Custer State Park Wildlife Loop

Scenic drives through Custer State Park are just that. We drove the Wildlife Loop road more than once. The second time we took one of the dirt roads open to the public. Wow! We came right upon a herd of buffalo, complete with calves. 

It was a bit unnerving to see the big animals up close. I was concerned they might decide they didn't like us and put a dent in the vehicle. I'd read that they have been known to lick the salt off your vehicle. We made it through the herd without issue. We did wait a bit while two bulls decided to butt heads in the middle of the road though.

Antelope, deer, big horn sheep, burros, and even a few goats were seen throughout the park.  Thankfully, we did not see any of the prairie rattesnakes. 

Road Rage?

More road rage?

Mother and Baby Buffalo

Getting a little close for comfort

Cute

Well, there was that one buffalo...

Iron Mountain Road - Needles Highway

Iron Mountain Road is definitely one of the more scenic roads in America. No wonder motorcyclists love the Black Hills, and Sturgis is such a successful rally. We hit the road on a day when it was rather chilly out, and the wind was howling. Covid-19 had closed Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Black Hills visitor centers. 

Even so, we were surprised at the number of vehicles on the road. We were quite glad that we weren't there during peak hours. The volume of traffic would greatly detract from the experience and add a little stress if the vehicle or motorcycle behind you wanted to go a bit faster. There are lots of pullouts though, so that helps. You want to stop and view the scenery, and you can't do it while driving. The road demands your full attention.

The scenic loop takes you on Needles Highway in Custer State Park in addition to Iron Mountain Road. The scenery is amazing and those narrow tunnels may find you holding your breath as you pass through them. A couple of them are pretty tight feeling. 

Needles Eye Tunnel 8' 4" wide

Mt. Rushmore - Southern Black Hills

When we checked in at Heartland RV Park in Hermosa, South Dakota, one of the ladies manning the counter suggested that we take the Mt. Rushmore and Custer State Park road trip, which includes a the wildlife loop. It's around 67 miles, but takes the better part of a day. 

We thought there was a surprising number of people on the loop considering just about everything was closed due to Covid-19, and it was in the 40's with a howling wind.  It would take a full day during peak summer  hours with lots of one-lane tunnels, scenic pullouts, and 15 - 25 mph zones. Iron Mountain Road is deserving of a blog entry in and of itself. Of course, we could probably say that about a lot of things. We're kind of glad that it wasn't peak summer hours. 

The visitor center is still closed, as are the concessions. In addition to the usual Covid-19 concerns, there's a work shortage because of Covid-19. Many of the summer staff are overseas students who haven't been able to get into the USA.  

Black Hills

Cathedral Spires

First glimpse of Mt. Rushmore

We made it

Mt. Rushmore - same view area, one foggy morning later

Closer view

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