A private Mount Rushmore tour solves the two biggest problems with group bus tours: the pace, and the people you don't know on the bus with you.
Private tours give you a vehicle, a guide, and an itinerary that's yours — you set the pickup time, you decide how long to linger at the Grand View Terrace, and you can swap in or out of stops like Crazy Horse, Custer State Park's Wildlife Loop, Iron Mountain Road, and the lighting ceremony based on what you actually want to see. They run $185 to $700+ per group (not per person, in most cases) for 4–9 hours.
The tradeoff is price. A shared bus tour from Rapid City to Mount Rushmore can be $80–$165 per person; a private tour is usually $325–$700+ total for the whole group. The math works out in favor of private tours once you're a party of 3–4 or more, plus you get to set the pace and skip the souvenir-stop detours that come with bus operators.
We pulled live inventory from Viator's Mount Rushmore destination and sorted by review count + rating. Below is the comparison, our editorial picks, and what to know before you book.
What You Need to Know Before Booking
- Memorial Entry Fee
- $0 — no entrance fee
- Parking Fee
- $10 (Xanterra, valid 1 year)
- Lighting Ceremony
- May 23 – Sep 30 (9 PM start)
- Sculptor's Studio Open
- May 23 – Sep 30 only
- Memorial Hours (Summer)
- 5 AM – 11 PM
- Sculpture Illumination
- Nightly year-round at sunset
- Distance from Rapid City
- ~30 miles (45 min drive)
- Distance from Keystone
- ~3 miles (10 min drive)
Which Tour Is Right for You?
Groups of 4–8 travelers
Private wins on price-per-person. A $445 private tour split across 5 people is $89 each — cheaper than most group bus tours, and you keep the flexibility.
First-time visitors with one day
Take the 8–9 hour private combo with Crazy Horse and Custer State Park. You'll see the three signature stops without making any logistical decisions yourself.
Returning visitors or photographers
The half-day private lighting tour (4–5 hours) with a former park ranger gives you the evening ceremony plus pre-sunset Grand View Terrace time — perfect for second-time photo runs.
Travelers with mobility limitations
Private tours can be customized to skip the Presidential Trail's 422 steps. Ask in advance for vehicles with accessible boarding and request extended time at the accessible Grand View Terrace.
Our Top Picks
PREMIER PRIVATE Tour: Mt Rushmore, CrazyHorse & Custer State Park
200 reviews at 4.98 stars — by far the most-reviewed private tour. Covers Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park's Wildlife Loop in 9 hours. Pickup from Rapid City hotels included. At $445 per group it's $89/person for a party of 5, which beats most shared bus tours that charge per person.
Check Availability on ViatorPrivate Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park Monument Tour
Same big three (Rushmore + Crazy Horse + Custer State Park Monument) at $325 — that's $120 cheaper than our top pick. Slightly shorter at 8 hours but 127 reviews at 4.98 stars say the experience holds up. Best math if you're 4–6 travelers.
Check Availability on ViatorPrivate Mount Rushmore Lighting Tour w/ Former Park Ranger
A 4.5-hour private evening tour led by a former park ranger, focused on the sunset and the 9 PM lighting ceremony. At $185 per group it's the cheapest private option on Viator and the only one specifically built around the ceremony. Note: lighting program only runs May 23–Sep 30.
Check Availability on ViatorCompare All Available Tours
| Tour | Price from | Duration | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PREMIER PRIVATE Tour: Mt Rushmore, CrazyHorse & Custer State ParkFree cancellation | $445 | 9h | 5.0(200) | Book on Viator |
| Private Tour of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State ParkFree cancellation | $425 | 9h | 5.0(197) | Book on Viator |
| Private Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park Monument Tour | $325 | 8h | 5.0(127) | Book on Viator |
| Private Half Day Mt Rushmore & Black Hills TourFree cancellation | $325 | 4h | 5.0(37) | Book on Viator |
| Private Mount Rushmore and Flume Trail Hike | $325 | 8h | 5.0(16) | Book on Viator |
| Private Mount Rushmore Lighting Tour w/ Former Park RangerFree cancellation | $185 | 4h 30m | — | Book on Viator |
| Private Tour Mt Rushmore Crazy Horse and Custer State Park | $1781 | 10h | — | Book on Viator |
Prices and availability provided by Viator. We earn a commission on bookings — at no extra cost to you.
Local Tips Most Booking Sites Won't Tell You
- Lighting ceremony seating fills up fast on summer Saturdays. Even with a private tour, ask your guide to arrive by 8 PM (program starts at 9 PM May 23–Aug 9, 8 PM Aug 10–Sep 30) to get amphitheater seats with a clear view.
- The 'free entrance days' (Feb 16, May 25, June 14, July 3–5, Aug 25, Sep 17, Oct 27, Nov 11) do NOT waive the parking fee — Xanterra concessions are separate from NPS fees.
- Sculptor's Studio is only open May 23 to Sep 30. If your private tour runs outside that window, ask the guide to spend the extra time on Iron Mountain Road's pigtail bridges instead.
- Most private Viator tours pick up from Rapid City. If you're staying in Keystone (3 miles away), confirm with the operator before booking — pickup may add cost or not be available.
- Iron Mountain Road and Needles Highway are NOT suitable for RVs or oversize vehicles. Check vehicle size if your party has 7+ people.
When & How to Book
For summer (June–August), book 1–2 weeks in advance — the best-reviewed private tours sell out, especially around the Fourth of July and the first week of August (Sturgis Rally). Shoulder season (May, September) usually accepts bookings 3–5 days out. Winter (November–April) often has same-week availability. All Viator listings show real-time availability — if a date is bookable, the operator has confirmed capacity.
PREMIER PRIVATE Tour: Mt Rushmore, CrazyHorse & Custer State Park
The best of the Black Hills in one day! Our most popular tour, and a wonderful way to make the most of your time in the beautiful Black Hills. Our experienced, local guides will take you to the highlights of the area. Private tour means you have more time to enjoy the things you want to see, a truly unique and personal experience. This tour is customizable. Questions? Contact us for more information.
Private Tour of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park
Mount Rushmore is more than just the carvings. They have secrets that are not easily revealed. GeoFunTrek's guides are local experts with decades of experience. We have no seasonal guides, part-time guides or trainees. This is a family-owned business and all tours are conducted by family members: Cindy, Christopher and John Esposti. We have the knowledge and skills to make your day one to remember. You will always get the A-team when you tour with GeoFunTrek Tours! All tours are PRIVATE TOURS, exclusive to the group booking the tour, and no additional guests will be included. Children must be accompanied by one adult. Children 3 years and younger are free and will have their own seat. Children's car seats must be supplied by family members when required. Our vehicles are SUV's, and a larger vehicle (van) may be rented for larger groups. This is a great tour for 3-generation families with Children, multiple couples and groups of friends.
Private Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park Monument Tour
Discover the most iconic landmarks of South Dakota on this full-day guided tour through the stunning Black Hills. Explore the legacy of Mount Rushmore, the cultural significance of Crazy Horse Memorial, & the untamed beauty of Custer State Park—all in one unforgettable day. Start your day at Mount Rushmore, where the faces of four presidents are carved into granite. Walk the Avenue of Flags, enjoy the views, & learn the story behind this American monument. Next, visit Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest mountain carving in progress. This monument honors Lakota leader Crazy Horse & celebrates Native American heritage. Tour the museum & see Lakota dancers. Your journey continues into Custer State Park, filled with dramatic granite peaks, pine-covered hills, and open prairie. Drive Wildlife Loop Rd, where you may encounter bison, pronghorn antelope, wild burros, & more.
Private Half Day Mt Rushmore & Black Hills Tour
Take in the best of the Black Hills on this half-day tour. We visit the must-see's of Mt Rushmore, Needles Hwy, Sylvan Lake and Iron Mountain Road. Experience Mt Rushmore with a local expert and make the most of your time in the Black Hills.
Private Mount Rushmore and Flume Trail Hike
This tour gives you incredible in-depth knowledge of the Flume Trail, the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore. There is a two person minimum to book this tour.
Private Mount Rushmore Lighting Tour w/ Former Park Ranger
Experience Mount Rushmore in its most powerful setting — illuminated against the evening sky with your private guide who served as a National Park Ranger and once delivered the official evening program. Your private evening begins with scenic travel into the Black Hills and ascending Iron Mountain Road, where granite tunnels frame distant views of the the president's faces. Upon arrival, you’ll explore the memorial in person. You’ll hear the deeper stories of engineering challenges, the unfinished chamber behind the faces, tools still embedded in the granite, and the human drama behind the carving of the mountain itself. As twilight settles, you’ll attend the official Evening Lighting Ceremony — a moving program of history, film, illumination, and tribute. Watching the sculpture emerge from darkness into light is a powerful and reflective moment. You'll return through the quiet Black Hills with memories lingering long after the lights fade.
Private Tour Mt Rushmore Crazy Horse and Custer State Park
Experience our Private Excursion tailored exclusively for you! Embark on a serene journey through the picturesque landscapes of USA as you make your way to the heart of the city. Upon your arrival, meet your seasoned tour guide, ready to lead you on an enchanting tour of Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse & Custer State Park. Discover the awe-inspiring allure of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, marvel at the grandeur of Crazy Horse Memorial, and capture iconic moments at landmarks like Custer State Park, South Dakota 87, Wildlife Loop Road, and many more. Our excursions are meticulously designed schedule We'll greet you directly at the hotel and ensure you return with ample time to relax and relish your day.
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Compare the best multi-attraction tours pairing Rushmore with Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, and Badlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a private Mount Rushmore tour cost?
Private Mount Rushmore tours on Viator range from $185 (half-day lighting ceremony) to $700+ (full-day combos covering Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park). Most are priced per group, not per person, so a $445 tour split among 5 travelers is $89 each. There is no entrance fee to the memorial itself — only a $10 parking fee paid to Xanterra.
Are private tours of Mount Rushmore worth it?
Yes if your group is 3+ people, you have mobility considerations, you want the lighting ceremony, or you don't want to drive Iron Mountain Road yourself. For solo travelers or couples on a budget, a $130 group bus tour or a $30 self-guided audio tour is usually a better value.
What's included in a private Mount Rushmore tour?
Standard inclusions are round-trip transportation (usually Rapid City pickup), a private guide, fuel, and parking fees. The $10 Mount Rushmore parking fee is typically covered. Crazy Horse Memorial admission ($32/adult) is usually NOT included — confirm before booking. Meals are rarely included; lighting ceremony tours often include time for a dinner stop in Keystone but you pay separately.
How many people can go on one private tour?
Most private Viator tours accommodate 1–8 travelers in a single vehicle, with larger group capacity available on request. Above 8 people, operators typically split you into two vehicles, which can affect price — confirm the per-vehicle vs per-group pricing structure when you book.
Can I customize the itinerary on a private tour?
Yes, that's the main reason to book private. Common customizations: skip Crazy Horse if you've been before, add Iron Mountain Road, stop at Custer for lunch, extend time on the Presidential Trail, or build around the evening lighting ceremony. Message the operator through Viator after booking to confirm your preferences.
What's the cancellation policy?
Most private Mount Rushmore tours on Viator offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour start time. The exact policy is shown on each listing — look for the 'Free cancellation' badge on the tour card before booking.
Do private tours include the Mount Rushmore lighting ceremony?
Only specific evening tours include the lighting ceremony, which runs May 23 to September 30 (program starts at 9 PM through Aug 9, then 8 PM through Sep 30). Outside that window the sculpture is still illuminated nightly at sunset, but there's no ranger program. If the ceremony is your priority, book the private lighting tour specifically (productCode 5644089P14).
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