Beautiful little place, was a good stop en-route to stretch the legs.
Read the website carefully about where to start the tour from - and the tours get booked up far, far in advance. Cannot prise the tour guide enough for an amazing tour. I know, when running, the project was supposed to be secret, but a little more advertising of the main reception would be most helpful.
I cannot believe somebody designed a road to just like a roller coaster - now if only they'd shut the road and let me take a rally car up and down it... Seriously it does provide some fanatically framed views of Mt Rushmore and the surrounding countryside.
If you take your own car into the valley, watch out the guided tour buses - they drive like madmen. If you do take your own car\hire car - keep the windows shut, I'm still finding red dust everywhere. There is lots and lots to photograph and view, but you'll never really be alone to enjoy the sights in the tranquillity they deserve.
Cannot be beaten for the price - FREE - just go to the visitor centre and ask for the free map - they are not on display - I assume they are hoping you'll buy an overpriced book.
The viewpoints\overlooks are well signposted, just drive between them and take in the natural beauty of the valley below you.
A bit commercialised, probably a bit over priced but still worth a visit. The scale of the crater doesn't really come home until you use the telescopes to locate the spaceman in the centre of the impact zone.
Absolutely beautiful. The Narrows walk\hike is amazing fun. You'll take hundreds of photos.
The park is great - park in Springdale town, then free shuttle buses pickup all along the main street taking you to the vistor centre and park entrance. Pay for your entry - KEEP THE TICKET WITH YOU. More free shuttle buses run around the park taking you to the major sights,
'The Narrows' hike is a must!
Recommended - I did the $30 Dam tour, well worth the money, the guides are knowledgeable and informative; their opening line was "if you have a camera - TAKE PICTURES" - you even get to photograph out the end of 1 of the 4 ventilation pipes that are half down the dam.
Best gorge walk I have ever done.
Make sure you have water proof bags for mobiles and wallets - if you slip you're going to get soaked, if you don't slip you're going to get wet up to your knees (at least).
The water is cold (not freezing) - even at the end of summer.
Could have done it in half the time, but stopped all the time to take pictures.
If I'm ever back in the area, I'll be doing this walk again