Is Mount Rushmore worth the detour?

Deciding whether to add Mount Rushmore to your Denver-to-Yellowstone road trip in August depends heavily on your priorities and how much extra time you have to spare. While the monument itself can be seen relatively quickly, the detour truly makes sense if you can embrace the surrounding Black Hills region.

Understanding the Detour's Impact

Your estimate of "most of a day" might be a bit conservative for the full detour.

• Direct Route: Denver to Yellowstone is typically a 9-11 hour drive, often split over two days.
• Rushmore Detour: To properly visit Mount Rushmore and experience a bit of the Black Hills, you're looking at adding at least one full extra day of driving and sightseeing, possibly two.
  • Day 1 (Extra): Drive from Denver to the Black Hills area (Rapid City/Keystone, SD) – this is about 6-7 hours of driving on its own.
  • Day 2 (Extra): Explore Mount Rushmore and nearby attractions.
  • Day 3 (Original Day 2, but longer): Drive from the Black Hills to Yellowstone – another 7-9 hours, depending on your Yellowstone entrance.

So, realistically, you're adding at least one overnight stay and likely 1.5-2 full days to your trip.

Why the Detour Might Be Worth It

If you have the extra time and are interested in iconic American landmarks and scenic drives, the Black Hills offer a lot:

• Mount Rushmore National Memorial: An undeniable symbol of American history and engineering. The monument is impressive, and the visitor center provides context. Allow 1-2 hours here.
• The Black Hills Region: Beyond Rushmore, this area is packed with attractions.
  • Custer State Park: Often considered a highlight, with its Wildlife Loop Road (bison, burros) and the stunning Needles Highway.
  • Crazy Horse Memorial: A colossal mountain carving still in progress, offering a different perspective on monument building.
  • Deadwood: A historic Wild West town with casinos, museums, and a lively atmosphere.
  • Badlands National Park: A dramatic landscape of eroded buttes and pinnacles, often visited as a stop on the way to or from the Black Hills if coming from the east.

Why You Might Skip It

• Time Constraints: If your primary focus is Yellowstone and you have limited vacation days, sacrificing 1-2 days of your trip might mean less time exploring the national park itself.
• Pacing: Adding significant driving and stops can make the overall trip feel rushed, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace.
• Crowds: August is peak tourist season for both Yellowstone and the Black Hills, so expect crowds at popular attractions.

Practical Considerations for the Detour

If you decide to go for it, here's how to make the most of it:

1. Overnight Stay: Plan to spend at least one night in the Black Hills area (e.g., Keystone, Rapid City, Custer, or Hill City). Book accommodations well in advance, especially for August.
2. Route Planning:
   • To Rushmore: From Denver, head north on I-25 to Cheyenne, then take US-85 North (or I-90 East from Lusk) towards Rapid City.
   • From Rushmore to Yellowstone: Head west on I-90 past Gillette, then take US-16 W through Buffalo to Ten Sleep, Worland, and Cody, entering Yellowstone via the East Entrance. Alternatively, take US-14 W from Sheridan over Bighorn Mountains (check road conditions) or continue further west on I-90 to Bozeman for the North Entrance.
3. Fuel & Provisions: Gas stations can be sparse in some parts of Wyoming and Montana.