Spring Break road trip

Rapid City to Custer for Spring Break

Distance

45 mi

Driving

1.25 hrs + traffic

Halfway

Keystone

The next Spring Break lands on Saturday, March 13, 2027. On US-16 and the Wildlife Loop Road, the heaviest traffic usually hits every Friday and Saturday from early March to mid-April. Midweek departures are far cheaper for rooms near beaches and parks.

Book 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.

• Stays in Keystone
• Stays in Custer

Along the way

• Wildlife Loop Road bison herds
• Begging burros
• Needles Highway

Full drive guide for this route