Discover the Unique Beauty of Black Sand Basin

Getting There

• Car

  If you are driving from Rapid City, take US-16 W for about 30 miles until you reach the junction with US-385 N. Merge onto US-385 N and continue for about 40 miles. Turn left onto WY-20 W, and follow this road for approximately 30 miles until you reach the entrance of Yellowstone National Park. After entering the park, continue on the Grand Loop Road for about 10 miles, then turn left onto Black Sand Basin Road. Follow the signs for Black Sand Basin, which will lead you to the parking area.

• Public Transportation

  To reach Black Sand Basin using public transportation, take a shuttle or bus service from Rapid City to Yellowstone National Park. Services like the Yellowstone Tour Company offer seasonal shuttles. Once in the park, you can use the internal shuttle services to reach Black Sand Basin. Be sure to check the schedule ahead of time as shuttle services may vary by season. Note that entrance fees for Yellowstone National Park are required and typically cost $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass.

• Bicycle

  For the adventurous, biking from nearby towns like Cody, WY is an option. You can take US-14 and then merge onto WY-20 which leads to the entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Be prepared for a long ride, as this route extends over 50 miles. Ensure you have necessary supplies and check weather conditions. Once in the park, biking to Black Sand Basin is feasible, but be cautious of wildlife and road conditions.

• Walk

  If you are already within Yellowstone National Park, you can hike to Black Sand Basin from nearby locations like Old Faithful or the Biscuit Basin trailhead. The hike from Old Faithful is approximately 1.5 miles one way, while from Biscuit Basin, it's around 0.5 miles. Make sure to wear appropriate hiking gear and carry water, as trails may be uneven and wildlife is present.