Driving Time from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park

Distance: ~175 miles (282 km) from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone's West Entrance (West Yellowstone, MT).

Drive Time: 3–3.5 hours under normal conditions.

Route

1. US-16A / US-16 W from Rushmore → Hill City → Custer.
2. US-385 N / US-16 W → Custer State Park (wildlife loop optional).
3. WY-59 N → Gillette, WY.
4. I-90 W → Sheridan → Hardin, MT.
5. US-212 W (Beartooth Hwy *seasonal*) OR I-90 W → US-89 S → Livingston → US-191 S → West Yellowstone.

Tips

• Beartooth Highway (US-212) – Spectacular high-alpine drive (10,947 ft); open ~late May–Oct. Adds ~1 hr but unforgettable.
• Fuel up in Custer or Gillette; services sparse in WY/MT border zone.
• Watch for wildlife (pronghorn, deer, bison near park).
• Yellowstone entry fee: $35/vehicle (7-day); consider America the Beautiful pass ($80/yr).

Two iconic parks in one road trip—an essential American West experience.