Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse & Custer Wildlife Loop: Full-Day Black Hills Tour
Spend a day moving from carved presidential faces to an unfinished tribal monument and then into a working wildlife landscape. This narrated full-day tour combines history, culture, and chance wildlife encounters across the Black Hills.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring layered clothing
Temperatures change quickly between valleys and high ridges—pack a windbreaker and a warm mid-layer even in summer.
Charge your camera and phone
You'll want both wide and telephoto shots; a fully charged device and spare battery will save you from missed moments.
Respect wildlife distances
Bison and burros can be unpredictable—stay in your vehicle when animals are on the road and use a zoom lens for close-ups.
Plan for lunch choices
The tour provides time for a lunch stop in Custer and bottled water, but bringing snacks is smart if you prefer to eat on the move.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Needles Highway scenic pullouts—spectacular granite spires away from the main crowds
- •Sylvan Lake picnic and shoreline—quiet water views a short drive from the main loop
Wildlife
- •Bison (American buffalo)
- •Pronghorn and white-tailed deer
Conservation Note
Custer State Park manages bison populations and roadway interactions to minimize stress on animals; visitors are encouraged to support Native artisans and follow park rules to reduce human-wildlife conflicts.
Mount Rushmore was carved under Gutzon Borglum beginning in 1927; Crazy Horse, started by Korczak Ziolkowski in 1948, remains an active, family-led memorial honoring Native American history.
Photographer's Notes
- • Presidential Trail viewing terrace beneath Mount Rushmore
- • Crazy Horse visitor center terrace for scale compositions
- • Multiple pullouts along the Wildlife Loop near the State Game Lodge
What to Bring
Sturdy walking shoesEssential
Good grip and ankle support help on the Presidential Trail and uneven pullouts.
Layered jacket (windproof)Essential
Protects against sudden wind and temperature shifts on exposed overlooks.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Hydration is critical on a long day; bottled water is provided but a refillable bottle is convenient.
Zoom lens or binoculars
Helps capture bison behavior and distant carving details without disturbing animals or sites.
Common Questions
How long is the tour and what is the schedule?
The tour lasts about 8–9 hours with roughly 1.5-hour stops at Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park's Wildlife Loop; travel times between sites are included.
Are entrance fees included?
Yes—entrance fees for the featured attractions are included in the tour price.
Is lunch provided?
Lunch is not included, but the itinerary allows time to purchase lunch in Custer or at the Crazy Horse restaurant; snacks and bottled water are provided onboard.
Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
Yes—it's listed as suitable for all fitness levels; however, some walking and short inclines are involved, so mobility considerations should be noted when booking.
Will I see wildlife on the Wildlife Loop?
Wildlife sightings are common—bison, pronghorn, deer, and prairie dogs are frequently observed, but wildlife is not guaranteed.
Are the sites accessible for visitors with limited mobility?
Each site has accessible viewpoints and facilities, but some trails (like parts of the Presidential Trail) include uneven surfaces and steps; contact the operator about specific needs.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
8–9 hours
Location
Rapid City, South Dakota
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Light to moderate fitness; participants should be able to walk short, uneven trails and stand for guided explanations.
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