Crazy Horse Memorial Volksmarch 2025
The Crazy Horse Memorial Volksmarch happens twice a year, once in Spring and the second time in Fall. Make sure if you are visiting South Dakota in June or September, you take part as it is the only time of the year that visitors can walk from the car park to the face of Crazy Horse, and it has had in the past as many as 15,000 people taking part in it.
Whether you are a solo female traveler, traveling with family or friends, if you are in the area when this is happening, then I highly recommend doing it. It is a great once-in-a-lifetime experience to see this wonder up close, and to walk up the path leading up to it, getting bigger, is a sight to see.
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What is a Volksmarch?
The word Volksmarch comes from the German word Volksmarsch and means people’s march, and is a type of fitness walking that was invented in Europe. Here at Crazy Horse Memorial South Dakota, it means a non-competitive hike that people from around the USA and even the world can take part in.
How long is the Crazy Horse Volksmarch?
The Volksmarch hike is a 6.2-mile round-trip (10km), from the car park at Crazy Horse to the face of Crazy Horse itself. It is the only time of the year that visitors can actually walk up to the face of Crazy Horse, though it is possible to get a car to the face at other times of the year with a $125 donation.
A lot of people wonder when will Crazy Horse Monument be finished, can I just wait and do the hike then, but most likely it won’t be finished in our lifetime.
Depending on which car park you park in, you may also have a little walk to get to the start and finish area, though the car parks further away will have shuttle buses to take you to the start and finish.
When is the Crazy Horse Volksmarch 2025
In 2025, the Spring Volksmarch will be held on Saturday, June 7, and the Fall Volksmarch will be held on Sunday, September 28. It is possible to register from 7 am, but hiking does not start until 8 am.
How much does it cost to take part in the Crazy Horse Volksmarch?
There are no advance tickets for the Volksmarch, and registration takes place the morning of the hike at 7 am. All hikers must have registered and started the hike before 1 pm and have finished by 4 pm.
There is a $4 charge payable to The American Volkssport Association for each participant by either cash or cheque, and admission is waived by Crazy Horse Memorial in exchange for 3 cans of food. If you don’t have any cans of food, then full admission of $15 per person will be charged.
How long does it take to complete the Volksmarch hike?
It should take between 2-4 hours to complete the hike, depending on your fitness levels, and you will need to climb around 140 metres (463 feet) in height from the bottom of the mountain to the top of Crazy Horse’s arm.
Also, the top of the mountain stands at just under 2,000 metres (6,532 feet) above sea level, so you can also notice the difference in lack of oxygen at that altitude.
The road is rough and not paved, so make sure to take good walking shoes or boots. There are also a lot of loose rocks and uneven ground for you to negotiate.
What do I need to take with me on the hike?
Make sure to have suitable clothing with you, a hat, and sun tan lotion if it is a nice day or a poncho if it is looking like rain. There are water stops along the route, so that you can fill up your water bottles while you are walking, and it is also possible to buy snacks. There are also port-a-potties along the route, if you need a toilet break during the hike.
Tips for the Hike
My biggest tip would be to get there as close to 7 am as you can to avoid the biggest crowds of the day. This will also mean that the weather will be cooler and more enjoyable if you are planning on going in June.
After the hike
Once you have finished the hike, make sure to go into the Crazy Horse Memorial visitors center and Museum, and also visit the gift shop. Make sure to go out to the viewing platform and get a picture with the statue of how the mountain will look when finished and with it in the background.
In the past, people would stay or return in the evening to watch the Crazy Horse Laser Show, but unfortunately, that stopped at the end of 2023. But if you are in the area, then think about visiting Mount Rushmore and watching the Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony.
You can also see how far you walked that day and enjoy the fact that you right up there by the face of Crazy Horse.
This hike is unique to Crazy Horse, and when looking at Crazy Horse vs Mount Rushmore, something you can’t miss, as there is never an opportunity to get up close to the faces at Mt Rushmore.
Things to pack for visiting Crazy Horse Monument
What you pack for a trip to the Crazy Horse Memorial will vary with the season.
In summer, you can expect hot days that call for light, breathable clothing like shorts and t-shirts. Still, it’s wise to bring a light fleece or jacket, as temperatures often drop in the early mornings and evenings, especially if you plan to stay till it closes.
- light fleece
- T-shirt with UPF 50+ protection
- Shorts
- Hiking Shoes
- Sun Hat
- Day Backpack
- Mosquito Spray
- Lipbalm
- Sunscreen
If you’re planning to visit Crazy Horse in winter or during the colder months, make sure to pack a few essentials to keep yourself cozy and comfortable:
Where to stay when visiting Crazy Horse Memorial
There are lots of options for hotels near Crazy Horse Monument, and you can choose to stay in one of the small towns close by or even a big city like Rapid City, which is only a 50-minute drive away.
The closest town to Crazy Horse is Custer, a cute town with many options of places to stay near Crazy Horse Monument:
- EO Bungalows – Self-Catering Bungalows
- Rocket Inn – Budget Motel in the heart of Custer
- Holiday Inn Express – chain hotel
Frequently Asked Questions about the Crazy Horse Volksmarch
It costs everyone $4 to take part in the hike, and if you donate 3 cans of food, then the $15 Crazy Horse fee is waived.
It happens twice a year, weather permitting, once in June and once in September.
Yes, it has been cancelled in the past due to the weather making it too dangerous to go ahead.
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