10 day itinerary for Mt Rushmore, Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, Grand Teton

Itinerary

Planning a 10-day adventure through some of the most stunning national parks in the U.S. sounds like a fantastic idea! Here’s a fun and engaging itinerary that will take you through Mount Rushmore, Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton. Buckle up for an unforgettable journey!

## Day 1: Arrival in Rapid City, SD

• Morning: Arrive in Rapid City. Grab a hearty breakfast at a local café.
• Afternoon: Head to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Spend time marveling at the iconic faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
• Evening: Explore the nearby town of Keystone. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and maybe catch a glimpse of the evening lighting ceremony at Mount Rushmore.

## Day 2: Badlands National Park

• Morning: After breakfast, drive to Badlands National Park (about 1 hour). Take the Badlands Loop Road for breathtaking views and photo ops.
• Afternoon: Hike one of the trails, like the Notch Trail, for stunning vistas and a bit of adventure.
• Evening: Return to Rapid City. Enjoy a relaxing dinner and rest up for the next leg of your journey.

## Day 3: Travel to Glacier National Park

• Morning: Depart early for Glacier National Park (about a 10-hour drive). Pack snacks and enjoy the scenic drive.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Glacier National Park. Check into your accommodation and take a short hike to stretch your legs.
• Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner at a lodge or nearby restaurant. Rest up for a full day of exploration tomorrow!

## Day 4: Glacier National Park

• Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast, then head to the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This iconic drive offers stunning views and access to various trailheads.
• Afternoon: Stop at Logan Pass and hike the Hidden Lake Trail for breathtaking views and potential wildlife sightings.
• Evening: Return to your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing evening. Maybe stargaze if the skies are clear!

## Day 5: More of Glacier National Park

• Morning: After breakfast, explore the Many Glacier area. Consider a hike to Grinnell Glacier or a boat tour on Swiftcurrent Lake.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature. Continue exploring the park’s stunning landscapes.
• Evening: Head back to your accommodation. Enjoy dinner and share stories of your day’s adventures.

## Day 6: Travel to Yellowstone National Park

• Morning: Depart for Yellowstone National Park (about a 6-hour drive). Enjoy the scenic route and stop for lunch along the way.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Yellowstone. Visit the iconic Old Faithful geyser and explore the surrounding geothermal features.
• Evening: Check into your accommodation and enjoy dinner. If you have time, catch the sunset at one of the park’s viewpoints.

## Day 7: Yellowstone National Park

• Morning: After breakfast, head to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Hike the South Rim Trail for stunning views of the falls.
• Afternoon: Visit the Hayden Valley for wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for bison, elk, and maybe even a bear!
• Evening: Return to your accommodation. Enjoy a hearty dinner and relax after a day of exploration.

## Day 8: More of Yellowstone National Park

• Morning: Explore the Norris Geyser Basin and see some of the park’s most active geothermal features.
• Afternoon: Visit Mammoth Hot Springs and take a stroll through the terraces. Don’t forget to check out the historic Fort Yellowstone.
• Evening: Head back to your accommodation. Enjoy a nice dinner and maybe plan your route to Grand Teton for the next day.

## Day 9: Grand Teton National Park

• Morning: Depart for Grand Teton National Park (about a 1.5-hour drive). Start your day with a visit to the Jenny Lake area.
• Afternoon: Take a boat across Jenny Lake and hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point for stunning views of the Teton Range.
• Evening: Enjoy a picnic dinner with a view or dine at a lodge. Take in the beauty of the Tetons as the sun sets.

## Day 10: Explore Grand Teton National Park

• Morning: After breakfast, explore the scenic drives, like the Teton Park Road. Stop at various viewpoints for photos.
• Afternoon: Consider a hike on the Cascade Canyon Trail or simply relax by one of the lakes.
• Evening: Wrap up your trip with a farewell dinner in Jackson Hole, soaking in the last moments of your adventure.

Departure ## Day

• Morning: Depending on your travel plans, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and maybe do some last-minute sightseeing or shopping in Jackson Hole before heading home.

And there you have it! A delightful 10-day itinerary filled with breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventures, and unforgettable memories. Make sure to pack your camera, and enjoy every moment of this incredible journey! Safe travels! 🌲🏞️✨