Cody to Hill City Road Trip: Ultimate Guide via Wyoming & South Dakota

This 300-mile route from Cody, Wyoming, to Hill City, South Dakota, follows US-14, US-16, and I-90 through the Bighorn Mountains and the Black Hills. It passes the geographic center of the United States near Belle Fourche and crosses the historic Bozeman Trail.

Drivers should allocate 5–6 hours without stops, but the journey warrants a full day or more. how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities is key to unlocking this region's character.

The route combines high plains, pine forests, and granite peaks. It is considered one of the most scenic drives in the northern Great Plains. Many travelers ask: how long to drive Cody, WY to Hill City, SD? The answer depends on chosen detours such as Devils Tower National Monument or Spearfish Canyon.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

The Bighorn Mountains offer alpine scenery with Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark (side trip). The Black Hills feature granite spires like Mount Rushmore (35 minutes from Hill City) and Custer State Park.

• Bighorn National Forest: Scenic overlooks at Powder River Pass (9,677 ft).
• Devils Tower National Monument: 17 miles north of Sundance; a lone volcanic plug.
• Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway: Waterfalls and limestone cliffs near Hill City.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The route includes one site: Yellowstone National Park (a 2-hour detour from Cody) and the shared site of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park (far north). While Devils Tower was the first US National Monument, it is not a UNESCO site. Monuments like Mount Rushmore are National Memorials.

Local Commerce & Culture

Small towns like Greybull and Sundance offer Western memorabilia and diners. Hill City is an arts hub with galleries and the 1880 Train.

• Greybull: Greybull Museum (dinosaur and railroad artifacts).
• Sundance: Sundance Kid's namesake; Crook County Museum.
• Hill City: Alpine Inn for pizza, Black Hills Institute for fossils.

Culinary Infrastructure

Dining options are limited in remote sections. In Buffalo, The Bozeman Trail Steakhouse offers bison meat. Spearfish has breweries like Crow Peak.

• Breakfast: Coffee shops in Cody (The Coffee Cabin) and Hill City (Harriet & Oak).
• Lunch: Delis in Greybull and Sundance; pack snacks for mountain stretches.
• Dinner: Basque-style chorizo at The Mint in Sundance.

Family and Child Suitability

Best stops include Devils Tower (junior ranger program), Bear Country USA near Rapid City, and Storybook Island in Spearfish. The route offers numerous pullouts for leg stretching.

• Restrooms: Clean at visitor centers (Devils Tower, Buffalo).
• Activities: Easy hikes like the 1.3-mile Tower Trail at Devils Tower.
• Planning tip: Break the drive into two days if children under 7.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most national forests allow dogs on leash. Devils Tower prohibits pets on the Tower Trail but allows them elsewhere. Motels in Buffalo and Sundance are pet-friendly (e.g., Super 8, Best Western).

• Pet relief areas: Rest stops on I-90 (e.g., Moorcroft rest area).
• Veterinary: Emergency clinics in Rapid City (30 miles east of Hill City).

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

I-90 has rest areas every 30-40 miles with vending machines and picnic tables. On US-14 Alt, plan stops at scenic overlooks near Shell Falls.

• Suggested rest stops: Burgess Junction (Bighorns), Beulah (rest area near Sundance).
• Sleeping options: Buffalo (Historic Occidental Hotel), Hill City (Creekside Cabins).

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Lesser-known attractions include the Vore Buffalo Jump near Sundance (an archaeological site) and the Cook Lake Recreation Area in Wyoming.

• Ten Sleep Creek (US-16): A swimming hole and fishing spot.
• Aladdin, Wyoming: A ghost town with a single grain elevator.
• Pactola Reservoir: Largest lake in Black Hills, near Hill City.

Many travelers wonder is it worth driving Cody, WY to Hill City, SD? Absolutely, for the variety of landscapes and historic sites. For things to do between Cody, WY and Hill City, SD, prioritize Devils Tower, Bighorn scenic drive, and Spearfish Canyon. Adjust schedule based on interests.

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas stations are plentiful along I-90 but sparse on US-14 Alt through the Bighorns. Fill up in Cody, Greybull, or Buffalo. Expect fuel prices to be 15-20% higher in remote areas.

• Average fuel cost: ~$65 for a sedan (round trip effect considered per segment).
• Best fuel stops: Buffalo (multiple stations), Sundance (last before Black Hills).
• Diesel widely available; EV charging limited to Cody, Buffalo, Spearfish.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics

Summer highs reach 85°F in plains but drop to 60°F in mountains. Sudden thunderstorms common July–August. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures. Winter driving requires caution; closures possible on US-14 Alt (Bighorn National Forest).

• Best season: May–October for clear roads and full services.
• Fall colors peak late September in Black Hills.
• Wildfire season (August) may reduce visibility; check air quality.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

I-90 is well-maintained, 4-lane divided highway. US-14 Alt is a two-lane road with curves and elevation gains (8,000 ft) — suitable for passenger cars but not large RVs. Shoulder widths vary.

• Road surfaces: Mostly asphalt in good condition; some gravel on side routes.
• Wildlife: Deer and pronghorn frequent dawn/dusk near Buffalo and Sundance.
• Construction: Summer roadwork common; check WYDOT and SDDOT alerts.