From the foothills of the Rocky Mountains to South Dakota’s Black Hills, the drive from Denver to Mount Rushmore takes you through a corner of the American West that rewards taking the long way. Along the journey, historic downtowns give way to wide-open prairie, natural hot springs, underground caves, granite spires, and some of the country’s most recognizable landscapes. Here’s how to plan an unforgettable Denver to Mount Rushmore road trip, including the best route, stops along the way, and where to stay once you arrive.
Planning Your Denver to Mount Rushmore Road Trip
The Distance
The drive from Denver to Mount Rushmore is about 366 miles, or about 6 hours without stops. This itinerary takes a more scenic approach, adding destinations worth pulling over for along the way.
How Much Time Do You Need
You can drive from Denver to Mount Rushmore in a single day, but where’s the fun in that? Give yourself 3 to 5 days, or longer if you want to explore the Black Hills, check off a few of South Dakota’s Great Eight, and turn the journey into an adventure of its own.
When to Go
Late spring, summer, and early fall are the best times for a Denver to Black Hills road trip, when warmer weather makes it easier to pair driving with hiking, cave tours, and scenic byways. Keep in mind that Needles Highway is seasonal and typically closes with the first snow, reopening in spring when conditions allow.
Denver to Mount Rushmore Road Trip Itinerary
Choose your adventure with as many or as few stops as you like between Denver and Mount Rushmore.
Denver, CO
Start your journey in Denver, where Rocky Mountain culture meets city energy. If you’re flying in, Denver International Airport (DEN) is an easy place to pick up a rental car before heading north. Before hitting the road, explore downtown, grab a bite, catch a concert at nearby Red Rocks, and take in the city’s mile-high views. Then head north on I-25 as the skyline fades into the foothills and your road trip officially begins.
Fort Collins, CO
About an hour north of Denver, Fort Collins is a scenic stop steeped in history at the base of the Rockies. Its well-preserved Old Town features Romanesque Revival and Victorian architecture that inspired Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A. Stroll the shops and galleries around Old Town Square, then stop for a bite or drink at one of the city’s many restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. If you’re ready to get outside in a bigger way, hike or bike around Horsetooth Reservoir, Lory State Park, or the trail to Arthur’s Rock. You can also explore the town on two wheels with free bike rentals.
Cheyenne, WY
Cross into Wyoming and stop in Cheyenne, the state capital and a city rooted in railroad, ranching, and rodeo heritage. Wander downtown, tour the Wyoming State Capitol, or explore cowboy history at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. Traveling in July? Cheyenne Frontier Days has celebrated Western culture since 1897 and is the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration. Otherwise, grab lunch downtown, stretch your legs, and settle in for the longest driving stretch of the trip as the landscape opens into Wyoming’s rolling plains.
Hot Springs, SD
A hidden gem in the Black Hills, Hot Springs is known for its warm mineral springs, waterfalls, and red sandstone buildings. Its historic downtown is small and inviting, with cafes, museums, and locally owned shops set against the picturesque hills and Fall River. Soak at Evans Plunge, one of the area’s oldest attractions, to soothe your muscles after the drive. Then step much further back in time at The Mammoth Site, an active paleontological site and natural history museum where the remains of more than 60 mammoths and other Late Ice Age animals have been unearthed.
Wind Cave National Park, SD
From Hot Springs, continue about 20 minutes north to Wind Cave National Park, where two very different landscapes meet. Beneath the prairie lies one of the world’s longest and most complex cave systems, known for delicate honeycomb-like formations called boxwork. Above ground, bison and elk roam rolling grasslands and ponderosa pine forest. Join a ranger-led cave tour to explore below the surface, or stay above ground for hiking and wildlife viewing. Cave access is by guided tour only, and reservations are recommended during busier seasons. Small but mighty, the park is easy to explore in 1–2 hours.
Needles Highway and Needle Eye Tunnel
From Wind Cave, trade the fastest route for one of the most memorable drives in the Black Hills. Needles Highway winds for 14 miles through Custer State Park, climbing between ponderosa pines and towering granite formations that rise like stone spires above the road. The drive passes Sylvan Lake and squeezes through narrow rock tunnels, including the Needles Eye Tunnel. Plan at least an hour for the drive, plus more if you stop for photos, overlooks, or hiking along the way.
Check out our Guide to Driving the Needles Highway in South Dakota’s Black Hills.
Mount Rushmore, SD
The grand finale is Mount Rushmore National Memorial, where the 60-foot faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln rise from the Black Hills granite. Take in the view from Grand View Terrace, then walk the 0.6-mile Presidential Trail for changing perspectives of the sculpture framed by ponderosa pine. If you’re visiting during summer, consider returning after dark for the Mount Rushmore Lighting Ceremony.
Between visits to Mount Rushmore, there are plenty of things to do in the Black Hills, depending on your interests and how much time you have.
Explore More of the Black Hills
Mount Rushmore may be the destination, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your Denver to Black Hills road trip. Give yourself an extra day or two to explore more of the region, from the scenic drives and roaming wildlife of Custer State Park to the underground wonders of Jewel Cave National Monument. Drive to Deadwood for beautifully preserved buildings and Old West charm, visit Bear Country USA for a safari-style look at animals that call the Black Hills home, or venture east to Badlands National Park. Together with Mount Rushmore, Wind Cave, the Missouri River, and Crazy Horse Memorial, these landmarks make up South Dakota’s Great Eight and offer plenty of reasons to stay a little longer.
Where to Stay in Mount Rushmore
After days on the road, settle into Under Canvas Mount Rushmore, tucked among ponderosa pines and juniper on an original gold-mining settlement less than four miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The camp offers views toward Mount Rushmore and easy access to Custer State Park and the surrounding Black Hills. Sleep beneath the stars in an upscale safari-inspired tent, wake up surrounded by pine-covered hills, and return from a day of exploring for seasonal dining, live music, yoga, and nightly campfires with s’mores. It’s the perfect finish to a road trip defined by wide-open spaces and some of the West’s most memorable landscapes.