Best Private Tours of Mount Rushmore

A calm, practical guide to picking the right private tour from Rapid City, Keystone, or the Black Hills.

Quick tour summary for trip planning

Private Mount Rushmore tours are best when they feel unhurried. The right tour gives you smart timing, the scenic roads that make the Black Hills special, and a guide who adjusts the day in real time.

Private tour, your pace and priorities
Pickup from Rapid City, Keystone, Hill City, or Custer depending on the tour
Scenic drives that turn the day into a real Black Hills experience
Admissions clarity, know what is included before you go
Crowd smart timing, avoid the busiest windows when possible

What kind of experience is a private Mount Rushmore tour?

Mount Rushmore is iconic, but the experience changes dramatically based on timing and how you approach the Black Hills roads around it. A private tour is not just a ride to the memorial. It is a paced, guided day that builds the best moments around real conditions.

If you like moving quickly and checking boxes, a group tour can work. If you want time for photos, short walks, scenic stops, wildlife chances, and a calmer flow, private is the better fit.

The 3 styles of private Mount Rushmore tours

The classic icons and scenic drives day

This is the version of a Mount Rushmore day that feels like the Black Hills, not just a stop at a famous landmark. It’s for travelers who want the iconic photo, but also want the roads, the viewpoints, and the little moments that make the day feel unhurried. The pace is steady, with time to step out, breathe, and actually take it in. We usually build this around Mount Rushmore plus one or two signature scenic roads, with stops chosen by light, traffic, and your energy.

Best for first timers who want the “Black Hills greatest hits”
Includes Mount Rushmore plus scenic drive time and viewpoint pull offs
Often pairs well with Iron Mountain Road and seasonal highlights nearby

The wildlife and Custer State Park pairing

If you’re looking for the most complete one day experience, this is the classic pairing for a reason. Mount Rushmore gives you the iconic national memorial, and Custer State Park gives you the living landscape: big views, open roads, and real chances for bison and other wildlife. The key is that wildlife doesn’t run on a schedule. Some days it’s immediate. Other days it’s slow and subtle. Timing matters, and so does patience. We plan the loop so wildlife viewing feels like part of the day, not a rushed checklist.

Best for visitors who want wildlife chances without feeling hurried
Includes Mount Rushmore plus a loop that fits real conditions that day
Wildlife timing is unpredictable, so we build margin and adjust the route

The relaxed half day style tour

Most of the time, we recommend a full day because Mount Rushmore is at its best when you pair it with the scenic roads and a little breathing room. A half day plan is something we suggest only when timing is critical, you’re genuinely short on time, or you want to avoid turning your trip into a long, exhausting push. The goal is the same: smart timing, a smooth flow, and an experience that still feels meaningful, just trimmed down to the essentials.

Best for tight schedules, critical timing windows, or travelers who can’t do a full day
Includes Mount Rushmore with flexible pacing and easy walking options
Leaves room for the rest of your trip without sacrificing the quality of the visit

What the best private tours of Mount Rushmore feel like

A great private tour doesn’t feel like a schedule you’re trying to survive. It feels steady, thoughtful, and surprisingly calm. You spend more time actually experiencing the Black Hills and less time wondering what you’re missing or where you’re supposed to be next.

Less rushing: The day has breathing room, so you’re not jumping back into the vehicle the second you arrive.
Better photo windows: We aim for the light and the moment, not just the clock, so your photos look like what you hoped they’d look like.
Stops that match your energy level: If you want quick viewpoints, we keep it easy. If you want a few longer moments, we build that in.
Real time adjustments: Weather shifts, wildlife happens, and traffic builds. A private day works because we can pivot without the whole plan falling apart.

When private is not worth it:

If you like a fast, fixed schedule, don’t care about scenic drives or stop flexibility, and your priority is simply getting a quick look at Mount Rushmore at the lowest possible cost, a group tour or self drive can be the better fit.

How to choose the best private Mount Rushmore tour

Start with where you are staying

If you are based in Rapid City, you want an efficient loop that keeps driving reasonable. If you are based closer to the hills, you can time the memorial more precisely. To plan your trip wisely, location can play a big role.

Rapid City base: best for flexible day trips and dining
Keystone base: easiest for early or late Mount Rushmore timing
Hill City or Custer base: quieter evenings and faster access to scenic roads

Choose timing over hype

The difference between a smooth Mount Rushmore day and a frustrating one usually comes down to timing, not effort. We plan around the calmer windows so you’re not battling parking, lines, and that rushed feeling that makes the memorial hard to enjoy. It’s less about squeezing more in and more about putting the right moments in the right order.

Earlier and later windows often feel better
Midday is often the most congested
Weather shifts change the best order of stops

Decide what else you want in the day

Scenic drives: Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway when open
Wildlife chances: Custer State Park Wildlife Loop when it fits
Extra icon stop: your guide can recommend based on your pace. We suggest Crazy Horse Memorial.

Make sure admissions and inclusions are clear

Timing is what makes Mount Rushmore feel peaceful instead of chaotic, and it matters more than most people realize before they arrive. We build the day around the calmer windows so you spend your time soaking it in, not fighting parking, lines, and crowds. A great day comes from smart sequencing, putting the right stops in the right order for the conditions you actually get.

Ask if park and monument admissions are included
Confirm pickup and drop off location and time range
Confirm what is flexible and what is fixed

Choose the style of guide you actually want

Some tours include admissions and some don’t, and the difference is not always obvious until you’re standing at the gate. Clear inclusions make planning simpler, keep the true cost honest, and prevent last minute surprises. Before you book, it’s worth confirming exactly what fees are covered so the day stays smooth from start to finish.

Storytelling and context
Photography pacing and viewpoints
Mobility friendly pacing and fewer steps

Private tour vs group tour at Mount Rushmore

Both can work, but they create two very different kinds of days. A group tour is about sticking to a schedule, while a private tour is about pacing, flexibility, and making space for the moments that matter. The real question is what you want the day to feel like when you look back on it.

Private: flexible stops, flexible timing, calmer pacing
Group: fixed schedule, fewer detours, faster pace
Private is best for families, photographers, and travelers who dislike rushing

If you want the day built around you, book the Private Mount Rushmore Tour from Rapid City.

The best classic pairing

If you’re planning one high value day from Rapid City, Mount Rushmore paired with Custer State Park is the classic loop. It gives you an iconic memorial, world class drives, and real chances for bison and other wildlife. If Mount Rushmore is the anchor day, this guide will help you choose the right style: best private tours of Mount Rushmore.

Use our ready to use guide: Best Day Trips from Rapid City that include Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park.

What to expect on the day

What makes the day feel special

Mount Rushmore is the anchor, but it’s rarely the whole story of a great day in the Black Hills. The scenic roads and viewpoints shape the experience, and timing the light can change how everything feels and photographs. What truly makes it special is a guide who loves this landscape and takes pride in the work, adding the right context, the small stops you’d never find on your own, and the flexibility to pivot when the day calls for it.

The flow

We start with the route that fits the day’s real conditions, including crowds, weather, road work, and the light at the key viewpoints. As the day unfolds, we adjust the order of stops to keep driving efficient, walking comfortable, and the best moments in the best windows. The goal is a calm pace with breathing room, not a checklist sprint from one stop to the next.

How much walking is involved

Most stops can be kept easy, with short, flat viewpoints and minimal walking if that’s what feels best. If you’re up for more, we can add a few longer strolls, quiet corners, or extra scenic pull offs without turning the day into a hike. We pace it around your comfort level so the day stays enjoyable instead of tiring.

Keep the momentum: three more private tours people love

If your Mount Rushmore day leaves you wanting more, these are the next tours we recommend most often. Each one is private, paced, and built around real conditions so the experience feels smooth instead of rushed. Take a look at these three and choose the one that matches your vibe, your timing, and the kind of day you want next.

Devils Tower and Spearfish Canyon
A powerful, iconic landscape with room to breathe, short walks, and one of the most memorable single stops anywhere in the region.
Badlands Sunset and Night Sky
A slower paced evening in Badlands National Park that’s all about wildlife chances, big sky views, and the best light of the day.
Badlands Sunset and Golden Hour
The classic Badlands sunset experience, timed for warm light, wide open overlooks, and a calm return without staying out late.

Official and helpful resources

These official resources are the quickest way to confirm hours, fees, closures, and road conditions before you head out. They’re worth checking the night before and again the morning of, especially in shoulder season or during construction. A two minute check can save you a lot of time and frustration on the road.

Quick answers for planning a private Mount Rushmore day

These are the practical questions that come up when you’re trying to choose the right private tour and keep the day calm. If you’re deciding between timing, scenic drives, add on stops, or what’s included, start here.

What is the best time of day to visit Mount Rushmore on a private tour?

The calmest experiences usually happen outside the busiest middle of the day. Early morning can feel quieter and cooler, and later in the day often brings better light and a slower pace. A good private tour uses timing as a tool, not a fixed schedule, so the order of stops shifts based on crowds, weather, and road conditions.

What does a private Mount Rushmore tour usually include?

A true private tour is more than transportation to the memorial. It should include a guide who builds the day around your pace, short scenic stops that make the Black Hills feel like the Black Hills, and real time adjustments when conditions change. You should also expect clear pickup and return timing, and clarity on what fees and admissions are included.

Can we add Custer State Park or scenic drives to the same day?

Yes, and that’s often the best way to turn Mount Rushmore into a full, memorable day. Scenic drives like Iron Mountain Road and Needles Highway can be the highlight as much as the memorial itself. Adding Custer State Park works well if you want wildlife chances and wide open views, but the exact route depends on timing, season, and how relaxed you want the day to feel.

Is Mount Rushmore a good fit for kids or grandparents on the same trip?

It can be, because the visit is flexible. You can keep walking minimal, focus on viewpoints, and build in frequent breaks. The key is planning a day that avoids rushing, keeps driving reasonable, and includes stops that feel rewarding without requiring long walks.

How much driving should we expect from Rapid City?

Expect a full day with meaningful time on the road, because the best parts of the experience are connected by scenic drives. The drive time also changes depending on what you add, like Custer State Park or a longer scenic loop. A good plan avoids stacking too many “extra” stops so the day doesn’t turn into nonstop windshield time.

What should we bring so the day feels comfortable?

Dress in layers and plan for sun and wind, even in summer. Comfortable walking shoes help at overlooks and short trails, and having water and snacks within reach keeps the day smooth. If you’re visiting in spring or fall, bring a warmer layer and a simple rain jacket so weather shifts don’t throw off your experience.

Are admissions included in your private tours?

That depends on the operator, and it’s one of the most important questions to ask before you book. Some tours include admissions and some don’t, and it can be easy to miss in fine print. Always confirm what’s included so you know the true cost and you don’t have surprises at the gate.

What happens if weather or road work changes the plan?

This is where private tours shine. Instead of forcing a rigid itinerary, a good guide pivots to the best available route that day, using alternate scenic drives, better timing windows, or different stops that still feel like a win. The goal is the same: keep the day calm, safe, and meaningful, even when conditions shift.

Ready to plan a Mount Rushmore day that feels calm?

If you want the simplest path, start with the Private Mount Rushmore Tour from Rapid City and we’ll handle the timing, pacing, and route so the day stays smooth. If you’re still deciding what to pair it with, use our guide to Best Day Trips from Rapid City that include Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park and choose the version that fits your energy and your time. Either way, the goal is the same: a day that feels unrushed, well paced, and genuinely memorable.

About the Author

My XO Adventures is a local team that builds private tours for people who want the Black Hills and Badlands to feel personal, calm, and real. We care about the land, the stories, and the small details that change a day from “we saw it” to “we felt it.” If you ever have a question about timing, pace, or what fits best for your trip, we’re here to help you plan it in a way that actually works.

Daniel Milks is the owner and lead guide behind My XO Adventures, and he’s known for thoughtful pacing, strong local knowledge, and a deep respect for this landscape. Our tours are built around real conditions, not perfect days, with route and timing adjustments based on crowds, weather, and your priorities. If you want a private experience that feels grounded, flexible, and genuinely well guided, you’re in the right place.

Learn more about Daniel Milks and the My XO Adventures team.