Road trip itinerary from Denver, Colorado to Iowa via Yellowstone National Park

1. Day 1: Denver to Cody, Wyoming
   7 hours (460 miles) from Denver

   Visit the Rocky Mountain National Park for hiking and scenic drives, followed by a stop at Buffalo Bill Center of the West Museum in Cody, Wyoming.

2. Day 2: Cody to Yellowstone National Park
   1 hour 45 minutes (83 miles) from Cody

   Explore the geysers and hot springs, hike to Yellowstone Falls, and watch for wildlife in Hayden Valley.

3. Day 3: Yellowstone National Park
   Varies based on route taken

   Drive through the scenic Beartooth Highway, stopping at the Grand Prismatic Spring and the Old Faithful Inn.

4. Day 4: Yellowstone National Park to Cody, Wyoming
   1 hour 45 minutes (83 miles) from Yellowstone

   Visit the Yellowstone Art Museum and enjoy outdoor activities like rafting or fishing.

5. Day 5: Cody, Wyoming to Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
   6 hours (360 miles) from Cody

   See the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, and explore the nearby Black Hills.

6. Day 6: Mount Rushmore, South Dakota to Badlands National Park, South Dakota
   1 hour 45 minutes (87 miles) from Mount Rushmore

   Drive the scenic loop road, hike the Notch Trail, and take in the incredible rock formations.

7. Day 7: Badlands National Park, South Dakota to Des Moines, Iowa
   9 hours (620 miles) from Badlands National Park

   Stop at the Des Moines Art Center, explore local restaurants, and enjoy a scenic bike ride along the nearby trails.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Rocky Mountain National Park (4-6 hours, $25 per vehicle)
• Buffalo Bill Center of the West Museum (2-3 hours, $19 per adult)
• Yellowstone National Park entrance fee (7-day passes: $35 per vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, or $20 per person for non-motorized activities)
• Beartooth Highway (2-3 hours, free)
• Mount Rushmore National Memorial (1-3 hours, free parking, $10 per adult for audio tour)
• Crazy Horse Memorial (1-3 hours, $30 per adult)
• Badlands National Park entrance fee ($30 per vehicle or $25 per motorcycle)
• Des Moines Art Center (1-3 hours, free admission)
Total Estimated Costs: $149-$184

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to Grand Teton National Park or Devils Tower National Monument. For less time, consider skipping Cody or Des Moines and spending more time in Yellowstone or Badlands. Keep in mind the opening and closing times of each location, and pack layers for varying weather conditions.