Mount Rushmore is the location of the famous sculpted faces of Presidents Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson and Teddy Roosevelt. I was here in 1996 my first time, visiting the South Dakota state highpoint at Harney Peak, but the weather was so bad, I couldn't see anything. They even let me in for free that day since the fog was hiding the mountain completely.

I was here again in 2004, visiting a number of county highpoints, most recently Sylvan Peak in Custer County. The weather today was lovely so I tried Rushmore again. You can see the faces from miles away even before you get to the actual location. The parking garage is three levels high, suggesting it can get crowded. Today wasn't too bad, apparently. The visitor's center is pretty nice and the promenade is also very nice. The sculptures are extremely impressive. I've seen them a million times in photographs but as usual, seeing them in person is much more interesting. Admittedly, I may had some feelings that this was kitschy, but really, the sculpting is amazing. Very impressed, me. I stuck around for maybe an hour, then went on my way. About 10 miles out, heading toward Rapid City, I crossed out from Forest Land onto Souvenir Hell Land. Now that part was awful.

The rest of the day was spent with more hiking. The weather did get nasty in the late afternoon.

(c) 2004, 2010 Scott Surgent. For entertainment purposes only. This report is not meant to replace maps, compass, gps and other common sense hiking/navigation items. Neither I nor the webhost can be held responsible for unfortunate situations that may arise based on these trip reports. Conditions (physical and legal) change over time! Some of these hikes are major mountaineering or backpacking endeavors that require skill, proper gear, proper fitness and general experience.