Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Black Hills and Mt Rushmore

Exploring the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore becomes much more accessible and personalized with this self-guided audio driving tour offered by GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide). Priced at $24.99 per group, this tour covers 535+ points of interest across multiple scenic stops and landmarks, allowing up to 8 people to enjoy the experience together. The tour is flexible, with durations ranging from 4 to 12 hours, and is designed to fit your schedule and pace.

What makes this guide stand out is its offline GPS functionality, requiring no cell service or Wi-Fi once downloaded. This means you can explore Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, Devils Tower, and other highlights without worrying about network issues. The tour includes step-by-step driving directions and engaging stories that bring each location to life, making it ideal for those who prefer to avoid large tour groups and want to explore independently.

However, it’s worth noting that the entrance fees for parks and reservation requirements are not included**. This tour is most suited for travelers who enjoy driving at their own pace, value informative narration, and appreciate the convenience of offline access. It’s perfect for groups or families, with toll-free support available if needed.

Key Points

• Self-guided audio tour covering Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, Badlands, Devils Tower, and more
• Price of $24.99 for up to 8 people, with lifetime access and free updates
• 535+ points of interest with stories, tips, and step-by-step GPS directions
• Offline capability ensures seamless exploration without cell service
• Tours range in length from 4 to 12 hours, offering flexibility
• No included entrance fees or reservations, so plan accordingly

Detailed Breakdown of the Tour Highlights

Starting Point in Moorcroft, Wyoming

This self-guided tour kicks off in Moorcroft, WY, where you receive instructions via email and text on how to download and access the GuideAlong app. Once downloaded, the tour works entirely offline, which means no worries about losing signal during your drive through the Black Hills and surrounding parks. The app is compatible with Apple and Google accounts, making setup straightforward for most users.

Visiting Mount Rushmore

The highlight of the trip is the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The sculpture of four presidential faces is breathtaking when seen in person. The 15-minute stop offers detailed narration about the monument’s construction and significance. While admission is not included, the viewing experience is enhanced by the storytelling, helping visitors appreciate the monument’s scale and artistry beyond just a photo opportunity.

Exploring Custer State Park

The tour guides you through Custer State Park, a vast area with rolling prairies, open grasslands, and pine forests. The official drive is 18 miles long, but you can spend over an hour enjoying the scenery. Wildlife observation is a common activity here, with many visitors easily spending 3 or more hours spotting animals like bison and deer. The tour also suggests exploring some side roads for additional viewpoints and photos.

Devils Tower’s Cultural Significance

The Devils Tower National Monument is a prominent landmark with both natural and cultural importance. Known for its intriguing geological formation and being the first U.S. National Monument, Devils Tower also holds spiritual significance for Native Americans. The 25-minute narration covers its history, cultural stories, and its role in pop culture, notably its appearance in Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Discovering Badlands National Park

The Badlands offer a spectacular landscape of rock formations, deep canyons, and grasslands. The 30-minute stop includes stories about the area’s geology and history. Visitors can also explore the Door Trail, a ¾ mile boardwalk leading into the rock formations, or visit the Fossil Exhibit Trail to learn about the area’s fossil discoveries. Both trails provide easy access and are suitable for most visitors.

Crazy Horse Memorial

The Crazy Horse Memorial is a large-scale sculpture that celebrates Native American culture. The 20-minute narration shares the history behind the project, initiated in 1948 by Sioux Chief Henry Standing Bear. While the admission is not included, viewing the sculpture and hearing its stories provides deeper insight into Native American heritage and the ongoing effort to complete the monument.

Scenic Drives and Iconic Views

The tour includes multiple scenic routes, like the Iron Mountain Road, famous for its tunnels, pigtail bridges, and 314 curves. The Scovel Tunnel offers a magical view of the presidential faces as they greet visitors. The 10-minute stop here is particularly memorable for its stunning vistas. Likewise, the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is a 19-mile stretch featuring waterfalls and towering limestone walls, perfect for nature photography.

Historic Towns and Local Charm

Stops in Keystone and Rapid City highlight the local communities. Keystone, once a bustling mining town, now offers hotels, shops, and restaurants, making it a good base for the area. Rapid City serves as a hub for exploring the region and offers a lively atmosphere. The tour also features Deadwood, a historic wild-west town with gold rush roots, where two hours can be spent wandering its streets and learning about its legendary past.

Waterfalls and Nature Trails

Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park is known as the Jewel of the Park. The 1.1-mile trail around the lake is highly recommended, offering views of granite formations and tranquil water. Nearby, Roughlock Falls is an accessible waterfall with a boardwalk and a 1-mile stream-side trail. These natural stops provide opportunities for photography and relaxation.

Hidden Gems and Additional Sights

Other notable stops include the Badlands Wall, which separates different park zones, and the Yellow Mounds Overlook, renowned for its colorful erosion formations. For an educational experience, the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site offers insights into Cold War history, with decommissioned missile silos and control centers. If time permits, visiting Wind Cave National Park adds a subterranean adventure, with two cave systems offering guided tours.

The Experience and Practicalities

How It Works

This private tour begins in Moorcroft, WY, but you can start and end the tour anywhere along the route. Once you download the app and the tour content, which is free of expiry, you can drive at your own pace, stopping as long as desired at each point. The audio commentary automatically plays based on your GPS location, making navigation intuitive.

Flexibility and Duration

The tour is designed for flexible durations, ranging from 4 to 12 hours, allowing you to customize your day based on interests and time constraints. It’s well-suited for half-day trips or full-day excursions. The support team is available via toll-free phone, chat, and email if technical assistance is needed.

Accessibility and Limitations

While ideal for most travelers, it’s important to purchase and download the app before arriving at the sites, as sign-up can be confusing otherwise. Entrance fees and park reservations are not included, so travelers should budget for those separately. The tour is valid forever once purchased, giving ample opportunity for future visits.

User Feedback and Ratings

With a 4.5 out of 5 stars from 133 reviews, this tour receives praise for its value, narration quality, and ease of use. Many comment on how it enhances the driving experience, with stories that are informative, humorous, and engaging. Several reviewers highlight the flexibility and offline capability as major advantages. Some minor issues, like initial download difficulties and sign-up confusion, are reported but do not detract significantly from the overall positive experience.

The Ideal Audience for This Tour

This self-guided audio tour appeals most to independent travelers who prefer driving their own schedule, enjoy storytelling and local history, and want to avoid large bus tours. It suits groups or families, offering cost-effective access for up to 8 people with lifetime use and free updates. Those comfortable with technology will appreciate the offline GPS and easy app setup.

Suitability for All Types of Travelers

While the tour covers many outdoor and scenic stops, it also involves driving and walking at certain sites. The level of physical activity is generally light, but comfortable footwear and basic mobility are recommended for exploring trails and viewpoints.

The Sum Up: A Practical and Engaging Way to Explore the Black Hills

The Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Black Hills and Mt Rushmore offers a cost-effective, flexible, and informative way to see South Dakota’s most iconic sites. Its 535+ points of interest, offline GPS, and storytelling narration create an experience that’s both educational and entertaining.

While entrance fees are not included, the tour’s value lies in its ability to personalize your exploration without the constraints of group schedules. It’s especially well-suited for independent travelers, families, or groups seeking a relaxed pace with the added benefit of storytelling to deepen the visit.

For those who enjoy driving with a knowledgeable guide in your pocket, this tour provides a comprehensive and adaptable way to experience the Black Hills and its treasures. It’s a reliable choice for a memorable road trip through one of America’s most scenic regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start the tour?
You receive instructions via email and text after booking on how to download the GuideAlong app and the tour content. Once set up, the audio plays automatically based on your GPS location.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees for parks and reservations are not included in the tour price. Budget for these separately.

Can I use the tour offline?
Yes, once the tour is downloaded, it works completely offline with GPS-triggered narration, so no cell service is needed.

What if I have technical issues?
The support team is available via toll-free phone, chat, and email. Troubleshooting download or setup problems is straightforward with their assistance.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, the tour is designed for groups up to 8 people and offers engaging stories that appeal to a wide age range, making it family-friendly.

How long does the tour typically take?
The duration varies from 4 to 12 hours, depending on how many stops you choose, your pace, and how long you spend at each location.

Can I start and stop the tour at any point?
Absolutely, the tour is flexible. You can pause and resume as needed, and choose which stops to explore more thoroughly.

How often can I use the tour?
The purchase includes lifetime access with free updates. You can use it on multiple trips without restrictions.

What makes this tour different from others?
Its offline GPS functionality, 535+ points of interest, storytelling narration, and cost of only $24.99 make it a valuable, flexible alternative to guided bus tours.

Would you recommend this tour?
Yes, especially for those who enjoy independent exploration, story-driven narration, and the freedom to customize their experience without the crowds.