The journey from the Black Hills to Glacier National Park spans approximately 740 miles, offering a diverse landscape of rolling hills, expansive prairies, and majestic mountains. This road trip combines the iconic Mount Rushmore and the rugged beauty of the Black Hills with the pristine wilderness of Glacier National Park. Travelers can expect a drive time of 10-12 hours, depending on the chosen route and stops along the way. This guide provides essential information for planning your adventure, including scenic routes, must-see attractions, and hiking opportunities.
What are the Best Scenic Routes from the Black Hills to Glacier National Park?
The drive from the Black Hills to Glacier National Park offers several scenic routes that showcase the beauty of the American West. Here are some recommended options:
- Black Hills to Gillette, Wyoming
- Route: US-16 W to US-85 N, then I-90 W
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Highlights: Scenic drive through Black Hills National Forest
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Gillette to Billings, Montana
- Route: Continue on I-90 W
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Note: Less scenic but efficient for covering distance
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Billings to Glacier National Park
- Route: I-15 N to US-2 W
- Highlights: Increasingly scenic views as you approach the park
Notable Stops Along the Way
To break up the long drive, consider these interesting stops:
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
- Distance from Rapid City: 5.5 hours
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Features: Badlands landscapes, wildlife viewing
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Makoshika State Park, Montana
- Distance from Rapid City: 7 hours
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Features: Unique badlands formations
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Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, Montana
- Distance from Rapid City: 7.5 hours
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Features: Historical site of the Battle of Little Bighorn
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Great Falls, Montana
- Distance from Rapid City: 8 hours
- Attractions: Great Falls of the Missouri River, museums
What are the Must-See Attractions in the Black Hills?
Before embarking on your journey to Glacier National Park, take time to explore the Black Hills region. Here are some top attractions:
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Location: Near Keystone, South Dakota
- Hours: Open year-round (hours vary by season)
- Entry: Free to view, parking fee applies
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Highlight: Evening lighting ceremony (summer months)
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Custer State Park
- Location: Custer, South Dakota
- Hours: Open year-round (hours vary by season)
- Entry: Vehicle entrance fee required
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Highlight: Annual Buffalo Round-Up in September
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Badlands National Park
- Location: Interior, South Dakota
- Hours: Open year-round (hours vary by season)
- Entry: Vehicle entrance fee required
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Activities: Scenic drives, ranger-led programs
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Deadwood
- Location: Deadwood, South Dakota
- Hours: Varies by attraction
- Entry: Free to visit (some attractions may have fees)
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Activities: Historical reenactments, tours
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Spearfish Canyon
- Location: Near Spearfish, South Dakota
- Hours: Open year-round
- Entry: Free
- Activities: Scenic drives, hiking
What Hiking Trails are Available in Glacier National Park?
Glacier National Park offers a wide variety of hiking trails suitable for different skill levels. Here’s a selection of popular trails:
Going-to-the-Sun Road Area
- Hidden Lake Overlook Trail
- Length: 2.7 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 460 feet
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Highlights: Views of Hidden Lake and surrounding mountains
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Bird Woman Falls Overlook Trail
- Length: Short walk from the road
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: View of Bird Woman Falls
Logan Pass Area
- Hidden Lake Trail
- Length: 4.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 460 feet
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Highlights: Hidden Lake views, potential wildlife sightings
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Highline Trail
- Length: 7.6 miles one way
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
- Highlights: Scenic views, potential mountain goat sightings
Many Glacier Area
- Grinnell Glacier Trail
- Length: 10.3 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Elevation Gain: 1,840 feet
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Highlights: Grinnell Glacier, stunning mountain views
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Iceberg Lake Trail
- Length: 9.3 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
- Highlights: Picturesque lake, surrounding mountains
Two Medicine Area
- Redrock Falls Trail
- Length: 4.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 700 feet
- Highlights: Redrock Falls, scenic views
What Should I Pack for the Black Hills to Glacier National Park Trip?
Proper packing is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable road trip from the Black Hills to Glacier National Park. Here’s a suggested packing list:
- Clothing
- Layered clothing (temperatures can vary)
- Rain jacket
- Sturdy hiking boots
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Hat and sunglasses
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Outdoor Gear
- Daypack
- Reusable water bottles
- Binoculars
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Sunscreen and insect repellent
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Navigation and Safety
- Physical maps and GPS device
- First aid kit
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Flashlight or headlamp
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Car Essentials
- Emergency kit
- Spare tire and tools
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Snacks and water
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Camping Gear (if applicable)
- Tent
- Sleeping bags and pads
- Camping stove and cookware
How Can I Plan My Itinerary for the Black Hills to Glacier National Park Trip?
Planning your itinerary from the Black Hills to Glacier National Park requires careful consideration of distances, attractions, and available time. Here’s a sample 7-day itinerary:
| Day | Location | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Black Hills | Explore Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park |
| 2 | Black Hills to Theodore Roosevelt NP | Drive to and explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
| 3 | Theodore Roosevelt NP to Billings, MT | Visit Little Bighorn Battlefield en route to Billings |
| 4 | Billings to Glacier NP | Drive to Glacier National Park, settle in |
| 5-6 | Glacier National Park | Explore park highlights, hiking, scenic drives |
| 7 | Depart Glacier NP | Begin return journey or continue to next destination |
Remember to adjust this itinerary based on your preferences and available time. It’s always a good idea to allow for flexibility in your schedule to accommodate unexpected discoveries or weather changes.
What are the Best Times to Visit Glacier National Park?
The best time to visit Glacier National Park largely depends on your preferences and the activities you wish to pursue. Here’s a breakdown by season:
- Summer (June to August)
- Pros: Warm weather, all facilities open, full access to trails
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Cons: Crowded, higher prices, potential for wildfires
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Fall (September to October)
- Pros: Fewer crowds, beautiful fall colors, wildlife activity
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Cons: Cooler temperatures, some facilities begin to close
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Winter (November to April)
- Pros: Snow activities, quiet atmosphere, winter wildlife viewing
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Cons: Limited access, many facilities closed, cold temperatures
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Spring (May to early June)
- Pros: Wildflowers, waterfalls at peak flow, fewer crowds
- Cons: Some trails may still be snow-covered, unpredictable weather
For most visitors, late June to mid-September offers the best overall experience, with full access to park facilities and favorable weather conditions.
Remember, the journey from the Black Hills to Glacier National Park is as much about the destinations as it is about the journey itself. Take time to enjoy the changing landscapes, explore small towns along the way, and create lasting memories of America’s natural beauty.
References:
1. https://www.glacierhighline.com/blog/glacier-national-park-drive/
2. https://guidealong.com/3-scenic-driving-routes-rushmore-black-hills/
3. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12567-k14269550-Itinerary_help_please_from_Rushmore_to_Glacier_NP-Road_Trips.html