Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore
If you are planning on visiting Mount Rushmore, then one of the things you must do is walk the Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore.
This is a very popular trail and thing to do at Mount Rushmore as you get to see the mountain up close and you can see the presidents heads from different angles and from below.
When doing this hike you can really see the detail that went into the carving of the presidents heads and why it took 400 men, 14 years to complete the project.
When you view from the Grand View Terrace it is very hard to see this detail and why if you are able to and the trail is open you should add it to your must do’s when visiting Mount Rushmore.
Don’t Miss a Thing at Mount Rushmore! Get Your FREE Checklist and Make the Most of Your Visit!
* This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. *
How long is the Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore?
The presidential trail is just 0.6 miles long and starts and finishes at the Grand View Terrace and is one of the top things to do in South Dakota. If you want an easy hike then make sure to start the trail to the left of the Grand View Terrace when looking at the mountain.
This way is wheelchair friendly for the first 0.2 miles and takes you to closer viewpoints of the mountain and the four presidents heads. Once you are past this area, you will go down 262 stairs through the woods until you arrive at the Sculptors Studio.
Here you can have a rest and enjoy the sculptors studio, though it is only open from 26th May to 20th September.
Once you have visited the studio you will then have 160 stairs to climb to get back up the Grand View Terrace.
You can hike both ways, so if you would prefer to visit the sculptors studio first you can, but then you will have the 262 stairs to climb to get to the bottom of the mountain by the presidents heads.
In total there are 422 stairs on this hike , but take care as the stairs can be slippery after rain or when there is ice.
Is the Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore difficult?
The trail is only 0.6 miles long, so it isn’t really far and the first part of it, if you walk from the left of the Grand View Terrace is on a flat path. Once you are past this part and onto the boardwalk you will reach the stairs, 262 of them to go down and then once at the bottom you will have 160 stairs to climb to get back up to the Grand Terrace.
If you are used to hiking up and down a lot of stairs then this will not be a problem for you to do while visiting south dakota, and you can take your time going up, there is a view point part of the way for you to catch your breath, but if you take your time, then it shouldn’t be a problem to complete.
Where does the Presidential Trail Start?
The Presidential Trail starts and finishes at the Grand View Terrace, where you will arrive once you have walked up the Avenue of Flags. Here you have your first view of Mount Rushmore and the Presidents and in summer you will be able to watch the Mt Rushmore lighting ceremony in the evening.
Once you are there, you have the option to join the trail on the left after you have gone under the arches to the Grand View Terrace.
If you want to go the opposite and harder way, you can exit on the right, follow the sign posted path, it also leads to the toilets and carry on going down to the Sculptors Studio.
Is the Presidential Trail open in Winter?
The Presidential Trail at Mt Rushmore is open all year round, though in winter it may be closed due to snow and ice, as the steps can be quite slippery and dangerous. Normally the Presidential Trail in Mount Rushmore in winter is open as far as the paved wheelchair friendly path and once the wooden boardwalk starts, it is closed, so even if it is closed, you can get a little closer to the presidents’ heads on the mountain.
Winter might not be the best time to visit Mount Rushmore as the Presidential Trail can be closed and the sculptors studio too, but if that is the only time you are able to visit, then just be prepared for this.
What to pack to visit Mount Rushmore
What you’ll need to pack for Mount Rushmore depends on the season you visit.
In summer, you can expect bright, sunny days ideal for lightweight, breathable clothing such as shorts and t-shirts. That said, it’s smart to carry a light jacket or fleece, as the temperature can dip in the early mornings and evenings, particularly if you plan to stay for the evening lighting ceremony.
- Shorts
- T-shirt with UPF 50+ protection
- light fleece
- Hiking Shoes
- Day Backpack
- Mosquito Spray
- Sun Hat
- Lipbalm
- Sunscreen
If your visit to Mount Rushmore falls in winter or the chillier months, make sure to pack a few essentials to keep yourself warm and comfortable while exploring the monument:
Where to stay near Mount Rushmore
If you are planning to watch the lighting ceremony at Mount Rushmore, then you might not want to drive far afterwards as it will be dark. In this guide you will find the Best place to stay near Mount Rushmore.
The closest town to Mount Rushmore is Keystone, which is just 3 miles away. Here you have quite a few options for the best places to stay in Keystone South Dakota:
- Comfort Inn – Located in the center of Keystone
- Roosevelt Inn – Budget Inn, close to the center of Keystone
- K Bar S Lodge – Premium hotel located just outside Keystone
You might find these blog posts helpful in planning your trip to Mount Rushmore:
Save for Later
Disclaimer: Ilive4travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and its partners. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting Ilive4travel when you use the links.