children.
About $45–$70 fuelAfternoon
Continue south through Montana and Idaho
Take breaks in smaller towns along the route; allow about 3–4 hours of driving after a morning departure, depending on your stop schedule.
About $15–$25 lunchEvening
Dinner and overnight in Idaho Falls
Check in and keep the evening low-key. Local lodging, restaurants, and the riverfront are generally within a short drive.
About $15–$30 dinner; $130–$250 lodging
Idaho Falls to Zion
Make the long southbound drive to Springdale, your small-town base at Zion’s main entrance.
Morning
Drive from Idaho Falls toward Springdale
Allow about 6–7 hours of driving, plus breaks. Confirm the route and weather before leaving, especially in winter or shoulder season.
About $45–$75 fuelAfternoon
Check in and stretch your legs
Settle into Springdale and take a relaxed walk near your lodging. The town is compact, and many accommodations are close to the park shuttle stops.
About $180–$350 lodgingEvening
Dinner in Springdale
Choose an early meal and get ready for a full park day. Restaurants in central Springdale are typically a short walk or a few minutes’ drive away.
About $18–$35
Zion Canyon
Use the park shuttle to explore Zion’s main canyon without having to drive between trailheads.
Morning
Ride the Zion Canyon Shuttle
Board at the visitor center and hop off for a short riverside walk or scenic stop. The shuttle ride to the Temple of Sinawava takes about 40 minutes end to end; operating schedules vary by season.
FreeAfternoon
Walk the
Enjoy the paved, mostly accessible route alongside the Virgin River and turn back when the family is ready. The trailhead is at the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop.
About Included with park entryEvening
Return to Springdale for dinner
Take the shuttle back to the visitor center, about 40 minutes from the canyon’s end, then walk or drive into town for dinner.
About $18–$35
Zion’s east side and scenic drive
See a different side of Zion with a relaxed drive, viewpoints, and a short nature walk.
Morning
Drive the
Allow about 45–60 minutes from Springdale to the east side without stops; the drive includes the historic tunnel, where vehicle restrictions may apply.
About Included with park entryAfternoon
Walk the
This short but rocky trail has excellent canyon views; supervise children closely near exposed edges. The trailhead is near the east entrance and roughly 30–40 minutes from Springdale.
FreeEvening
Relax back in Springdale
Return to town in about 30–40 minutes and enjoy a slower evening after two active park days.
About $18–$35
Zion to the Grand Canyon’s North Rim
Drive to the quieter North Rim and spend the evening close to its forested viewpoints.
Morning
Drive from Springdale to the North Rim
Allow about 3–4 hours, plus a break, to reach the North Rim area. The North Rim is seasonal and typically closes in winter; verify opening dates and road status.
About $25–$35 fuelAfternoon
Visit
Take the short walk from the lodge area to a classic canyon overlook, keeping children close on the narrow path. It is about a 5-minute walk from Grand Canyon Lodge.
About Park entry requiredEvening
Sunset at the North Rim
Choose a safe viewpoint near the lodge and stay for the changing canyon colors. Nearby overlooks are usually within a short drive or walk.
Free
Grand Canyon North Rim to western Kansas
Begin the long return east, breaking the drive with an overnight in a convenient smaller-city stop.
Morning
Enjoy a final North Rim viewpoint
Take a brief morning look at the canyon, then depart. Check out and reach the main road from the lodge area in about 15–30 minutes.
About Included with park entryAfternoon
Drive east toward Colorado
This is a very long travel day: allow roughly 8–9 hours of driving to the western Colorado area, plus meal and fuel stops. If your family prefers shorter days, add another overnight and extend the trip.
About $55–$85 fuelEvening
Overnight in Grand Junction
Check in, eat, and rest before the final drive home. Lodging and dinner options are generally a short drive from the interstate.
About $130–$250 lodging; $15–$30 dinner
Return to Hutchinson
Finish the loop with a long drive home and planned breaks for a comfortable family arrival.
Morning
Depart Grand Junction
Start early for the drive to Hutchinson, allowing about 8–9 hours behind the wheel before stops. Check forecasts and road conditions before leaving.
About $55–$85 fuelAfternoon
Take a family break along the route
Pause for lunch and a stretch in a smaller town along the way; expect roughly 3–4 hours of driving after departure, depending on breaks.
About $15–$25 lunchEvening
Arrive back in Hutchinson
Complete the final stretch and settle in at home. Allow extra time for traffic, weather, and rest stops.
About Included in fuel estimate
Good to know
Driving
This itinerary is ambitious for 14 days and includes several 6–9 hour driving days. Share driving where possible, schedule frequent breaks, and consider adding nights if children tire easily.
Glacier access
Check Glacier National Park’s current vehicle reservation and road rules before travel. Logan Pass parking is limited, and road access can change with construction, weather, or wildlife.
Grand Canyon North Rim
The North Rim is remote and seasonal, with limited services and no reliable nearby alternatives when it is closed. Confirm the lodge, roads, and park facilities are open before planning this leg.
Family safety
Bring layers, sun protection, water, and snacks. Keep children close around wildlife, steep overlooks, and fast-moving water; choose trails based on current conditions and everyone’s comfort.
Park fees
A U.S. national parks pass may be worthwhile for this route. Check current admission rules and fees for Mount Rushmore, Glacier, Zion, and Grand Canyon before departure.