Presidential Trail in Keystone, South Dakota is one of the state’s most famous trails. It’s short, sweet and has some of the most incredible, iconic views ever.
If this hike doesn’t satisfy your need for the great outdoors, check out our South Dakota Nature Lovers group on Facebook by clicking here!
The Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore National Memorial is probably the most popular trail in South Dakota.
Downtown_One/Tripadvisor More than two million people visit the memorial every year, and many of them take the trail to get a closer look.
Once you’re at the memorial, the trailhead is clearly marked.
bleutalefly/Tripadvisor
The trail is just .6 miles long, and is considered suitable for most.
Victor C/Tripadvisor
The elevation gain along the trail is just 59 feet, so most visitors should be able to navigate this trail easily.
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You’ll navigate several sections of stairs.
Frank D/Tripadvisor This is the most difficult part of the trail, and keeps it from being stroller or wheelchair-friendly.
You might run into a mountain goat…
Joyflnoise/Tripadvisor
…or two!
kimmcarrillo/Tripadvisor It’s fairly common to see mountain goats on this trail. Keep your distance and don’t disturb them.
From the trail, you’ll get several different views of the memorial.
Bob19512014/Tripadvisor
You’ll get a totally different perspective when viewing the Presidents from below.
Roy W/Tripadvisor
There’s even a cool view from a crevice in the rock!
SandyPGravel
You’ll definitely want to make sure that you bring your camera (or that your phone is charged) so that you can capture the different views along the way.
Roy W/Tripadvisor
You’ll also find informative signs that tell you about each of the Presidents depicted.
Shadia1071/Tripadvisor The trail makes a loop, so just follow it along and you’ll end up back where you started. Winter months are a great time to visit, when fewer tourists are present.
Looking for another short, easy hike? Take this fossil trail at Badlands National Park.
Downtown_One/Tripadvisor
More than two million people visit the memorial every year, and many of them take the trail to get a closer look.
bleutalefly/Tripadvisor
Victor C/Tripadvisor
Shadia1071/Tripadvisor
Frank D/Tripadvisor
This is the most difficult part of the trail, and keeps it from being stroller or wheelchair-friendly.
Joyflnoise/Tripadvisor
kimmcarrillo/Tripadvisor
It’s fairly common to see mountain goats on this trail. Keep your distance and don’t disturb them.
Bob19512014/Tripadvisor
Roy W/Tripadvisor
SandyPGravel
The trail makes a loop, so just follow it along and you’ll end up back where you started. Winter months are a great time to visit, when fewer tourists are present.
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