Day #1 Salt Lake City. Arrive in Salt Lake City. Pick up your rental car at the airport and start exploring, or proceed to your hotel.

Day #2 Salt Lake City–Jackson. Head north from Salt Lake City to Jackson, gateway to Grand Teton National Park. The Teton Range rises sharply from the basin floor and includes eight peaks over 12,000 feet in elevation. This wall of mountains runs for over 40 miles. Watch for wildlife—elk, moose, mule deer, and bison are common sights. Approximately 270 miles/434 km.

Day #3 Jackson–Yellowstone National Park Area. Travel into Yellowstone, the world’s first national park. The park is a geothermal wonder and includes famous “Old Faithful,” which, amazingly, erupts on a set schedule. Approximately 141 miles/226 km.

Day #4 Yellowstone National Park Area. You have an entire day to enjoy and explore this vast natural wonder. Some of the park’s highlights include the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Lake Yellowstone, and the Fountain Paint Pots.

Day #5 Yellowstone National Park Area–Cody. Today, travel east to “Buffalo Bill” country. Cody is home to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, which houses five museums. Approximately 109 miles/175 km.

Day #6 Cody–Sheridan. Today, you may want to make a small detour on your journey to visit Little Bighorn Battlefield, the national monument that commemorates the epic battle known as “Custer’s Last Stand.” Then, on to Sheridan, where you can ride a trolley or stroll down Main Street. You’ll find Western flavor aplenty in the shops, taverns, and restaurants. Approximately 150 miles/241 km.

Day #7 Sheridan–Rapid City Area. Continue east to the beautiful Black Hills. Consider a stop in the Wild West town of Deadwood or visit the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial. Overnight in historic Keystone, located at the base of Mount Rushmore. Approximately 246 miles/395 km.

Day #8 Rapid City Area. Return your rental car at the Rapid City airport prior to departure.