Black Hills
to Yellowstone
to Banff
From the Black Hills through Yellowstone's geysers and across the Canadian border near Shelby, Montana to the towering peaks of Banff National Park. Based on a real coach caravan itinerary.
This is the route Lesley mapped out for the 2024 Quebec 100th Anniversary caravan — and every mile of it was driven, every stop was scouted, and every RV park was personally vetted. She timed each leg so you arrive with daylight to spare and enough time to actually enjoy where you are, not just pass through.
Starting at Spearfish, South Dakota — right after Sturgis — the route crosses 508 miles of open prairie to Yellowstone, where you park at Fishing Bridge and spend four days exploring the park at your own pace. Then north through Montana, a quick overnight at Shelby (30 miles from the border), and across into Canada to the Banff area.
Route Map
Hover any marker for details — Rick's Picks, road restrictions, fuel stops, and campgrounds.
Must-Stop Destinations
Lamar Valley at Dawn
I've been to Lamar Valley more times than I can count and it still stops me cold every single time. We pulled in one morning at 5:30 AM and watched three wolf packs working the valley floor while a grizzly sow and cubs fed on the hillside maybe 200 yards away. Bison everywhere. You just sit there with your coffee and let it wash over you. Nothing else in North America comes close to this.
Get there before sunrise — I mean it. By 9 AM the pullouts are packed and the magic is gone. Bring good binoculars and a spotting scope if you have one. The wolves are usually along the river bend on the north side. And don't rush it — this isn't a 30-minute stop. Give it a full morning.
Mammoth Hot Springs
Every time I come back to Mammoth the terraces look completely different. The geology is literally alive — new formations building while others go dormant. The colors shift from brilliant orange to bone white depending on which vents are active. It's the most alien landscape you'll see without leaving the country. And unlike some Yellowstone spots, there's actually room to park.
Don't bother trying to drive the Upper Terrace Drive in your coach — 25-foot limit. Park at the main Mammoth lot and walk the boardwalk loop. It's flat, it's easy, and honestly it's a better experience on foot. Grab lunch at the Mammoth Hotel dining room after — decent food, good views, and you earned it.
Lake Louise
I'll be straight with you — the photos don't do it justice. When you see that water for the first time, turquoise like someone poured paint into the mountains, with Victoria Glacier towering behind it... you just stand there. Lesley and I have come back three times now and the reaction never dulls. The Fairmont Chateau at the end of the lake is worth walking to even if you don't eat there — just for the perspective looking back across the water.
Your coach goes in the overflow lot on Lake Louise Drive — it's free, no hookups, but it's a quick shuttle or a nice 10-minute walk to the shore. Main lot closes to anything over 40 feet after 8 AM in season. My advice: get there at first light when the water is glass-still and you practically have the place to yourself. By 10 AM it's a zoo.
Coach Road Notes
Every road on this route has restrictions or conditions that affect large coaches. Study these before you start.
The highest paved highway in the United States. US-212 over Beartooth Pass is an engineering marvel and a genuine driving experience — 68 switchbacks ascending over 3,000 feet. Coaches under 65 feet can handle it in good weather.
Snow is possible through July. Check WYDOT road conditions before committing. If the pass is closed, alternate via US-191 south through Jackson Hole.
The most iconic road in Glacier NP is CLOSED to vehicles over 21 feet between Avalanche Creek and the St. Mary Visitor Center. Your Prevost cannot drive it. Park at Apgar Village and take the free Going-to-the-Sun shuttle.
Shuttle runs late June through early September. Apgar Village has a large gravel lot for oversized vehicles — no hookups, but accessible.
Most Yellowstone main roads handle 45-foot coaches well. The Grand Loop Road is paved and well-maintained. Primary restriction: no vehicles over 45 feet in Old Faithful area parking.
Speed limit throughout the park is 45 mph. Wildlife crossings happen without warning. Expect delays near Old Faithful and Hayden Valley.
Access to Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court (the large-rig campground in Banff NP) is via Tunnel Mountain Road. The road handles 45-foot coaches comfortably. Book Parks Canada reservations months in advance.
Banff NP requires a Parks Canada day pass even when transiting. Available at the park gates — staff will direct large rigs appropriately.
“From Yellowstone's geysers, over Beartooth Pass, and into the Canadian Rockies — 870 miles of the West at its finest.”
Fuel Stops
Spearfish to Banff
The western mountain leg of the 2024 Quebec 100th Anniversary caravan. Three legs, four stops, and ~870 miles of coach-tested road.
Spearfish SD to Yellowstone
508 miAug 17 · Fishing Bridge RV Park, Yellowstone NP WY
Aug 17 -- 21 (4 nights at Yellowstone)
Yellowstone to Shelby MT
365 miAug 21 · Shelby RV Park, Shelby MT
Aug 21 -- 22 (1 night, 30 mi before Canadian border)
Shelby MT to Banff Area
258 miAug 22 · Spring Hill RV Park, Cochran AB
Aug 22 -- 27 (5 nights near Banff)
Timing, Miles & What to Know
Lesley plans every route — she maps the stops, times the drives, calls ahead to confirm coach accommodations, and knows exactly how to manage the miles so you arrive with daylight and energy to enjoy each destination.
508 miles — give yourself a full day
Leave Spearfish by 7 AM. This is a long haul through open prairie and you want to arrive at Fishing Bridge with enough daylight to get set up and take a sunset walk along Yellowstone Lake. Don't try to squeeze in sightseeing on arrival day — you have four nights in the park. Fuel up in Sheridan, WY.
365 miles — an easy travel day
Take your time leaving Yellowstone — the north exit through Gardiner is beautiful and you'll want a last look at the Lamar Valley. Shelby is a small Montana town 30 miles from the Canadian border. Check in at the Comfort Inn (they manage the RV park). Use this night to organize your border crossing paperwork — passports, vehicle registration, pet vaccination records if applicable.
258 miles — border crossing day
Cross early in the morning when the border is quieter. Have your documents ready and be honest about everything you're carrying. Once you're through, the drive to Cochran is gorgeous — you're in the Rockies within an hour. Spring Hill RV Park is pull-thru but tight — you may need to unhook your toad. Michelle at the park is great. Plan to stay 5 nights — you need that time for Lake Louise, Banff townsite, and the Icefields Parkway.
RV Park Directory
Every park below was used by the 2024 caravan. Addresses, phone numbers, and coach-specific notes are from the actual trip planning documents.
Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort
20189 US HWY 85, Spearfish SD 57783
(605) 722-1800
Starting point for the Sturgis rally. Full hookups, easy access off US-85. Book early during rally season.
Fishing Bridge RV Park
22 Fishing Bridge RV Park, Yellowstone NP WY 82190
(307) 344-7311
Inside Yellowstone — one of the few parks that can handle big rigs. Hard-sided vehicles only (no tents). Reserve months in advance through Yellowstone concessionaire.
Shelby RV Park
455 McKinley Ave, Shelby MT 59474
(406) 434-2233
30 miles before the Canadian border. Check in at Comfort Inn. Contact: Lonnie or Aaron.
Spring Hill RV Park
A41216 Big Hill Springs Rd, Cochran AB T4C 3A2
(403) 932-4675
Pull-thru but may need to unhook. Has overflow parking. Contact: Michelle.
“The road between Yellowstone and Banff isn’t just a drive — it’s the reason you bought the coach.”
Photo Gallery
Scenes from the Black Hills, Yellowstone, and the road to Banff.
Border Crossing Tips
This route crosses into Canada via Shelby, Montana. Large coaches may be directed to secondary inspection. Carry your passport and know the rules.
What You CAN Bring
- Personal baggage (clothes, camping equipment, personal computer, cameras)
- Dried, packaged, or canned food
- Pets plus their food in original, unopened container
- Alcohol: beer (24 cans), liquor (40 fl oz), or wine (53 fl oz)
- Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars
- Less than $10,000 in cash
- Prescription drugs in original packaging
What You CANNOT Bring
- Fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, dairy products, meats, fish products
- Live fishing bait
- Firewood
- Weapons (guns, firearms, mace, pepper spray)
- Explosives (fireworks, ammunition)
- Cannabis (even if prescribed)
- Illegal drugs
Known Hazards
Wildlife on Roadway
USE CAUTIONBoth Yellowstone and Glacier experience frequent animal-vehicle collisions, particularly at dawn and dusk. Bison, elk, deer, and bears cross without warning.
Entire route through national parks
High Altitude Weather
USE CAUTIONBeartooth Pass and Glacier can experience sudden severe weather at any elevation. Lightning, hail, and temperature drops of 30°F occur with little warning above timberline.
Beartooth Pass & Glacier high elevations
International Border Crossing
BE AWARECanadian customs at Chief Mountain or Coutts/Sweetgrass. Carry passport. Declare all food, firearms, and medications. Large coaches may be directed to secondary inspection.
US-Canada border crossing
Pro Tips
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