Christmas and New Year road trip
Rapid City to Custer for Christmas and New Year
- Distance
- 45 mi
- Driving
- 1.25 hrs + traffic
- Halfway
- Keystone
The next Christmas and New Year lands on Friday, December 25, 2026. On US-16 and the Wildlife Loop Road, the heaviest traffic usually hits the weekend before Christmas and January 2. Check mountain pass and winter weather the night before every leg.
Plan this drive in XCRSNBook the halfway night early
Keystone sits about 25 miles from Rapid City and 20 miles from Custer. Holiday weekends sell out the rooms near the highway first.
Total trip cost
Gas uses today's regional averages along this route. Add the nightly rate you find to see the full total.
- Gas, about 45 miles
- Checking prices
- Lodging, 1 night
- Add a rate
- Estimated total
- -
Along the way
- Wildlife Loop Road bison herds
- Begging burros
- Needles Highway
Full drive guide for this route
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