Spend a private day exploring Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park and the Crazy Horse Memorial with a local guide who customizes every stop. Expect dramatic granite scenery, close wildlife viewing on the park loop, and flexible access to back roads and viewpoints.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning light cuts along granite ribs as your guide turns off the highway and into the Black Hills. The road narrows, pigtails and tunnels thread the pines, and the world shifts from prairie to pocketed granite peaks. For eight to nine hours, this private My XO Adventures tour hands you the steering wheel of itinerary and curiosity — you decide the pace, the stops, the stories.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8–9 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; participants should be able to get in and out of vehicles and walk short paved or rocky sections.
Wildlife
History
The Black Hills are geologically ancient and culturally significant, home to Lakota peoples and later Euro-American miners; Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse represent different public conversations about memory and monument-making.
Conservation
Custer State Park balances recreation with wildlife management — stay on roads and trails, pack out trash, and give animals space to reduce stress and habitat disruption.
Reserve your spot on the Exclusive: Rushmore, Custer State Park & Crazy Horse today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Keep distance from wildlife
When parked near the Wildlife Loop, stay in the vehicle and maintain at least 25 yards from bison and other large animals; they can charge without warning.
Layer for changing temps
Granite ridges and shaded pines create microclimates; pack a lightweight insulating layer and wind shell even in summer.
Protect your photos and skin
Bring sunscreen and a lens hood — reflected light off rock and water can be intense during midday.
Plan for photography time
Ask your guide to schedule extended stops at Sylvan Lake or the Needles if you want golden hour light; these spots reward patience.
Sturdy walking shoes
Comfortable shoes are useful for short hikes, rocky viewpoints, and uneven boardwalks.
Layered jacket
A windproof, insulating layer helps in cool spring mornings and changing mountain conditions.
spring
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat protect against strong sun reflected from granite and open grasslands.
summer
Camera with zoom lens
A 70–200mm or similar telephoto helps capture wildlife and distant carvings without disturbing subjects.