Mount Rushmore detour

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Dave E from St. Paul, MN on 5/2/2025 5:51:16 PM:

Coming to do the entire Mickelson. Might do it round trip, but if we do it one way, we are looking for maybe some other good detours, side rides, etc.

Questions:

- It looks like Rushmore is about a 10 mile detour from the trail on Highway 244, which doesn't look like the most awesome ride around due to traffic and small shoulder. Any other routes to get to Rushmore that are better?

- Any other ideas for rides in the general area. We aren't completely against some hills, but (based on a drive through Custer last year) don't want anything as crazy as the Needles Highway. Thoughts on a 10-50 mile ride that is pretty and not Matterhorn like in its hills?

Thanks!
Dave

Dave from Sacramento on 5/3/2025 6:28:43 AM:

You can avoid the main highway for about half the ride from Mickelson to Mt. Rushmore. Here's a short video I put together on this topic, with all the directions and some information that could be handy. I hope it is useful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THClfN7EwQk

Dave E from St. Paul, MN on 5/3/2025 7:55:45 AM:

Thanks!

Eric from KCMO on 5/3/2025 4:18:56 PM:

Two Dave’s, no waiting! That was a great video, I wish I knew this “safer” route in 2023 when I rode the Mick. I skipped it due to numerous reviews discouraging the practice. It appears Dave found a way to manage the risk. I did some map exploring after watching and figured out how to reduce the miles on Highway 244 from six miles to three miles. Instead of turning off Old Hill City Road onto Palmer Gulch, continue east another three miles until you reach the Centennial Trail. Take the trail one half mile south to the Big Pine Trailhead then you’ll be at Highway 244. Continue three miles to Mt Rushmore.
If you aren’t aware, the Mick goes under the driveway leading up to Crazy Horse. It’s an easy climb/ride up to the monument and museum….they will charge you admission just like a car. They have a bike rack directly across the road from the museum ticket office. A lot of people will be passing the bike rack as they walk from the parking lot, so consider securing anything of value….just in case, but it’s a very visible location.

Mark from Saint Louis, MO 63144 on 5/3/2025 8:38:47 PM:

Really nice YT video from Dave from Sacramento below. Thanks Dave!

Dave from Sacramento on 5/5/2025 12:11:38 AM:

I'm glad the video was helpful! When I looked on this forum before doing the ride, I was surprised that nobody had covered the Rushmore side trip option, so I decided to try to fill the void.

When I was mapping it out, I remember seeing the Centennial Trail, but I don't remember why I ruled it out! If it turns out to be a good route, post something here.

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