10-Day Adventure in Bozeman: Yellowstone, Gardiner, Bighorn Cavern, Mt Rushmore, and Badlands

  • Day 1: Yellowstone National Park
    Approximately 90 minutes (56.5 miles) from Bozeman

    Start your adventure with a visit to Yellowstone National Park, known for its geothermal wonders, including Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring. Hike trails, spot wildlife, and take in breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains.

  • Day 2: Gardiner
    Approximately 1 hour (53 miles) from Yellowstone National Park

    Travel to Gardiner, a quaint town on the north entrance of the park. Enjoy scenic drives on the Yellowstone River, watch for grizzly bears, and visit the Yellowstone Bear World Wildlife Park.

  • Day 3: Bighorn Cavern
    Approximately 6 hours (354 miles) from Gardiner

    Discover Bighorn Caverns, one of the longest caves in the world with over 20 miles of mapped passageways. Take a guided tour to see rare geological formations and experience the underground world.

  • Day 4: Mount Rushmore
    Approximately 3 hours 40 minutes (216 miles) from Bighorn Caverns

    Drive to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a sculpture carved into the granite face of the Black Hills. See the faces of former presidents, explore the museum, and take a ranger-guided walk to learn about the history and significance of the site.

  • Day 5: Badlands National Park
    Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (77 miles) from Mount Rushmore

    Visit Badlands National Park, known for its rugged landscapes, canyons, and prairies. Drive the scenic loop, hike trails, and search for bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs.

  • Day 6-7: Grand Teton National Park
    Approximately 9 hours (500 miles) from Badlands National Park

    Travel to Grand Teton National Park, where you can hike, boat, fish or ski in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Explore the Teton Range, take a wildlife tour, or visit the historic town of Jackson. Spend two days discovering all that the park has to offer.

  • Day 8-9: Yellowstone Lake
    Approximately 3 hours (105 miles) from Grand Teton National Park

    Experience the serene beauty of Yellowstone Lake, a high-elevation lake in Yellowstone National Park. Go fishing, kayaking, or take a scenic boat tour around the lake. Enjoy a relaxing day at the lake on day 8 and spend the morning of day 9 fishing or hiking nearby trails.

  • Day 10: Bozeman
    Approximately 2 hours (89.1 miles) from Yellowstone Lake

    Return to Bozeman and enjoy some downtime at the hot springs or explore the Bozeman Sculpture Park before departing.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Yellowstone National Park (Full Day, $40 per vehicle)
  • Gardiner (Half Day, free)
  • Bighorn Caverns (Half Day, $20 per person)
  • Mount Rushmore (Half Day, $10 per vehicle)
  • Badlands National Park (Full Day, $30 per vehicle)
  • Grand Teton National Park (2 Days, $35 per vehicle)
  • Yellowstone Lake (1.5 Days, $30 per vehicle)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $165 per person

Transportation

For those flying, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) offers daily non-stop flights to major cities across the US. Car rentals are available at the airport, and a rental car is recommended for transportation during the itinerary. Expect to drive approximately 1200 miles round trip.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider a visit to Glacier National Park, located about 6 hours (329 miles) from Bozeman. If you have less time, skip Yellowstone Lake and/or Grand Teton National Park. Expect heavy crowds during peak season (June-August) and plan accordingly. Always carry bear spray and know how to use it when hiking or exploring.

Airports

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is located in Belgrade, Montana, approximately 8 miles from Bozeman. It is the busiest airport in Montana, serving over 1.5 million passengers annually.

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