West Yellowstone to Hill City: Road Trip Guide

West Yellowstone, Montana, sits at the western gateway to Yellowstone National Park, while Hill City, South Dakota, is a historic mining town in the Black Hills. The 350-mile route connects two of America's most iconic natural regions via US-20, I-90, and US-16. On a clear day, you can see the Grand Tetons from the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, but the road itself winds through the Madison River Valley and the high plains of Wyoming.

This guide covers everything from fuel stops to hidden gems, ensuring you make the most of this epic drive.

Leaving West Yellowstone, you'll parallel the Madison River, a fly-fishing mecca. Once you cross into Wyoming, the landscape opens into wide valleys with sagebrush and cattle ranches. As you approach the Black Hills, the terrain rises into granite spires and ponderosa pine forests—a dramatic shift from the plains.

The route passes near Yellowstone National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and within easy reach of Mount Rushmore, also UNESCO-listed. These sites dominate the region's character, drawing millions of visitors annually. Stop at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, WY, if you detour south.

Along the way, you'll find quirky roadside attractions like the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis and the nation's only 'vertical' hiking trail at Devil's Tower (a short detour). Local commerce thrives on tourism: cafes, gift shops, and galleries sell mountain crafts and Western memorabilia. In Hill City, visit the High Plains Western Heritage Center to learn about pioneer life.

The drive primarily follows US-20 east to Casper, WY, then I-90 east to Spearfish, SD, and finally US-16 south to Hill City. Paved roads with occasional construction in summer; no unpaved sections if you stick to the main highways. Cell service is spotty in rural Montana and Wyoming, so download offline maps ahead.

Gas stations cluster around West Yellowstone, Ashton, ID, Rexburg, ID, and Casper, WY. Expect gas prices to be higher in remote towns—plan to fill up when you see a station. Speed limits range from 65 to 80 mph on highways; drive accordingly in bad weather.

• Driving time without stops: 5.5 hours
• Best time to drive: May–September for clear roads
• I-90 toll-free; no tolls on this route

Driving this route is safe year-round with proper preparation, but winter can be treacherous—black ice is common on shaded curves. Always carry chains in snow months. Wildlife crossings are frequent: watch for deer, elk, and even bison near Yellowstone; colliding with a moose is the top accident cause.

Rest stops and visitor centers are spaced every 40-60 miles; pull over if you feel drowsy. For families, the route offers kid-friendly gems like the Bear Country USA drive-through in Rapid City and the Storybook Island theme park. Most parks allow leashed pets; others like Yellowstone's backcountry are off-limits. Service dogs are always welcome.

To manage fatigue, plan stops at towns like Basin, WY and Buffalo, SD—each has a 24-hour convenience store and coffee. For a unique break, hike a short trail at Keyhole State Park near Moorcroft, WY. If you're searching for how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, use apps like Roadtrippers to uncover local secrets.

• Rapid City offers a 30-minute stop to see the City of Presidents bronze statues.
• Devil's Tower is a 1-hour detour with a small entrance fee.
• Wall Drug is a kitsch stop with free ice water.