Lava Hot Springs to Keystone: Scenic Road Trip Guide

This route traverses the high desert plains of southern Idaho and Wyoming, climbing over the Continental Divide at South Pass (elevation 7,412 feet) before descending into the Black Hills of South Dakota. Along the way, you'll pass historic Oregon Trail landmarks and the iconic sandstone cliffs of Fossil Butte National Monument.

How long to drive Lava Hot Springs, ID to Keystone, SD? The shortest route is approximately 650 miles, taking 10-11 hours without stops. The fastest route via I-80 is 722 miles, adding an hour due to longer distance. Fuel costs average $85 for a sedan at $3.50/gal, but prices can spike in isolated stretches like central Wyoming. Gas stations are sparse between Rawlins and Lusk, so fill up in Rock Springs and Lusk.

• Interstate 80 offers wide lanes and smooth pavement.
• US-26 is a two-lane road with occasional wildlife crossings.
• Both routes are plowed in winter but pass through windy, open terrain.

The route passes through the Red Desert of Wyoming, the largest cold desert in North America, with shifting sand dunes and ancient petroglyphs at Legend Rock. A detour to Fossil Butte National Monument preserves a 50-million-year-old lake bed with pristine fish fossils. The Black Hills' granite spires and pine forests contrast sharply with the arid plains.

Local commerce thrives in small towns like Shoshoni, where ranching supplies and diners cater to travelers. In Lusk, the Stagecoach Museum recounts frontier history. In Keystone, Mount Rushmore's visitor complex, a public-private partnership, dominates tourism.

Winter storms can close I-80 between Rawlins and Laramie for hours, so check weather forecasts. Summer brings intense thunderstorms and hail. The route has frequent rest areas with picnic tables and pet exercise areas, making it family-friendly. Several campgrounds and roadside motels dot the route, offering easy fatigue management.

For off-route spots, consider a short detour to Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, home to the world's largest mineral hot spring, free to public bathers. The park also has a bison herd and hiking trails.