Iron Mountain Road
Iron Mountain Road
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Top ways to experience Iron Mountain Road
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
21 within 5 kms
Attractions
32 within 10 kms
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- Out This DoorMesa, Arizona236 contributionsWonderful Scenic Drive!wildlife and gorgeous views. Went in May when crowds were less. Road is narrow, bridges are low, and tunnels are skinny. We traveled the road with our tow vehicle while the RV was parked in the campgroundVisited May 2022Written February 6, 2023
- ANR_78Marion, Illinois697 contributionsGreat CruiseWe really enjoyed the drive and the scenery here. In fact, I feel like this is the best way to see Mount Rushmore. In fact, I feel like you can stop and get your pictures right along the road and then move on. That might sound like heresy but that's just how I feel...Take your time and enjoy the views!Visited June 2022Written March 28, 2023
- KarenM1_101,084 contributionsView of Mt. RushmoreThis was the last drive we did in Custer State Park. There are a lot of twists and turns, and the scenery is nice but nothing like the Wilderness Loop and Needles Highway. However, as we started to get further down the road, there were a series of tunnels you drive through. Keep your eyes peeled for the Doane Robinson Tunnel. There is a small turnoff here and many people drove through it without noticing the great view of Mt. Rushmore that you can see from the entrance of the tunnel. There is also a small turnoff on the other side as well. I would recommend this drive as well.Visited May 2023Written June 15, 2023
- the_ken_marshallRockford, Illinois16 contributionsScenic drive with steep slopes and blind switch backs.Glad we took this road from Custer State park to Mt. Rushmore. Even more glad it had stopped raining and there was no opposing traffic on the blind switch backs. If you fear heights be aware there are definitely some uncomfortable areas. I would not recommend it at night or in bad weather.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten July 5, 2023
- Nick MSheridan, Wyoming120 contributionsOne of the Best Drives in South DakotaOne of the Best Drives in the Black Hills! There is a lot of twists and turns, tunnels and bridges, and some downright gorgeous views of Mt Rushmore from a distance. There are numerous pull offs for photo ops and short hikes. Plan at least 2 hours of driving the whole thing and please don’t be in a hurry as there are is a lot of traffic on this road.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten September 10, 2023
- Chandra STexas138 contributionsPig-tail Curves and Switchbacks!!Our family of seven (4 generations) from Texas drove the Iron Mountain Road while in South Dakota for Fall Break. What an Awesome road!! We loved the fall colors popping and the pig-tail curves, the switchbacks and the tunnels!! The views of Mount Rushmore coming out of the tunnels were Amazing!! I can say the only thing better is to ride this road on a Harley which my husband and I did in 2018!! If you are visiting the Black Hills of South Dakota, definitely take the time to drive the Iron Mountain Road!!Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten October 2, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
1,728 reviews
Excellent
1,444
Very good
247
Average
31
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2
GoAlong2
Seattle, WA909 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
This scenic drive winds its way along the ridge across the valley from Mt Rushmore. It provides distant views of the monument as well as views of the black hills area. The loop bridges are interesting as well as the one-way tunnels that line up with views of Mt Rushmore. There are picnic areas and viewpoints along the way as well.
Written November 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chandra S
Texas138 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
Our family of seven (4 generations) from Texas drove the Iron Mountain Road while in South Dakota for Fall Break. What an Awesome road!! We loved the fall colors popping and the pig-tail curves, the switchbacks and the tunnels!! The views of Mount Rushmore coming out of the tunnels were Amazing!! I can say the only thing better is to ride this road on a Harley which my husband and I did in 2018!! If you are visiting the Black Hills of South Dakota, definitely take the time to drive the Iron Mountain Road!!
Written October 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joebob747
Neenah, WI358 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
Fun trip. Drive this road north to south and you will be rewarded with one of the tunnels framing Mt Rushmore. Drive it south to north and???? no idea. Very winding, steep road in spots. Great views
Written September 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick M
Sheridan, WY120 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
One of the Best Drives in the Black Hills! There is a lot of twists and turns, tunnels and bridges, and some downright gorgeous views of Mt Rushmore from a distance. There are numerous pull offs for photo ops and short hikes. Plan at least 2 hours of driving the whole thing and please don’t be in a hurry as there are is a lot of traffic on this road.
Written September 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sherry C
Wadsworth483 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
Another great drive to take. Lots of information along the way at the tunnels. And it was pretty cool seeing Mount Rushmore perfectly framed while going thru one of the tunnels. Great photo op! We did this one from both directions so we could catch all the scenery. Don't miss this drive!
Written September 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sara S
30 contributions
Jul. 2023
Great drive. Really enjoyed the views. There are several overlooks to stop at. Would recommend if in the area.
Written August 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
the_ken_marshall
Rockford, IL16 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Family
Glad we took this road from Custer State park to Mt. Rushmore. Even more glad it had stopped raining and there was no opposing traffic on the blind switch backs. If you fear heights be aware there are definitely some uncomfortable areas. I would not recommend it at night or in bad weather.
Written July 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MomofAPN
Matawan, NJ103 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Family
This is a must drive road when in the area! The kids loved driving through the tunnels and the windy roads. We found a nice picnic spot along the way. Breathtaking scrub!
Written July 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RICART75
Peru, IN2,045 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Traveling from Custer State Park to Mount Rushmore, we drove the Iron Mountain Road; it was a fascinating journey.
We certainly appreciated the lower traffic flow of early May; as navigating the steep curves and dramatic mountain cutbacks was much more comfortable without a heavy vehicle onslaught.
Seeing Mount Rushmore framed through the one-lane stone tunnels was an amazing (and iconic) experience.
This was yet another pleasurable aspect of exploring Custer State Park and its surroundings.
We certainly appreciated the lower traffic flow of early May; as navigating the steep curves and dramatic mountain cutbacks was much more comfortable without a heavy vehicle onslaught.
Seeing Mount Rushmore framed through the one-lane stone tunnels was an amazing (and iconic) experience.
This was yet another pleasurable aspect of exploring Custer State Park and its surroundings.
Written June 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KarenM1_10
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan1,084 contributions
May 2023
This was the last drive we did in Custer State Park. There are a lot of twists and turns, and the scenery is nice but nothing like the Wilderness Loop and Needles Highway. However, as we started to get further down the road, there were a series of tunnels you drive through. Keep your eyes peeled for the Doane Robinson Tunnel. There is a small turnoff here and many people drove through it without noticing the great view of Mt. Rushmore that you can see from the entrance of the tunnel. There is also a small turnoff on the other side as well. I would recommend this drive as well.
Written June 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca M
Colorado Springs, CO
Driving east from Custer, can I get to this scenic drive without going into Custer state park? And if not, is there a daily fee to drive through? Thank you.
Randy M
Bradenton, Florida, United States2 contributions
No fee if you drive straight through Custer on 16A without stopping.
Headed back to Texas pan handle from rapid city. What scenic route should take.
Tom F
Richmond, IN261 contributions
If you have plenty of time to make the trip I would head west to Colorado Springs and check out Garden of the Gods. Best free city park in the U.S.
Shakyhorse
Woodville, TX7 contributions
Where exactly is Iron Moutain Road and the total length is this road ?
Edward S
Syracuse, NY25 contributions
It runs between Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore about 15 miles long. Pick up an area map at any business. It is well marked
Johnnynicole19
Clinton, IA
Are there any places to hold a short wedding ceremony along this road?!
X4585VRrandys
Lusk, WY62 contributions
There are a couple of pull off parking areas and day use areas, there are lots of great places if you wanted to hike a very very short distance. Other than that it is not very far to Sylvan Lake which has building, restaurant and picnic and camping areas.
mhehn05
Salem, WI5 contributions
We are planning on driving out there in a couple weeks. We have a F350 dually and want to make sure it will make the tunnels on Iron Mountain road and Needles Tunnel. Thanks
Kerry M
Wellsburg, IA87 contributions
There was a bus driving the road, a dually shoudl have no trouble.
dlm-cats
Mesa, AZ33 contributions
We plan to drive the Iron Mountain scenic road in June. What direction will offer views of Mt Rushmore as we drive? Do we start in the south and drive the road northward, or the opposite, or does it really matter?
Darryl
Billygoat34
Hill City, SD61 contributions
I recommend driving the road from south to north. You will have a couple opportunities to see Mt. Rushmore through the tunnels. One of the final tunnels provides a great photo so have your camera ready. There is an overlook on this drive that is worth the time to stop and view Mt. Rushmore as well. Enjoy!
Mandi1Mom
Beaufort, SC293 contributions
Hello,
We arrive Thursday, hopefully after the snow. Would you know by chance whether they close this road for the season. The weather is suppose to be in the 50s by the weekend. Thank you!
Karla H
Custer, SD13 contributions
SD Dot posted on Facebook 18 hours ago that Iron Mountain Road and Needles Highway were both closed due to ice and snow. I don't know if that will change but would be good to check when you get here. The Custer Chamber of Commerce may have that info and they are a great source for area info.
Jess2919
3 contributions
Does anyone know the name of the company taking pictures of you driving on the iron mountain road by the pigstail? I was concentrating on driving too much to pay attention.
Karla H
Custer, SD13 contributions
You could try roadpics? Can't remember if that is the one that was there during rally or not but they will have their sites posted so you could check.
coffeeDrinker7
Brisbane76 contributions
I see that the Iron Mountain Road is closed in the winter. Is that Dec - Feb? Has anyone driven this in late October or November? Thanks.
Mike B
Emporia, KS116 contributions
I remember reading something about this and as I recall it is just December through March it is closed. I’m sure information is available on website for Black Hills
coffeeDrinker7
Brisbane76 contributions
Hello, my husband and I are in our 60s and plan to drive the Iron Mountain Road but are nervous about driving it. We hear that it will be more crowded during the Sturgis Bike Rally (Aug 3 - 13). Is this true? Do the bikers drive this every year as part of the rally or have most of the bikers already done this drive and avoid it? Would we be better to go before (July 30)? Or after (Aug 20?) Thanks!!!!!
Lisa A
Denver, United States8 contributions
Avoid the whole Black Hills area during Bike Week as there are thousands of bikers all over the area. The traffic is terrible and every type of venue is crowded. I have attended Bike Week several times and I would not visit the area during that time unless you enjoy bikes and bikers.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Iron Mountain Road
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Iron Mountain Road:
- Mount Rushmore and Black Hills Bus Tour with Live Commentary (From C$122.08)
- Mount Rushmore and Black Hills Tour with Two Meals and a Music Variety Show (From C$225.27)
- Premiere Private Black Hills Tour: Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse & Custer State Park (From C$507.31)
- JEEP Bison Safari - Public - Half Day Tour to Custer State Park (From C$478.52)
- Mt Rushmore, Custer, Crazy Horse & Sylvan Lake (From C$382.54)
- Hotels near Iron Mountain Road:
- (2.10 km) Under Canvas Mount Rushmore
- (4.14 km) Battle Creek Lodge
- (4.33 km) K Bar S Lodge
- (4.90 km) BackRoads Inn & Cabins
- (5.07 km) American Pines Cabins
- Restaurants near Iron Mountain Road:
- (3.99 km) Cruizzers
- (3.43 km) Grapes & Grinds
- (3.94 km) Janes Boardwalk Pizza
- (5.55 km) Powder House Lodge Restaurant
- (2.67 km) Carvers Cafe