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A fully private, eight hour tour from Rapid City, combining Mount Rushmore, the scenic byways of the Black Hills and wildlife in Custer State Park. We time the route to avoid peak crowds and let the landscape breathe.
A private tour means it’s just your group, no strangers and no added passengers. We follow a curated Black Hills loop that includes Mount Rushmore, scenic byways, wildlife areas, and Crazy Horse Memorial. Along the way, your guide takes professional photos and shares them with you at no additional cost.
Route: Mount Rushmore, Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway, Custer State Park Wildlife Loop, Sylvan Lake, Cathedral Spires, and Crazy Horse Memorial
Private: Private group only, up to 8 guests
Duration: about 8 hours
Admissions: Included for the parks, monuments, and memorials visited
Pickup: Rapid City and Keystone included. Hill City, Custer, and Deadwood available for an added fee
Includes: Snacks, water, private vehicle, private guide, photos from your day taken by your guide, and admissions
Booking: Reserve your date online, or call to plan the best timing
If you want to compare tour styles, timing, and what’s included, try our Black Hills Trip Planner or check out our guide to the best ways to visit Mount Rushmore.
Two guest minimum
Two guests pay from $845.75 plus tax and fees on tour dates Dec 1, 2026 to Mar 15, 2027
Other dates cost more, so two guests pay up to $1,144 from Jun 15 to Sep 30, 2027
Each added guest is from $212.50, and a group can have up to eight guests
Fully private experience, your group only
Most first time visitors waste daylight on routing, parking, and timing. This tour takes all three off your plate.
You get the best timing, not the busiest timing. We coordinate pickup to avoid the worst crowd windows when possible.
You do not have to plan the loop. Your guide builds the route around what you want to see most.
You do not have to manage admissions details. Admissions are included for the places we visit.
You stay in the moment. Photo stops, short walks, and pacing are handled for you so the day feels easy.
Not sure which private tour is the best fit? See our guide to the best private tours in Rapid City.
My XO Adventures is rated 5.0 on Google from 657 reviews. See reviews.
You want a private Mount Rushmore tour from Rapid City with a calm, unhurried pace
You prefer real context and storytelling, not a rushed photo stop
You enjoy scenic drives like Iron Mountain Road and Needles Highway as part of the experience
You like short walks, overlooks, and photo stops spread naturally through the day
You hope for wildlife opportunities in Custer State Park (always on nature’s terms)
You appreciate flexibility so the day can adjust to weather, light, and what you’re most excited about
You’d like to see Crazy Horse Memorial on the same day as Mount Rushmore
You need a strict, minute by minute itinerary with no flexibility
You prefer a fast checklist tour that squeezes in every possible stop
You want long hikes or physically demanding trails
You must be back by a hard early time
You’d rather not be out for a full day, or you want Mount Rushmore and nothing else, so look at the Mount Rushmore Illumination Tour, which runs about 4 hours in the evening from the last week of May through the end of September
You want Badlands National Park on the same day, because that’s our Mount Rushmore and the Big Badlands Tour
You expect a guaranteed wildlife sighting, because nobody can promise one, and if wildlife is the main event, a wildlife biologist leads our Wildlife Tour of the Black Hills from April 15 to October 15
You need step free access at every stop (most stops are easy, but a few include uneven ground or short trails)
You’ve set your heart on Needles Highway in winter, because the state closes it to vehicles with the first snow and it doesn’t reopen until April 1 or later
We start with Mount Rushmore and give you time to experience it without rushing. That usually includes exploring the grounds and visiting the Sculptor’s Studio (open late May through September) and the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, and you can walk a portion of the Presidential Trail if you want. We spend that time on the story, the context, and the details most visitors miss when they move too fast.
After Mount Rushmore, the day opens into the Black Hills in a way most people never get on their own. We travel scenic routes like Iron Mountain Road and Needles Highway, then slow down in places that invite it, like Sylvan Lake and select stops in Custer State Park. These are not “in between” moments. They are part of the experience, and we take them slowly so you can see them properly.
The day stays flexible on purpose. We adjust the flow based on weather, light, road conditions, wildlife movement, and what you’re enjoying most. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but we move patiently and intentionally so you have real opportunities when the landscape offers them.
We include Crazy Horse Memorial, and we approach it with curiosity and respect.
These are the places that make the day personal, and we give each one real time rather than rushing through.
Mount Rushmore deserves more than a quick photo from the parking lot. We take time to explore the grounds and visit the Sculptor’s Studio (open late May through September) and Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, and you can walk part of the Presidential Trail if you’d like.
Along the way, we talk through how the memorial was built, the story behind its creation, and the perspectives that shape how people experience it today. With the right pacing, it feels thoughtful and memorable rather than rushed.
Iron Mountain Road is one of the most thoughtfully designed drives in the Black Hills. The famous pigtail bridges naturally slow the pace, and the narrow granite tunnels frame the landscape like windows. This stretch is part scenic drive, part engineering story, and part “how did they even build this here.” It’s also one of the best places to feel the character of the Hills shifting from open views to tight granite corridors.
The Needles Highway is one of the highlights of the day. Granite spires rise close to the road, tunnels narrow down to a single lane, and the landscape feels dramatic without trying to be. Sylvan Lake adds a completely different energy, calm water tucked into stone, and we stop at the visitor center to take it in. This part of the tour is where the Black Hills feel ancient, textured, and surprisingly intimate.
Custer State Park is where the Black Hills feel most alive. We move through open grasslands and forested valleys where bison, pronghorn, deer, prairie dogs, elk, and a wide range of birds live on their own terms. Sightings are never guaranteed, but this is one of the best places in the region to experience wildlife in a truly natural setting.
Beyond the animals, the landscape itself tells a story. Grasslands shift into ponderosa forest, granite rises from the hills, and the park’s valleys create natural corridors that support wildlife movement. We travel patiently, stay at least 100 yards from any wild animal when we’re on foot, and take time when the land offers something worth watching.
Some places are made for slowing down. Cathedral Spires rises right beside Needles Highway, a striking granite landscape that feels like the spine of the Black Hills. Coolidge Lookout Tower provides wide open views that help you understand just how much country the Hills cover. Along the way, we keep the pace unhurried and let the day breathe.
Crazy Horse Memorial is included on this tour. From the viewing areas and museum, you’ll gain perspective on the scale of the carving, its history, and the broader story it represents. We approach this stop with curiosity and respect, allowing time to explore without rushing.
We treat the roads as part of the story, so the drive counts as much as the stops.
Pigtail bridges and granite tunnels that frame Mount Rushmore in the distance. This drive is engineered to slow you down and make the approach feel iconic, not rushed.
A dramatic stretch of granite spires, narrow tunnels, and close to the rock scenery. It’s one of the most unforgettable drives in the Black Hills, and we take it slowly.
Rolling prairie and open valleys where bison, pronghorn, deer, and prairie dogs are often seen. We travel patiently and let wildlife sightings happen on nature’s terms.
The connective thread that ties the day together, blending forests, granite, and viewpoints as we move between Mount Rushmore, Needles, and Sylvan Lake.
Admissions included for all parks and monuments
Private guided tour for your group only
Mount Rushmore National Memorial with time to explore the Sculptor’s Studio (open late May through September), Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, and parts of the Presidential Trail
Time in Custer State Park, including the Wildlife Loop Road
Bottled water, soda, and light snacks throughout the day
A calm, flexible pace shaped by light, weather, road conditions, and your interests
Pickup and drop off in the Rapid City area and nearby locations when arranged in advance
Tipping is part of how your guide is paid, so if they gave you a good day, a tip is expected rather than a bonus
A picnic-style meal, which you can add for $20 per person
A fresh picnic-style meal is available for $20 per person and is highly recommended. Choosing the lunch option allows us to enjoy quality food in a beautiful setting while saving valuable time that would otherwise be spent waiting at a restaurant. This keeps the day flowing outdoors, where it belongs.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial (National Park Service) for current hours, accessibility notes, and visitor updates.
Custer State Park (South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks) for road conditions, wildlife guidance, and park information.
Crazy Horse Memorial for admission details and museum information.
Plan on about 8 hours for this full day experience, and the usual pickup time is 8:30 AM. Start times can be adjusted to help avoid peak traffic at Mount Rushmore and along popular scenic routes, especially during summer months. The pace is steady but unhurried, with time built in for walking, wildlife sightings, and spontaneous stops.
If you’d like to extend your time to see more of the Black Hills or Badlands we’re happy to arrange this. Please call for details.
Even on warm days, the Black Hills can shift quickly with elevation, wind, and changing weather. A little preparation keeps the day comfortable and relaxed, especially when we’re moving between scenic drives, overlooks, and short walks.
If you’re unsure about conditions on the day of your tour, we’re always happy to offer guidance ahead of time.
Badlands Sunset and Golden Hour Tour for guests who want the best light, wildlife, and wide open views in Badlands National Park.
Badlands Sunset and Night Sky Tour if staying out after sunset to enjoy the stars is a priority.
Devils Tower and Spearfish Canyon Adventure for a second full day that blends big scenery, a national monument, and western history.
Black Hills Vacation Package if you’d like us to plan three days that cover Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park and Devils Tower.
Black Hills Wildlife Guide for a quick look at what you might see and how to watch wildlife respectfully.
Black Hills Weather and Packing Tips to help you prepare for changing conditions in the Hills.
Planning your own itinerary first? Start with our Rapid City to Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park day trip guide or try out our Black Hills Trip Planner.
Mount Rushmore is iconic, but the way you experience it makes all the difference. This tour is designed to avoid rushed moments, heavy traffic stress, and surface-level visits. These questions help you understand how the day flows and why timing matters.
Yes, it runs all year, and winter changes the route. The state closes Needles Highway to vehicles with the first snow and doesn’t reopen it until April 1 or later, and Iron Mountain Road can close for a while in winter. At Mount Rushmore, the Sculptor’s Studio is closed from October 1 to late May. Your guide builds the day around what’s open, and our Black Hills Winter Wonderland Tour is built for that season.
Pick this one if you want the Black Hills themselves, with Custer State Park, Needles Highway and Sylvan Lake, in about 8 hours for up to 8 guests. Pick Mount Rushmore and the Big Badlands if Badlands National Park matters more to you, and that day runs about 9 hours for up to 6 guests.
A private tour takes out the guesswork, because you don’t have to work out traffic, parking or the order of your stops. We plan the day to stay out of the worst congestion and keep you on the scenic routes, and your guide gives you the story behind the monument while you’re looking at it.
Earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon typically offers lighter crowds and more balanced lighting on the faces. Midday can be busier and brighter, so timing adjustments make a noticeable difference.
Usually 60 to 90 minutes, depending on interest. That allows time for the Avenue of Flags, Presidential Trail viewpoints, exhibits, and photos without feeling rushed.
Yes. The surrounding Black Hills offer scenic highways, tunnels, lakes, and cultural landmarks that complement the monument. The full experience is about context, not just one stop.
Most walking is optional and moderate. There are paved paths and viewing areas, and we adjust pacing based on your group’s comfort level.
We structure start times and routing to minimize the impact of peak congestion. Flexibility is built into the day so you’re not stuck in predictable traffic patterns.
Yes, Crazy Horse Memorial is included on this tour at no extra charge.
Absolutely. We time the day to give you clean angles at the memorial, the Iron Mountain Road tunnels framing the monument as we drive through, and views many visitors miss.
Your guide will be one of the named, certified guides on our Meet Your Guides page, and if you want to know which one leads your date, ask us before you book and we will answer with a name.
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Our clients love experiencing the best tours with us.
★★★★★2 months agoMy husband and I just took a My XO Adventures Badlands “sunset and golden hour” photo tour from Retired Dan. It was phenomenal - and highly recommended! He picked us up a bit before 3:00 p.m. and whisked us off to Badlands National Park. Along the way he gave us some history about the development of the Rapid City area, and how it’s connected to this land. The photos started once we entered the park, with some prairie dogs and cattle. We quickly started shooting the stunning geography. Then we became the subjects as well! Dan challenged us to climb to “just to right spots” to get some spectacular shots. As the sun started setting and the “golden hour” arrived, we were treated to a real show by Mother Nature. Once the stars came out, Dan gave us some astronomy lessons - and helped us capture some great shots of the Milky Way. Along the way, Dan made sure to stop for bio breaks, ensured we had snacks, and were well hydrated (it’s super-dry here). We also stopped for dinner (everyone packs their own) after witnessing the glorious sunset. We cannot recommend this experience enough!
★★★★★a month agoMy husband and I think this is the BEST way to experience the National Parks like Rushmore and the Black Hills. A private tour with our guide, Logan, driving so that we could both take in the scenic views and learn the history/ background of the park. I did not know that Iron Mtn road was created to show us multiple views of Rushmore on our way.. and the reason homesteaders thought the hills were black ! Multiple stops, hikes, lunch, private places to enjoy the wonder! Logan was very knowledgeable, (biology, history, animal sighting) and made the day fun and enjoyable!!! Highly recommend!!
★★★★★2 weeks agoWe spent two days touring with Daniel and learning so much about the beauty and diversity of South Dakota. He has so much knowledge. We have done tours all over the world and Daniel is perhaps the most knowledgable and entertaining guide we’ve ever had. We think if you want to really experience South Dakota, give XO Adventures a call!
★★★★★2 months agoI can’t recommend this company and its wonderful guides enough. The experience from beginning to end was seamless and stress free. Having never been to this part of the country, we booked back to back days to make sure we got the chance to really see/experience all that this beautiful land had to offer and to learn more about the Lakota. The tour guides were knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and fun! If you’re lucky enough to get a Dan - there are two and we had both, you’ll have an amazing tour. The tour was not a scripted presentation - it was a thoughtful, customized and engaging experience that exceeded our expectations! Dan brought in a Native American educator named Jake who joined us for the trip and shared with us his perspective. Don’t think twice about booking with My XO Adventures, an awesome adventure awaits you!
★★★★★4 months agoAn unparalleled experience for wildlife professionals and enthusiasts alike!
My son and I, both biologists, recently joined Logan for the Wildlife Biologist’s Field Expedition in the Badlands and outer prairie lands of South Dakota. To put it simply, we had an amazing time.
This tour is truly one-of-a-kind; it is the only one in the region that provides such deep access to both the Badlands and the surrounding prairie ecosystems. What really set this experience apart was how Logan customized the entire day to match our specific interests. It was immediately evident that Logan isn’t just a guide—he has genuine, extensive field experience in tracking and working with wildlife, and his knowledge of both biology and local history is top-notch.
The logistics were perfect. We traveled comfortably in his roomy, air-conditioned van, which allowed us to navigate between optimal wildlife viewing locations with ease. He even provided extra sets of high-quality binoculars, which were a great touch. Throughout the trip, he took professional-grade photos of the wildlife and shared them with us, providing a fantastic memento of the day.
We had incredible sightings, including prairie dogs, burrowing owls, bison, a bald eagle, several pronghorns, and mule deer. If you are a wildlife enthusiast looking for a professional, expert-led expedition, I cannot recommend Logan’s tour enough.
