If you happen to be in Black Hills or Mount Rushmore you cannot miss this scenic highway filled with wildlife and scenic mountains. Best time to get here is early morning and you’ll be by yourself the entire stretch and wildlife to see. The road goes through needle eye tunnel where only one car can pass at a time. Since we were there around 5:15 AM on a summer day the tunnel belonged to only us and mountain goats.
If you’re going to South Dakota and near Black Hills you won’t miss this place. After viewing the carved architecture from the other side do the 0.4 mile loop hike that takes you at the foot of the mountain. This hike is really good if you want different angle photographs of each head. Tripod is optional here, also you have an entry fee to enter the park. The hike gives you history behind the whole place and worth doing it…
During our trip we stayed at Cedar pass campground and they also have cabins. Staying here is the best to wake up early and be at right spots at right time rather than driving all the way from Rapid City or something like that.