12 day itinerary
York, Pa Badlands National Park Mount Rushhmore Glacier National Park Yellowstone Grand Teton Grand Canyon Taos, Nm Pikes Peak Dodge City Nashville
Personalized with:ScenicTravel at moderate speedFamily friendly
Itinerary
What an exciting adventure you have planned! With such a diverse range of destinations, you’re in for a scenic and memorable journey. Here’s a 12-day itinerary that balances travel time with family-friendly activities, ensuring you soak in the beauty of each location while keeping a moderate pace. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in York, PA
- Morning: Arrive in York, PA. Settle into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Explore the to learn about the area’s rich history.
- Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at a local favorite, like .
Day 2: York, PA to Badlands National Park
- Morning: Depart early for Badlands National Park (approx. 18 hours drive, so consider breaking it up with an overnight stop).
- Afternoon: Stop for lunch in a charming town along the way, like , OH.
- Evening: Arrive in Badlands National Park. Settle in at a nearby lodge or campsite.
Day 3: Badlands National Park
- Morning: Start your day with a scenic drive through the park. Don’t miss the .
- Afternoon: Take a family-friendly hike on the for stunning views.
- Evening: Stargazing in the park, as it’s known for its dark skies.
Day 4: Badlands to Mount Rushmore
- Morning: Depart for Mount Rushmore (about 1 hour drive).
- Afternoon: Visit the . Explore the visitor center and take the Presidential Trail.
- Evening: Enjoy a family dinner in , a nearby town.
Day 5: Mount Rushmore to
- Morning: Depart early for (approx. 10 hours drive, consider an overnight stop).
- Afternoon: Stop for lunch in , MT.
- Evening: Arrive at . Settle into your accommodation.
Day 6:
- Morning: Take the for breathtaking views. Stop at for a short hike.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch at .
- Evening: Explore the charming town of for dinner.
Day 7: Glacier to Yellowstone National Park
- Morning: Depart for Yellowstone (approx. 6 hours drive).
- Afternoon: Arrive and start exploring the park. Visit .
- Evening: Settle into your accommodation within or near the park.
Day 8: Yellowstone National Park
- Morning: Visit and the surrounding geothermal features.
- Afternoon: Explore the and take in the views from .
- Evening: Family-friendly ranger programs are often available in the evenings.
Day 9: Yellowstone to
- Morning: Depart for (approx. 1.5 hours drive).
- Afternoon: Enjoy a scenic drive through the park and stop at for a family hike or boat ride.
- Evening: Dinner in , a charming town nearby.
Day 10: Grand Teton to
- Morning: Depart for the (approx. 12 hours drive, consider an overnight stop).
- Afternoon: Stop for lunch in , UT.
- Evening: Arrive at the . Settle into your accommodation.
Day 11:
- Morning: Explore the South Rim. Visit the and take a family-friendly hike along the .
- Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch with a view.
- Evening: Watch the sunset at .
Day 12: to Taos, NM
- Morning: Depart for Taos (approx. 8 hours drive).
- Afternoon: Arrive in Taos. Explore the , a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at a local restaurant, like .
Bonus Stops (if time allows):
- : If you have extra time, consider a detour to on your way to Taos.
- : This could be a fun stop on your way back east, exploring the Wild West history.
Final Thoughts:
This itinerary allows for a mix of scenic drives, family-friendly activities, and plenty of opportunities to soak in the natural beauty of each destination. Make sure to check for any park alerts or reservations needed, especially in popular areas like Yellowstone and the . Enjoy your adventure! Safe travels! 🌄🚗✨