Black Hills 4-Day Itinerary: Mount Rushmore, Badlands, and Custer State Park

The Black Hills of South Dakota might look compact on a map, but once you’re here, the region feels surprisingly vast, layered, and full of character.

This is a place where dramatic rock spires rise above ponderosa pine, where bison roam open grasslands, and where one of America’s most iconic monuments stands carved into a granite cliff.

Planning a four-day itinerary here gives you just enough time to experience the classics—Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, and Custer State Park—without feeling rushed.

And the best part? Everything is close enough that you can mix scenic drives with relaxed afternoons, unexpected detours, or a long sunset lookout.

So, if you’ve been dreaming about a Black Hills road trip, let’s map out an easy, fun, and flexible plan that shows off the very best of this region.

Day 1: Mount Rushmore and the Surrounding Scenic Drives

When most travelers think about the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore is the image that pops into their minds first. So, starting your trip there just feels right. It’s iconic, easy to access, and the perfect introduction to the granite landscapes that define the region.

Begin your morning with the Presidential Trail, a short loop that gives you surprisingly close views of the sculpture. It’s a simple walk—about half a mile—but expect some stairs. Once you’ve wandered through the exhibits and watched the short film in the visitor center, take a little time to enjoy the observation deck. Even if you’ve seen photos your whole life, the scale feels different in person.

After your visit, shift gears from monuments to scenery by taking the Iron Mountain Road. This famous stretch is full of “pigtail bridges,” tunnels, and curving climbs that frame Mount Rushmore like a postcard. The drive itself becomes part of the experience. You slow down, look out over the hills, and just…take it all in.

If you want even more views, swing toward the Needles Highway next. You can always save the full drive for Day 3, but even a short portion of it introduces you to the pointed rock formations that make the Black Hills so visually distinct.

By late afternoon, wind down in Keystone or Hill City—two nearby towns with plenty of relaxed dining options, local breweries, and casual patios. After a long travel day, this first night sets the pace: scenic, easygoing, and welcoming.

Day 2: Badlands National Park and Wall Drug

Ready for something wilder and more rugged? On Day 2, make your way east to Badlands National Park. The contrast between the forested Black Hills and the jagged, colorful layers of the Badlands is huge—and that’s exactly what makes this itinerary so much fun.

Most travelers enter near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center and start exploring from there. The lookouts along Badlands Loop Road are incredibly accessible, so you can hop in and out of your car without committing to long hikes.

But if you are in the mood to stretch your legs, try the Window Trail or Door Trail—both short, both scenic, and both perfect for first-time visitors. Want something more adventurous? The Notch Trail, with its rope-and-log ladder, adds a sense of drama without becoming overly strenuous.

One thing you’ll notice quickly: the light changes everything. The ridges glow gold in the morning, shift to chalky beige at noon, and turn dusty rose in the evening. So, if you’re a photographer—or just someone who loves a great roadside view—you’ll be tempted to stop every few minutes. Pretty normal for the Badlands, honestly.

When lunchtime hits, many travelers head to Wall Drug. Sure, it’s touristy, but it’s also part of the fun. Where else can you wander through quirky shops, snap photos with oversized wooden jackalopes, and try the famous donuts? Even if you only stay an hour, it adds character to the day.

By the time you return to the Black Hills in the late afternoon, you’ll appreciate the forested landscape all the more. It’s such a satisfying contrast.

Day 3: Custer State Park and the Wildlife Loop

If Day 2 was all about dramatic geology, Day 3 shifts back to pine forests, peaceful lakes, and some of the best wildlife viewing in the country. Custer State Park is one of those places where an hour-long drive somehow turns into three because you keep stopping to watch bison, pronghorn, or wild burros wander across the grasslands.

Start your morning with the Wildlife Loop Road. It’s best early in the day, when the animals are more active and temperatures are cooler. You’ll almost certainly see bison—sometimes entire herds—and it’s not unusual for them to cross the road. Just keep a respectful distance and enjoy the moment. How often do you get to stop your car because a thousand-pound animal is strolling past?

Afterward, make your way toward Sylvan Lake. This spot looks like it belongs on a postcard: calm water, balanced boulders, and tall stone spires. It’s also the trailhead for the Needles Highway, which you can explore today if you didn’t finish it earlier in the trip. The single-lane tunnels, especially the famous Needle’s Eye Tunnel, make for both fun driving and great photos.

If you’re a hiker, consider the trail up to Little Devils Tower or the longer route to Black Elk Peak—the highest point between the Rockies and the Appalachians. Both hikes offer panoramic views of the Black Hills, and they’re especially beautiful in late afternoon light.

Dinner in Custer town is a relaxing way to cap off the day. The restaurants here tend to be hearty and welcoming, with plenty of steak, local beers, and casual comfort food. After so much scenery, a good meal feels like the perfect balance.

Day 4: Crazy Horse Memorial, Spearfish Canyon, and Local Towns

Your final day is wide open depending on what you enjoy most—history, scenic drives, cute mountain towns, or a mix of everything.

Many travelers begin at the Crazy Horse Memorial, which is still a work in progress but already staggering in scale. The on-site museum is excellent, the cultural exhibits are thoughtful, and the views from the gallery give you a sense of just how enormous the finished carving will be.

From here, you have two great options. If you want a relaxing scenic day, head north toward Spearfish Canyon. The canyon feels quieter than the central Black Hills and offers beautiful waterfalls, forested cliffs, and an easygoing drive. Bridal Veil Falls and Roughlock Falls are two of the most popular stops, and both require only a short walk.

Or, if you’d rather explore the local towns, plan a loop that includes Deadwood, Lead, and Spearfish. Deadwood leans into its Wild West history with old saloons and restored buildings, while Spearfish has more of a modern small-town vibe—coffee shops, galleries, craft breweries, and relaxed neighborhoods that are fun to stroll.

You can round out the afternoon by returning to Rapid City. It’s a surprisingly cool mid-sized city with public art displays, a walkable downtown, and plenty of restaurants for a farewell dinner. It’s also a nice transition point back to “regular life” after days of wide-open landscapes.

Final Thoughts as You Head Home

Four days in the Black Hills goes by fast, but the mix of national parks, scenic roads, wildlife, and small towns makes this itinerary feel textured and memorable. You get historical landmarks, natural beauty, quiet lakes, rugged canyons, and plenty of wide-open sky—sometimes all in the same afternoon.

And once you’ve had a taste of these granite peaks and winding drives, it’s hard not to imagine coming back for more. Whether you return for longer hikes, fall foliage, or another lazy loop through Custer State Park, the Black Hills tend to stick with you in a surprisingly personal way. What do you think—are you ready for the adventure?