Trip Information
Number of Nights: 9 nights
Seasons: May – September
Start / End: Denver, CO
Average Price: $5,500
Detailed Itinerary
Start: 1 night Denver, CO
Start your trip in Denver, Colorado. arriving at any time to dive into the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Explore downtown Denver, visit the renowned Denver Art Museum, or relax in one of the city’s beautiful parks. Enjoy a diverse range of dining options, from local favorites to international cuisine. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply soaking up the city’s unique vibe, Denver offers something for everyone.
Denver to Scottsbluff: 190 miles
1 night Scottsbluff, NE
Pick up your RV in Denver and set off on toward Scottsbluff, Nebraska—a charming town nestled in the heart of the Great Plains. As you journey north, you’ll traverse the scenic landscapes of Colorado before entering the wide-open spaces of Nebraska. Scottsbluff, with its striking bluffs and historic sites, offers a perfect midpoint to rest and explore before continuing your adventure. It’s an ideal stop on the way to the breathtaking Badlands and the rugged beauty of the Black Hills.
Scottsbluff to Badlands: 210 miles
2 nights Badlands National Park
After leaving Scottsbluff, head to Badlands National Park for a two-night adventure in its stunning landscape. The park is famed for its surreal terrain of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and deep ravines, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding prairie. This otherworldly scenery, shaped by millions of years of wind and water, offers vibrant colors at sunrise and sunset that are perfect for photography. Rich fossil beds reveal ancient life, while diverse wildlife like bison and bighorn sheep add to the park’s allure.
Badlands to Black Hills: 100 miles
2 nights Blacks Hills
Make your way through Rapid City and into the Black Hills region, a captivating area brimming with natural beauty and historic landmarks. The Black Hills are renowned for their forested peaks and dramatic rock formations, offering a picturesque backdrop to your travels. Here you’ll see Mount Rushmore National Memorial, where the colossal faces of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln are carved into the granite. The charming towns of Hill City and Keystone invite you to explore its quaint shops and local eateries. The area is also known for its scenic railroads, like the historic 1880 Train, which offers a nostalgic journey through the stunning landscapes of the Black Hills. With its blend of monumental history and small-town charm, the Black Hills region promises an enriching and memorable stop on your journey.
Black Hills to Custer: 35 miles
2 nights Custer State Park
Spend two nights in Custer State Park, a gem often called “Little Yellowstone” for its stunning landscapes and rich wildlife. This expansive park offers scenic drives like Needles Highway, which winds through dramatic rock formations, and Wildlife Loop Road, where you can spot bison, elk, and pronghorns. Enjoy hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs, such as the ascent to Black Elk Peak. The park’s pristine lakes, including Sylvan Lake and Legion Lake, are perfect for fishing, kayaking, or relaxing.
Custer to Cheyenne: 260 miles
1 night Cheyenne, WY
As your adventure draws to a close, head south to the historic town of Cheyenne for your final night. Nestled in the heart of Wyoming, Cheyenne offers a charming blend of Old West allure. Explore its rich history with a visit to the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, where you can delve into the town’s storied past and its famous rodeo heritage. Stroll through the historic downtown area, where you’ll find beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, unique shops, and inviting eateries. The Wyoming State Capitol, with its striking architecture and historic exhibits, is also worth a visit. If you time it right, you can also attend the famous Cheyenne Frontier Days. The following morning, you can head back to Denver, return your RV and fly home!
Cheyenne to Denver: 100 miles
TOTAL TRIP MILEAGE: 895 miles
End: Denver, Co
Trip Extensions
1 night Devils Tower National Monument +$570
If you’re exploring the Black Hills and Badlands, adding a visit to Devils Tower National Monument is a fantastic enhancement to your trip. Located in northeastern Wyoming, Devils Tower is a striking geological formation known for its impressive monolithic structure and unique columnar basalt formations. As America’s first national monument, it offers a different kind of beauty compared to the forested peaks and rugged terrain of the Black Hills or the expansive landscapes of the Badlands. The Tower’s distinctive shape provides incredible photo opportunities and its base trail allows for close-up views of this natural wonder.
Learn more about Devils Tower National Monument.