Grab a hearty coffee and breakfast sandwich at Java House in Iowa City before you head out; it’s a reliable local spot for a travel-friendly breakfast.
Drive ~4 hours to Badlands National Park with scenic pullouts; the Badlands Loop Road offers multiple overlooks and short walks. Visitor Center typically open ~9am–4:30pm (seasonal).
Continue west toward Rapid City; if you have time, drive to Mount Rushmore National Memorial in late afternoon (open sunrise–10pm, lighting ceremony at dusk depending on season).
Stretch your legs at a short natural or cultural stop near Billings (Pictograph Cave short trails or the small but interesting local museums). Park hours vary; museums typically open ~10am–5pm.
Park vehicle fee typically USD35 (good for 7 days). Visitor Centers generally open ~8–9am; check exact seasonal hours. Head onto Going-to-the-Sun Road for spectacular alpine views.
Popular 3.6-mile roundtrip hike from Logan Pass to Hidden Lake Overlook; offers iconic vistas and good wildlife-watch opportunities. Trail is typically 2–3 hours; Logan Pass parking fills early.
Drive sections of the road, stop at pullouts (e.g., Bird Woman Falls, Big Bend). The car-accessible scenery is a highlight—driving time varies with stops.
Fuel up early — Many Glacier is a wildlife-rich area with trail options to Grinnell Glacier or Swiftcurrent Lake; visitor facilities often open mid-morning.
Long scenic drive across Montana; stop in Missoula or Butte for coffee and leg-stretches. Expect 6–7 hours total driving time to West Yellowstone including stops.
Explore Old Faithful and surrounding geyser basins; Old Faithful’s eruptions are predictable (next predicted times posted at visitor center). Visitor Center hours usually 8am–5pm.
Spend time at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone for dramatic vistas—short walks around the rim are ideal for photos. Park trails and overlooks open all day.
Option A: Stay in Gardiner for Mammoth Hot Springs area; Option B: Continue east to Cody for museum visits tomorrow. Drive times vary—plan accordingly.
Breakfast near your lodging; plan a relaxed start if you chose Gardiner, or an earlier departure if you spent the night in West Yellowstone and drove to Cody.
Excellent complex of five museums covering regional natural history, Western art, firearms, and Plains Indian history; open typically 9am–5pm. Plan 2–3 hours.
Trail End is Sheridan’s historic mansion with guided tours (check seasonal hours). The Brinton Museum (nearby in Big Horn) features Western art—hours vary seasonally.
Enjoy a final road-trip celebratory dinner — Sheridan offers ranch-style cuisine and local breweries. Confirm opening times as some places close earlier in fall.
Half-day scenic drive with viewpoints and short walks; roads may have changing seasonal access—check local DOT or forest service updates before departure.