Roadtrip Part 6: The Scenic Route to Mount Rushmore

Consulting my recently purchased map I find a road that leads from Spearfish Canyon to Mount Rushmore without returning to the interstate. "Feeling adventerous?" I ask the kid. "Whatever," is his standard reply. All along the road are various cave attractions, campgrounds, and mountain inns. And the view... WOW!

We go through the town of Lead. The city is built into the side of the mountain. Very cool.

All along the high way are mountain vistas and dense coniferous forests.

And then we go around a bend in the road and see this.....

This is Pactola Reservoir. Ahhhhhh......

More mountain vistas and forests.

A nifty bridge.

A nifty tunnel.

Did I mention the mountain views? The dense coniferous forests? The lack of corn?

We enter the tourist trap of Keystone. Should have taken a picture of the hundreds of motorcycles parked along both sides of the road, but we liked this neat hotel built into the cliff better.

Mount Rushmore is only two miles from Keystone so we have our eyes open in anticipation. Interesting mountain there obscured by the trees.

We go around the bend and....

Our first view of Mount Rushmore through a dirty windshield.

Next we get up close and personal with 4 great presidents and a couple of chipmunks at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. (Sean says it would be disrespectful to build a rockin' roller coaster on top of Washington's head. I suppose... sigh....)

Comments: 13

ML S. Aug 3, 2008, 5:55pm EDT

Stupid trees always getting in the way. heh. Lovely photos like all the others. Could spend hours sitting beside the lake and not fishing fishing.

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~Sia McKye~ Aug 3, 2008, 6:33pm EDT

So, did you get in the water at all? You guys were sweltering, looking longingly at the water along the way...did you give in?

I'm glad you got off the interstate and hit some of the side roads. Lots of nooks and crannies to explore.

Did you get to see the rock work they're doing as a tribute to the Indians? I've only seen pictures, but I imagine it is as awesome as the presidents.

You got some lovely pictures Jamie. All teasing aside, there are some beautiful spots in the Dakotas. Looks like you found a few of them and had a great time to boot.

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Pat S. Aug 3, 2008, 6:37pm EDT

Wow Jamie, these are gorgeous photos! That resevoir! Those mountains! The trees! The lack of corn! Woman, get the heck out of Nebraska!

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F. Jeanette c. Aug 3, 2008, 6:43pm EDT

this is a great photo essay. I hope to get that way someday.

10 4 u

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Jamie C. Aug 3, 2008, 6:53pm EDT

Nope, didn't see "Crazy Horse", Sia. Ran out of time. And I guess we can't see how huge this resevoir is. I'll have to post a different view with a boat or something. You can't get to the water from the lookout. It's so crystal clear and beautiful though.

Yes, Pat, the lack of corn would be it's biggest draw. Still have my eyes, heart, and soul set on Oregon or Washington. Beautiful mountains, forests and waters. Milder winters. Much, much closer to the ocean.

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Beth H. Aug 3, 2008, 10:55pm EDT

Gorgeous. And now you've got me heading to a map so I can get an idea of where you went. What a cool trip. You should do these mini trips more often. Get away from all that flatness and the corn.

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