Two-Three Week Western Road Trip Itinerary: Badlands, Black Hills, Bozeman, Glacier, and Banff
This two-three week western road trip takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in North America, from the dramatic Badlands in South Dakota to the majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies in Banff National Park. Below is a detailed itinerary, including must-see spots, hiking opportunities, and tips for each stop. The itinerary is created for two weeks, but if you have more time, add extra days to Glacier and Banff.
Day 1-2: Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Travel Distance: ~1 hour from Rapid City, SD (starting point)
Highlights:
Badlands Loop Road: Drive through the heart of the park, with stops at viewpoints like Big Badlands Overlook and Panorama Point.
Hiking: Try the short and scenic Notch Trail (1.5 miles roundtrip), or the Castle Trail for a longer hike (10 miles roundtrip).
Wildlife: Keep an eye out for bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs.
Sunrise & Sunset: The Badlands’ eroded formations glow beautifully at sunrise and sunset.
Travel Tips:
Camping is available at Cedar Pass Campground, or stay in nearby Wall, SD for a motel.
Don’t miss the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site nearby for a Cold War history tour.
Day 3-4: Black Hills, South Dakota
Travel Distance: ~1.5 hours from Badlands
Highlights:
Mount Rushmore: A must-see American landmark, showcasing the giant faces of four U.S. presidents.
Crazy Horse Memorial: A massive mountain carving dedicated to the Lakota leader, still under construction.
Custer State Park: A gem of the Black Hills. Take the Needles Highway and see the unique rock formations, or drive the Wildlife Loop Road for close encounters with bison.
Wind Cave National Park: Explore one of the longest caves in the world with a guided tour.
Sylvan Lake: Relax by the picturesque lake or hike the Harney Peak Trail (7 miles roundtrip) to the highest point in South Dakota.
Travel Tips:
Stay in Custer, a great base for exploring the Black Hills.
RVs - Rafter J Bar is the best campground in the area.
For an in-depth guide on South Dakota - check out my blog post here
Day 5-6: Bozeman, Montana
Travel Distance: ~6 hours from Black Hills
Highlights:
Museum of the Rockies: Featuring one of the world’s largest collections of dinosaur fossils, including a famous T. rex skeleton.
Downtown Bozeman: Stroll the charming streets, filled with unique shops, art galleries, and cafes.
Hiking: Try the popular M Trail just outside of town for panoramic views of Bozeman (3 miles roundtrip).
Gallatin River: Perfect for fly-fishing or a whitewater rafting adventure.
Travel Tips:
Bozeman has a range of accommodations, from historic lodges to modern hotels.
Plan a relaxing evening after the long drive, perhaps enjoying a local craft beer at one of the breweries.
Day 7-9: Glacier National Park, Montana
Travel Distance: ~5 hours from Bozeman
Highlights: Click here for a more in-depth guide to Glacier,
Going-to-the-Sun Road: One of the most scenic drives in the world, taking you through the heart of Glacier with jaw-dropping mountain views. Make sure to stop at Logan Pass.
Hiking: Glacier offers many options. Try the Hidden Lake Trail (2.7 miles roundtrip) from Logan Pass for stunning alpine scenery, or tackle the challenging Highline Trail (11.8 miles one-way) for more experienced hikers.
Wildlife Viewing: Look out for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and even grizzly bears.
Lake McDonald: Relax by the largest lake in the park or rent a kayak to explore.
Travel Tips & Recommendations:
Book campsites or lodges well in advance, as Glacier is incredibly popular in summer.
Hotels: Kandahar Lodge at Whitefish Mountain Resort or Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge RVs: St. Mary's KOA in East Glacier has the best views!
Bring layers—mountain weather can change rapidly, and it gets chilly at higher elevations.
Day 10-12: Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Travel Distance: ~6 hours from Glacier (remember to bring your passport for crossing the U.S.-Canada border!) Check out my guide to border crossings
Highlights: For a more in depth look at Banff, check out: The Best of Banff
Lake Louise: Famous for its turquoise waters and backdrop of the Victoria Glacier. Paddle a canoe across the lake or hike to the Plain of Six Glaciers (8.4 miles roundtrip) for jaw-dropping views.
Moraine Lake: Arguably one of the most photogenic places in the Canadian Rockies. Arrive early for sunrise views or hike the Larch Valley Trail (8.6 miles roundtrip) to get away from the crowds.
Banff Town: A charming mountain town with a great selection of restaurants, boutiques, and galleries. Don’t miss a soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs to relax after hiking.
Johnston Canyon: Walk the catwalks along this narrow canyon, viewing beautiful waterfalls along the way (3 miles roundtrip).
Travel Tips:
Lodging in Banff fills up quickly in peak season, so book well in advance. Consider staying in nearby Canmore if Banff is too busy or expensive.
RVs: Trailer Mountain Tunnel Court in Banff is great and big rig friendly, but reservations fill up fast.
Canadian National Parks require entry fees—purchase a pass at the entrance or online.
Day 13-14: Return Trip and Optional Stops
Travel Distance: Return south, ~7-8 hours to Billings, MT, or continue east back to South Dakota
Optional Stops:
Waterton Lakes National Park (Canada): Right across the border from Glacier National Park, it’s known for stunning mountain scenery and wildlife.
Yellowstone National Park (Montana/Wyoming): If you have extra time, consider a detour to Yellowstone for geothermal features, wildlife, and dramatic landscapes.
General Travel Tips:
Car Rental & Insurance: Rent a comfortable, reliable vehicle, especially if you’re planning to camp. Ensure your insurance covers cross-border travel.
Border Crossing: Be aware of Canadian entry requirements, including passports and any COVID-related regulations.
Packing: Pack layers for varying temperatures, good hiking shoes, sun protection, and bear spray for hikes in bear country (Glacier and Banff).
This itinerary offers a perfect mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation, providing you with unforgettable experiences across some of North America's most iconic landscapes!
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