Denver to Black Hills National Forest
Take A Road Trip

Route Distance: 366 miles

Recommended Trip Duration: 5 days

Drive Time: 6.5 hours

Flight Option: Denver International Airport (DEN) to Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)

A Rockin’ Road Trip for Geology Lovers

As a dweller of the Rockies, you know how awe-inspiring rugged natural landscapes can be. That’s why South Dakota’s Black Hills should be at the top of your geology bucket list. Whether you’re ascending a towering monolith or looking for gems underground, the rock formations of this region invoke wonder among any observer.

From Denver, a day trip is all it takes to get there. When you’re feeling ready to travel, take this easy six-hour drive to see lots of exciting places as you journey through three states. Don't forget to order your Vacation Guide before hitting the road to discover even more South Dakota adventures.

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Hike the Black Hills
Black Hills National Forest
Dinosaur Park, Rapid City
Dinosaur Park
Denver, Co → Cheyenne, WY (1 hour and 45 minutes)

Head north on I-25. Just under two hours into your drive, you’ll pass through Cheyenne, Wyoming. The state capital, it’s a great spot to explore as you stretch your legs. Worthy spots for a visit include the Wyoming State Capitol Building and Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. Hungry? Grab a bite at The Bunkhouse Bar & Grill. After Cheyenne, take the exit for U.S. 85 N. at Mill Creek Junction and head east on U.S. 18.

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Cheyenne, WY → Custer, SD (4 hours)

As you enter South Dakota, take US-18 E to SD-89 N. Then follow US-385 N to Custer for your first taste of the Black Hills National Forest.

Go where the buffalo roam: Custer State Park, where you can drive among scores of these majestic creatures and spot dramatic spires of granite jutting above the trees. Get a room at Creekside Lodge (13389 US Highway 16A) within the park so you can pack in more activities. Feel like going off-road? Opt for a Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour.

Cathedral Spires, Needles, Custer State Park
Custer State Park
Tour group inside Jewel Cave with a Ranger
Jewel Cave National Monument
Crazy Horse Memorial in Crazy Horse, South Dakota
Crazy Horse Memorial

Delve further into the landscape by heading to Crazy Horse Memorial, which is set to be the world’s largest stone carving. Then, go underground Jewel Cave National Monument to spot sparkling quartz formations millions of years in the making.

Custer, SD → Rapid City, SD (1 hour)

Drive northeast for about an hour and you’ll arrive in Rapid City, the state’s second-largest city. This city’s location and entertainment options make it the perfect basecamp for the rest of your Black Hills adventure.  

Where to Stay

If you long to sleep under the stars, get a campsite at Whispering Pines Campground (22700 Silver City Road) west of town. To be in the heart of local history and art, book at historic Hotel Alex Johnson (523 6th St.).

Hotel Alex Johnson, Rapid City
Where to Eat

Make at least one stop at Firehouse Brewing Company (610 Main St.), South Dakota’s oldest brewpub. Everyone can find something on the menu, and their craft beers taste especially good after a day spent exploring the terrain. Colonial House Restaurant and Bar (2315 Mount Rushmore Road) is another crowd-pleasing option for lunch or dinner. For a hip atmosphere with a beer list to match, opt for Murphy’s Pub & Grill (510 9th St.).

Firehouse Brewing Co.
Things to Do

As a geology buff, your best starting point might be Journey Museum & Learning Center (222 New York St.), where you’ll find exhibits on how the area itself evolved into such an intriguing land. Next, you can spend an entire day hiking and wildlife spotting among those alluring rock formations in Black Hills National Forest. See it from a unique vantage point with Black Hills Open-Top Tours

Journey Museum
Journey Museum & Learning Center
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Black Hills
Black Hills National Forest

Of course, no Black Hills adventure is complete without a stop at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, where you can glimpse the likenesses of four former U.S. presidents forever memorialized in the Black Hills – the ultimate intersection of geology and history.

On your way back into town, do a little more wildlife spotting at Bear Country USA (13820 South Hwy 16), where you can come nearly face to face with adorable bear cubs, wandering buffalo and more. And for one last look at the Black Hills’ intriguing past – and a whimsical tribute to the creatures whose fossils can be found there – head to Dinosaur Park (940 Skyline Drive).

Bear Country USA
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Cover of the 2022 South Dakota Vacation Guide
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