Mt Rushmore & Crazy Horse: Black Hills Private Tour

Your guide will probably take a wrong turn on Iron Mountain Road, and that's when you see the best view.

You get picked up from your Rapid City hotel and spend a full day seeing Mt Rushmore, driving two of the region's most scenic roads (Iron Mountain Road and Needles Highway), and exploring Custer State Park's 71,000 acres of wildlife and rock formations. Your local guide handles all the route planning and entry fees, and the private vehicle means you move at your own pace. Lunch can be arranged separately through a local bagelry.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Mount Rushmore National Memorial1h · entry included
2. 13th Arrondissement4h · entry included
3. Needles Highway45m · entry included
4. Iron Mountain Road45m

Explore Mt Rushmore and Custer Park

• Visit Mt Rushmore in morning light
• Walk Presidential trail at Mt Rushmore
• Learn Native American history
• Drive Iron Mountain Road for views
• Explore Custer State Park wildlife
• Drive Needles Highway and tunnels
• Enjoy natural scenic views

The Experience

The morning starts at your Rapid City hotel, and your local guide picks you up in an air-conditioned vehicle. Mt Rushmore comes first, and you'll have time to walk the Presidential Trail if you want. Most people do, even though the light's already shifting by mid-morning. Your guide knows the history of the monument and the family who carved it, and also the Native American history of the region, which changes how you look at the whole thing. It's not a rushed stop. You're private, so the pace is yours.

After Rushmore, you drive Iron Mountain Road, which is one of those scenic routes that feels like it was designed to surprise you. The tunnels frame the monument perfectly, and if your guide takes a detour or misses a turnoff, that's actually when you spot something the tour buses miss: a viewpoint, a rock formation, the light hitting the granite just right. From there it's into Custer State Park, 71,000 acres of wildlife and tunnels and roads that wind through granite spires. You'll see bison, prairie dogs, elk, maybe coyotes. Needles Highway is the famous one, narrow and dramatic, and you drive it slowly enough to actually notice things instead of just passing through.

The whole day is customizable, which matters if you want to spend extra time somewhere or skip something. Lunch isn't included in the base price, but your guide can arrange a picnic lunch from a local gourmet bagelry if you want it: worth asking about when you book. You're back in Rapid City by late afternoon, and the private format means you've actually absorbed the Black Hills instead of checking boxes on a bus full of strangers.

What’s included

Your day includes central Rapid City hotel pickup, private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, an expert local guide, entry to Mt Rushmore National Memorial, access to Custer State Park and its scenic roads (Iron Mountain Road and Needles Highway), snacks and drinks throughout the day, and all fees and taxes. Lunch from a local gourmet bagelry can be arranged for an additional fee.

Days and timesDaily · 08:30

Meeting point and pickupPickup optional · ends where it starts44 pickup points to choose from.Meeting point, per the operator: “If you are not being picked up at your hotel (please see complimentary pick up details) we offer a Rapid City meeting point at the Holiday Inn Downtown. Free sa…”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendly

Operated by Black Hills Tour Company

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the Black Hills' main attractions in one day without driving yourself or joining a large group: the private format and local guide mean you move at your own pace and learn the region's history instead of just passing through.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How long is the full tour?

A full day, typically 8–10 hours depending on how long you spend at each stop. You're picked up from your hotel in central Rapid City and returned by late afternoon.

Is Mt Rushmore entry included?

Yes, all fees and taxes are included in the tour price.

Can I customize the itinerary?

Yes, the tour is customizable. You can spend more time at certain stops or adjust the route based on your interests. Contact the operator when booking to discuss options.

Is lunch included?

No, but your guide can arrange a picnic lunch from a local gourmet bagelry for an additional fee.

What's included in the price?

Private transportation, an expert local guide, all park entry fees and taxes, hotel pickup in central Rapid City, an air-conditioned vehicle, and snacks and drinks.

Can I bring my dog?

No, the tour is not pet-friendly.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants and small children come?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

What's the difference between this tour and Crazy Horse?

This tour covers Mt Rushmore, Custer State Park, and scenic drives like Iron Mountain Road and Needles Highway. Crazy Horse Monument is a separate attraction. Confirm with the operator if it's included in your specific itinerary.

Do I need to be fit for this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You'll walk the Presidential Trail at Mt Rushmore if you choose, but it's optional.