Mount Rushmore & Crazy Horse: Private Tour with Family Guides

Summary

Private day trip to Mount Rushmore Crazy Horse and Custer State Park with family-run guides

You’ll ride through pine-scented hills with a local family guide, stand beneath Mount Rushmore’s faces, and share snacks while bison cross your path in Custer State Park. Walk historic trails at your pace and hear stories you won’t find on plaques—leaving you with that feeling of having really been there.

What’s the experience like?

The morning started with us realizing we’d left our extra camera battery in the hotel — classic. John, our guide (and apparently part of the GeoFunTrek family dynasty), just grinned and said, “No worries, we’ve got time.” That set the tone: easygoing, not rushed. As we drove out of Rapid City toward Mount Rushmore, he pointed out a little diner where his mom used to get pies. The air smelled like pine and dust, windows cracked just enough for that cool South Dakota breeze. I didn’t expect to feel so… at home?

At Mount Rushmore itself, John shared stories about the sculptor’s stubbornness — apparently Gutzon Borglum was as dramatic as his mountain. We walked the Presidential Trail (a bit steep in places but worth it) while John waited patiently for us to catch our breath. There was this moment inside the Sculptor’s Studio where you could smell old wood shavings and hear kids giggling outside — made the whole place feel less like a monument and more like someone’s ongoing project. I tried to pronounce “Lakota” right when we talked about Crazy Horse; Li laughed when I butchered it. Still think about that view from the memorial though.

Custer State Park was next, and honestly, I thought it’d be just another drive — but nope. The Needles Highway is all sharp turns and sudden bursts of granite spires; at one point we had to back up for a herd of bison crossing slowly (they don’t care about your schedule). Chris handed out apple juice and snacks while we watched them — felt almost surreal, munching crackers with bison ten feet away. The Wildlife Loop Road lived up to its name too; pronghorns darted past so fast I barely caught them on my phone.

By late afternoon, everyone was tired but happy — even my dad who usually complains about “too much walking.” Cindy checked if anyone needed more water or snacks before heading back. There wasn’t any big speech or cheesy group photo moment, which I appreciated. Just quiet contentment as the sun started dipping behind those crazy rocks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park Tour

• Guided tour of Mount Rushmore Shrine
• Visit Sculptor's Studio and Visitor Center
• Personalized tour of warrior memorial
• Drive through Custer State Park
• Stop at Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road
• Explore Wildlife Loop Road and visitor facilities

Top questions

Is this Mount Rushmore tour private?

Yes, all tours are fully private for your group only—no extra guests added.

Are snacks or drinks included during the day trip?

Yes, light snacks plus bottled water and apple juice are provided throughout the tour.

Who are the guides on this tour?

The tours are led by members of the Esposti family: Cindy, Christopher, or John—no seasonal or part-time guides.

Does this tour include pickup?

No explicit mention of hotel pickup is given in the reference content.

Is Custer State Park included in this private tour?

Yes, you’ll drive through Custer State Park including Needles Highway and Wildlife Loop Road.

Can children join this tour? Are there age restrictions?

Children can join; those 3 years and younger ride free with their own seat (car seats must be supplied by family).

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The vehicles can accommodate a folding wheelchair but do not have lifts; guests must enter/exit on their own with assistance available.

How long does this day trip last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but covers multiple major sites in one full day from Rapid City.

What’s included

Your private day includes light snacks like crackers plus bottled water and apple juice along the way; you’ll travel in an SUV (or van for larger groups) with one of three experienced local family guides who handle all logistics so you can focus on exploring Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park at your own pace.