Conquer the Black Hills : An Epic No-Day-Off Rushmore Road Trip!

This event is cross-posted to get more people who are interested.

The plan and costs are set for 4 people, but we can easily accommodate 5 or more in a larger vehicle if there's interest! The more, the merrier (and cheaper!).

Ever wanted to see Mount Rushmore, hike to incredible views, and road trip through the heart of the American West without taking a single day off work? This is your chance.
This is a high-energy, whirlwind weekend adventure designed to maximize every single hour. We'll fly out of Seattle after work on Friday, conquer the best of South Dakota's Black Hills, and land back in Seattle on Monday morning, ready for the work week. This trip is all about stunning scenery, epic hikes, iconic monuments, and making incredible memories. Be prepared for long drives, sleeping in the car, and non-stop action. If you're looking for an unforgettable, budget-friendly challenge, this is it! For those interested in nightlife, the historic town of Deadwood offers casinos and saloons for a taste of the Old West.

### The Cost Breakdown (Estimated Per Person, based on 4 people)

Total Estimated Cost: ~$340 per person

• Flights: $165 (Your confirmed round-trip price from SEA to DEN)
• Rental Car: $65 ($260 total for a weekend rental, split 4 ways)
• Estimated Fuel: $27 (Calculated for ~950 miles in a Toyota Camry at estimated prices)
• Lodging: $60 (One night in an Airbnb that sleeps 4, estimated at $240 total)
• Attractions/Passes: $22.50
• Mount Rushmore Parking: $2.50/person ($10/vehicle)
• Custer State Park Pass: $5/person ($20/vehicle)
• Crazy Horse Memorial Admission: ~$15/person

Disclaimer: These costs are estimates based on current information (as of July 2025) and are subject to change based on gas prices, final car/lodging choices, and real-time conditions. Food and personal expenses are not included.

#### Friday, Aug 22nd → Saturday, Aug 23rd: The Journey Begins

• 6:00 PM (PDT): Flight departs from SeaTac (SEA).
• 9:44 PM (MDT): Land at Denver (DEN). Pick up the rental car.
• 10:45 PM: Hit the road for the 6-hour drive to South Dakota. We'll rotate drivers so everyone can rest/sleep in the car.
• ~4:45 AM (Sat): Arrive in the Rapid City area.
• 5:00 AM - 10:00 AM (5 hours sleep): Park for our first sleep shift.

#### Saturday, August 23rd: Custer's Wonders & Rushmore's Majesty

• 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM (30 mins): Wake up, grab a quick breakfast.
• 10:30 AM: Drive to Custer State Park.
• 11:15 AM - 1:15 PM: Drive the breathtaking Needles Highway.
• 1:15 PM - 1:45 PM (30 mins): Quick lunch break at Sylvan Lake.
• 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM: Walk the beautiful Sylvan Lake Shore Trail.
• 2:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Drive the Wildlife Loop Road to see the bison herds.
• 4:45 PM: Head to our Airbnb in Keystone/Hill City to check in.
• 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM (1 hour): Dinner in Keystone.
• 7:45 PM - 9:30 PM: Experience the powerful Evening Lighting Ceremony at Mount Rushmore.
• 9:45 PM: Head back to the Airbnb for a full night's sleep.
• 10:00 PM - 5:00 AM (7 hours sleep): Rest up for our big hike!

#### Sunday, August 24th: The Peak of the Hills & The Road Home

• 5:00 AM: Wake up, have a quick energy-boosting breakfast, and check out.
• 5:45 AM: Arrive at Sylvan Lake trailhead.
• 6:15 AM - 10:15 AM (4 hours): Hike Black Elk Peak. We'll summit the highest point east of the Rockies for unforgettable 360-degree views.
• 10:15 AM: Finish the hike and drive to Crazy Horse Memorial.
• 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Explore the massive mountain carving and museum.
• 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM (30 mins): Quick lunch break.
• 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Drive the scenic Spearfish Canyon Byway and take the short, rewarding walk to Roughlock Falls.
• 3:30 PM: Begin the 6-hour drive back to Denver.
• ~7:00 PM (1 hour): We will stop on the route (e.g., in Cheyenne, WY) for a sit-down dinner.
• ~10:30 PM: Arrive at our pre-booked airport hotel near DEN. Check in for a comfortable night's sleep.

#### Monday, August 25th: Relaxed Departure

• 4:30 AM: Wake up in the hotel.
• 5:00 AM: Check out and drive the short distance to the rental car return.
• 5:15 AM: Drop off the car and take the shuttle to the airport terminal.
• 5:30 AM - 6:15 AM: Go through security with plenty of time to spare.
• 6:50 AM (MDT): Flight departs from Denver.
• 8:44 AM (PDT): Land back at SeaTac, ready to share stories of our epic weekend!

Contact Me Sanyam Rajpal: +18128038049 directly for any questions and don't book anything before my confirmation.