Mount Rushmore Tour Part 2:
Walk the Presidential Trail Like a Pro
What Is the Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore?
The Presidential Trail is a scenic 0.6-mile walking path that winds beneath the famous granite faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
It includes about 425 stairs, multiple viewing platforms, and some of the closest perspectives you can get without climbing the mountain itself. If you’re looking for the best Mount Rushmore photo spots, this trail is where they live.
👉 Important planning note: the trail only opens when weather conditions allow and is typically closed in winter, so if you see it open during your visit — jump on it.
My #1 Tip: Start on the West Side
Want to enjoy the walk without immediately questioning your life choices? 😅
Here’s my biggest pro tip:
Start on the west side and walk east — clockwise if you’re facing the monument.
Why?
- Smoother paths at the beginning
- Fewer stairs right away
- A gentler incline
If you start from the east side… prepare to climb most of those 425 steps almost immediately. Consider this your built‑in cardio session for the day.
Learn Along the Way: Heritage & History
One of the most meaningful parts of the Presidential Trail is passing the Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota Heritage Village.
Here you’ll see traditional teepees on display and learn about the Indigenous history of the Black Hills — a powerful reminder that this land holds deep cultural and spiritual significance long before it became one of America’s most famous monuments.
Throughout the walk, you’ll also find educational displays explaining how Mount Rushmore was carved, the tools used, and the workers who shaped the mountain.
The Views Are Worth Every Step
Between staircases and shaded forest sections, the trail opens up to several breathtaking overlooks. These spots offer:
- Different angles of the sculpture
- Framing shots through pine trees
- Wide scenic views of the Black Hills
📸 Travel blogger tip: Late morning and golden hour tend to give softer light for photos — and fewer harsh shadows on the faces.
Fun Facts About Mount Rushmore
Because who doesn’t love a few jaw‑dropping stats?
- Each presidential face measures about 60 feet tall — roughly the height of a six‑story building.
- Construction began in 1927 and continued until 1941.
- More than 400 workers helped carve the monument, mostly using dynamite.
- Amazingly, no workers died during construction — something rarely heard of on projects that massive.
Standing on the Presidential Trail really makes those numbers hit differently.
Why This Trail Changes the Whole Experience
Honestly? The Presidential Trail turns Mount Rushmore from a quick roadside stop into a full adventure.
You walk beneath history, learn stories most visitors miss, and leave feeling like you truly experienced the Black Hills — not just checked a box on a road‑trip list.
This is exactly why I love helping people plan trips like this.
👉 Follow along for Part 3 of the series, save this post for later trip planning, and when you’re ready to explore the world the right way…
✨ Let me do the planning. You do the exploring. ✨
As a travel blogger and travel agent, I help turn bucket‑list ideas into stress‑free itineraries.
#MountRushmore #PresidentialTrail #SouthDakotaTravel #BlackHillsAdventure #ExploreAmerica #USABucketList #RoadTripUSA #NationalParksTravel #HiddenGemsUSA #TravelWithMe #TravelAgentLife #Wanderlust #AdventureAwaits #TravelTips #BookWithMe #TravelSmart #ContentCreatorLife
