Private Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse & Custer State Park Full-Day Guided Tour from Rapid City
Spend a private day with local guides through the Black Hills’ biggest sights: Mount Rushmore’s carved faces, the ongoing Crazy Horse Memorial, and the sweeping wildlife and granite roads of Custer State Park. This full-day, private tour pairs cultural context with short hikes and frequent photo stops.
The Experience
Before You Go
Start early to avoid crowds
Depart at first light; morning soft light flatters the monuments and crowds are lighter at Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse viewing areas.
Dress in layers
Temperatures swing in the Black Hills—mornings can be cool and afternoons warm—so bring a windbreaker or fleece.
Bring refillable water
The tour includes bottled water, but a large refillable bottle keeps you hydrated during walks and roadside stops.
Respect wildlife and roads
Stay in your vehicle on narrow park roads when wildlife is present and never approach bison or prairie dog towns.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Sculptor's Studio alcove at Mount Rushmore for close-up tool marks and models.
- •Needles Highway pullouts near Sylvan Lake for dramatic granite spires and quieter photo stops.
Wildlife
- •Bison
- •Prairie dogs
Conservation Note
High visitor volumes stress fragile habitats—stick to trails and pullouts in Custer State Park; support local preservation efforts and follow park rules to minimize impact.
Mount Rushmore was carved between 1927–1941 by Gutzon Borglum and crew; Crazy Horse began in 1948 under Korczak Ziolkowski and remains an active cultural work led by his family.
Photographer's Notes
- • Grand View Terrace at Mount Rushmore
- • Crazy Horse viewing plaza and museum galleries
- • Needles Highway overlook near Sylvan Lake
What to Bring
Sturdy walking shoesEssential
Support and traction for short trails, viewing platforms, and uneven pullouts.
Layered jacket (windbreaker/fleece)Essential
Black Hills weather shifts quickly—layers let you adapt from cool mornings to warm afternoons.
Refillable water bottle (1L+)Essential
Hydration for an 8–9 hour day with multiple stops and short hikes.
Camera or smartphone with extra battery
Monuments and sweeping granite roads are prime photo subjects; extra power keeps you shooting all day.
Common Questions
Are admissions included in the tour price?
Yes; the itinerary indicates admissions are included for Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and park access within the tour package.
How long is the tour and where does pickup occur?
The tour runs about 8–9 hours with pickup and drop-off available across Rapid City, Keystone and Hill City; confirm your pickup point when booking.
Is the tour accessible for guests with limited mobility?
The tour is wheelchair accessible for folding wheelchairs and passengers must be able to enter/exit vehicles on their own; there are no wheelchair lifts in the vehicles.
Are meals provided?
Light snacks, bottled water and apple juice are provided; plan for a heartier lunch at a park lodge or bring a packed lunch if you prefer.
Can I use a drone for aerial photos?
No—drones are prohibited over national memorials like Mount Rushmore and are restricted in many park areas; check with your guide for site-specific rules.
Should I tip the guide?
Tipping is customary for private guiding services; 15–20% of the tour cost is standard if you were satisfied with the experience.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
8–9 hours
Location
Keystone, South Dakota
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Light activity: suitable for travelers comfortable with several short, mostly flat walks and occasional stairs.
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