Black Hills Private Tour: Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse & Custer State Park Full-Day
Drive into the Black Hills for a privately guided day that pairs Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse with the wild country of Custer State Park. Expect up-close presidential profiles, Lakota history, and an 18-mile wildlife loop where bison and pronghorn roam.
The Experience
Before You Go
Layer up for mountain microclimates
Temperatures can swing 20°F between morning and afternoon at 5,000–6,000 ft; bring a light insulated layer and wind shell.
Carry water and snacks
This private tour includes stops but limited food service; pack a refillable bottle and energy snacks for hikes and wildlife watching.
Camera ready for sudden views
Iron Mountain Road has quick pullouts and framed views of Mount Rushmore — keep gear accessible for fast photo stops.
Give wildlife space
Bison and pronghorn are unpredictable; stay in the vehicle unless at designated pullouts and observe from a distance.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Needles Highway pullouts with unusual granite spires and the Needles Eye rock formation
- •Sunday Gulch trailhead near Sylvan Lake for a quieter, steeper route to higher viewpoints
Wildlife
- •Bison
- •Pronghorn
Conservation Note
Custer State Park manages habitat and visitor impact through regulated wildlife viewing and seasonal road rules; visitors are asked to keep distance from animals and pack out trash.
The Black Hills are ancestral lands of the Lakota; Mount Rushmore was carved by Gutzon Borglum in the 1930s–40s while Crazy Horse is a privately funded memorial honoring Lakota leader Crazy Horse.
Photographer's Notes
- • Mount Rushmore terrace for head-on shots
- • Iron Mountain Road pullouts framing Mount Rushmore through pigtail bridges
- • Sylvan Lake shoreline for reflections and granite cliffs
What to Bring
Layered outerwearEssential
Light insulated jacket and wind shell for temperature swings at higher elevations.
Sturdy walking shoesEssential
Supportive shoes for lakeshore rocks, short trails and monument terraces.
Refillable water bottleEssential
Hydration on a full-day trip with limited stops for supplies.
Telephoto lens or zoom camera
Useful for wildlife shots on the Custer State Park loop and capturing monument detail from viewing terraces.
Common Questions
How long is the tour and what time does it start?
The tour runs about 10 hours; pickup times vary by season and hotel location — expect early morning departures to maximize wildlife viewing and light for photos.
Are entrance fees included?
Admission details vary; confirm with the operator whether park entrance or Crazy Horse charges are included — your guide typically handles parking logistics.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Major viewpoints at Mount Rushmore have paved terraces and ramps, but some historic or rugged areas in Custer State Park and Crazy Horse may be rough; check accessibility needs when booking.
Will we see bison and other wildlife?
The Wildlife Loop is an 18-mile route where sightings are common, especially in morning and late afternoon, but wildlife cannot be guaranteed.
Can I hike in Sylvan Lake during the tour?
Yes — Sylvan Lake offers a roughly 1-mile shoreline loop suitable for a short hike; steeper trails are optional and may be left for another day.
Is hotel pickup provided?
Yes — the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Rapid City; provide your pickup location when booking and expect a 10–15 minute arrival window.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
10 hours
Location
Rapid City, South Dakota
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; able to walk short paved or gravel paths and climb modest steps.
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