Wildlife Loop / Mt Rushmore route

I am planning our first trip to South Dakota.

Plan to stay in Custer the night before, do Wildlife Loop early in the morning and then take a scenic route to Mt Rushmore and back to Custer. Which route from the Park allows the most dramatic scenery and views of Mt Rushmore? Not counting stops about how much driving time?

Thank you!!

Wildlife Loop / Mt Rushmore route

The wildlife loop is 18 miles in length and will take at least an hour to two hours depending on how much you stop for photos and simply to watch the animals. From here, I%26#39;d take Iron Mountain Rd. (rt. 16A) to Rushmore as the best scenic route. It%26#39;s 17 miles long, and a slower, windy road that includes pigtail bridges and tunnels that frame Mt. Rushmore. I%26#39;d allow around 45 mins or so give or take, as you will probably want to stop around the tunnels. You can get some really good photos here.

For the return to Custer, you can take Rt. 244 to 385 past Crazy Horse and back to town. Or..if you haven%26#39;t already done so, take Rt. 87 (Needles Hwy) to the end and head back to Custer on Rt. 16. This would enable you to see the entire park and Rushmore in one VERY full day.

Wildlife Loop / Mt Rushmore route

The Iron Mt. Road is a great route. The tunnels, scenery and mountain goats were a real treat to see when we were there in June 2008.

Thanks so much! This helps in my planning.

Can you do Wildlife Loop and Mt. Rushmore both in the same day? If so, what would be the preferred order? Custer in the morning, Rushmore in afternoon or evening? Do they have any special night programs at Rushmore? What time does it get dark in July?

Imager,

Yes, both the Wildlife Loop and Rushmore can be done easily the same day. You could do the Wildlife Loop early in the morning, and then head over Iron Mountain Road to see Mt. Rushmore.

In July, the lighting ceremony will begin around 9 p.m. It is very moving and honors our veterans. The ranger speaks and then asks the veterans to come up on stage for the flag folding ceremony. Then the monument is illuminated.

I highly recommend seeing Rushmore both day and night. The two perspectives are both beautiful in their own rights. Besides, there%26#39;s no extra fee to visit twice. The parking fee is good for one year. Just make sure to keep the receipt.

Hope this helps. Feel free to ask more questions.

neutrogena