Keystone: Mt. Rushmore Zipline Tour & Black Hills Views

Summary

Zip over canyons and see Mt. Rushmore from the air

You’ll soar above Keystone’s Black Hills on five ziplines with views of Mt. Rushmore most people never get to see. Expect some light hiking between platforms, stories from your guide (and maybe a few laughs), plus that rush when your feet finally leave the ground.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to second-guess myself before we clipped in—our guide, Jamie, just grinned and checked my harness one more time. First platform was higher than I expected, honestly. You could smell the pine needles baking in the sun and someone’s sunscreen (coconut? reminded me of summer camp). The first zipline shot us out over a little ravine—my stomach dropped but in a good way. Jamie yelled something about looking left for the faces on Mt. Rushmore, but I was too busy trying not to scream.

The hike between lines wasn’t tough, just enough to get your heart going. We stopped under these massive Ponderosa pines and Jamie pointed out how you can tell them by their bark—it smells like vanilla if you get close enough (I tried it, she was right). By the third line, I finally remembered to look up instead of just at my feet. There it was—Mt. Rushmore peeking through the trees, way bigger than I’d thought from this angle. Someone behind me said it looked like they were watching us fly by, which made me laugh.

By the last zipline my hands weren’t even shaking anymore. The wind felt cold against my cheeks but I didn’t care—I could hear birds somewhere below and the sound of someone else whooping ahead of me. The whole thing took about two hours but it felt both longer and shorter at once, if that makes sense? Walking back at the end, I kept thinking about how weirdly peaceful it was up there between flights—just you, some strangers who feel less strange now, and those granite faces off in the distance.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zipline tour with Mt. Rushmore views

• Arrive at zipline location
• Receive safety briefing
• Begin zipline tour
• Hike between zipline platforms
• Zipline past Mt. Rushmore views
• Complete all 5 ziplines
• End tour and return

Top questions

How long does the Pinnacle Zipline Tour take?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours from start to finish.

Do you need to hike during the zipline tour?

Yes, there is light hiking required between each of the five zipline platforms.

Are there views of Mt. Rushmore during the tour?

You’ll see Mt. Rushmore from three out of five ziplines on this tour.

Is a guide included on the Keystone zipline tour?

Yes, an experienced local guide leads every group throughout the experience.

Are all fees and taxes included in the price?

Yes, all fees and sales tax are included in your total booking price.

Is this zipline tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels except those with certain health conditions.

Can pregnant travelers join this zipline experience?

No, pregnant travelers are not recommended to participate in this activity.

Is public transportation available near the starting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby for convenience.

What’s included

Your day includes all fees and taxes plus an experienced local guide leading you through five ziplines past Mt. Rushmore with some light hiking between platforms before returning to base together at the end.