A flexible, GPS-driven audio bundle that guides your road trip from Mount Rushmore through Custer State Park to the painted canyons of the Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Download once, drive at your own pace, and let the narration time the stops.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Drive under a clear prairie sky and the Black Hills open like a map drawn in stone. Wind whistles through pines as the presidents’ carved faces emerge between stands of ponderosa; farther east, Badlands buttes rise in layered bands of yellow and rust, every ridge telling a different epoch.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days (typical self-guided pace)
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average fitness—short walks and moderate hikes included; some longer hikes are optional for fitter travelers.
Wildlife
History
The route stitches together presidential memory, Lakota cultural sites, frontier homesteads, and New Deal‑era road projects that shaped Black Hills visitor access.
Conservation
These parks balance high visitation with habitat protection — stay on designated roads/trails, pack out trash, and respect seasonal closures to protect prairie and bison habitat.
Reserve your spot on the Mount Rushmore Theodore Roosevelt and Badlands Self-Guided Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Download before you go
Redeem in the Shaka Guide app and download tours on Wi‑Fi — the narration and offline maps require pre-download for reliable GPS playback.
Watch for wildlife from the car
Bison and pronghorn are common in Custer and the Badlands; stay in your vehicle and observe with binoculars to avoid stressing animals.
Sturdy shoes for short hikes
Many overlooks are reached by short but uneven trails; bring shoes with good traction for ladder sections like the Notch Trail.
Plan for changing weather
High winds and sudden storms can sweep the Black Hills — pack sun protection and a windproof layer even on warm days.
Smartphone with Shaka Guide app
Required to redeem, play GPS-triggered narration, and access offline maps.
Portable power bank
Keeps your phone and GPS running during long driving days and cold-weather battery drain.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Useful for uneven trails, short scrambles, and ladder sections in the Badlands.
Hydration (1–2 L) and sun protection
The plains and badlands expose you to sun and dry air — bring water, hat, and sunscreen.
summer