Iron Mountain Road US-16A South Dakota
A legendary scenic drive featuring unique pigtail bridges and tunnels perfectly framing Mount Rushmore in South Dakota's Black Hills.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Road is typically open and scenic
Iron Mountain Road US-16A South Dakota
Best Time
Road is typically open and scenic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary scenic drive featuring unique pigtail bridges and tunnels perfectly framing Mount Rushmore in South Dakota's Black Hills.
"This road is an engineering marvel with tunnels perfectly aligned to frame Mount Rushmore!"
Check Road Conditions First
Iron Mountain Road is seasonal. Always check for closures due to weather before you go! :warning:
Drive East to West for Views
Driving eastbound often provides better framed views of Mount Rushmore through the tunnels. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pigtail Bridges
Various points along US-16A
Ingenious spiral bridges that allow the road to gain or lose elevation without steep grades. A unique engineering marvel!
Tunnel Views of Mount Rushmore
Specific tunnels along US-16A
Experience the thrill of driving through one-lane tunnels perfectly aligned to frame the majestic faces of Mount Rushmore.
Scenic Overlooks
Numerous pull-offs
Stop at designated overlooks for breathtaking panoramic views of the Black Hills and surrounding landscapes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Mount Rushmore Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Road Conditions First
Iron Mountain Road is seasonal. Always check for closures due to weather before you go! :warning:
Drive East to West for Views
Driving eastbound often provides better framed views of Mount Rushmore through the tunnels. :camerawithflash:
One-Lane Tunnel Patience
Be patient in the narrow, one-lane tunnels and bridges. Yield to oncoming traffic when necessary. :car:
Pull Over Safely
Use designated pull-offs for photos and to let faster traffic pass. Don't stop on the road itself. :stop_sign:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Road Conditions First
Iron Mountain Road is seasonal. Always check for closures due to weather before you go! :warning:
Drive East to West for Views
Driving eastbound often provides better framed views of Mount Rushmore through the tunnels. :camerawithflash:
One-Lane Tunnel Patience
Be patient in the narrow, one-lane tunnels and bridges. Yield to oncoming traffic when necessary. :car:
Pull Over Safely
Use designated pull-offs for photos and to let faster traffic pass. Don't stop on the road itself. :stop_sign:
Combine with Other Drives
Iron Mountain Road is part of the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway. Combine it with Needles Highway! :road:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers rave about Iron Mountain Road's unique engineering, especially the pigtail bridges and tunnels that perfectly frame Mount Rushmore. The scenic beauty of the Black Hills is a major draw, making it a must-do for road trip enthusiasts. Some visitors note that the narrow tunnels and bridges can cause delays, especially during peak season.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Iron Mountain Road, also known as US-16A, is located in Custer State Park, South Dakota. It's accessible from the towns of Keystone and Custer. Many visitors drive it as part of a larger Black Hills tour. :car:
No, Iron Mountain Road is a two-way road, but it features many single-lane tunnels and pigtail bridges, requiring careful navigation and yielding to oncoming traffic. :traffic_light:
Many travelers recommend driving eastbound (from Keystone towards Custer State Park) as the tunnels are strategically aligned to offer framed views of Mount Rushmore. :camerawithflash:
Due to its narrow tunnels and bridges, large RVs and trailers may have difficulty navigating Iron Mountain Road. It's best to check Custer State Park's guidelines or consider alternative routes for oversized vehicles. :truck:
Yes, there are numerous designated pull-offs and scenic overlooks along Iron Mountain Road where you can safely park to enjoy the views and take photos. :parking:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Iron Mountain Road is within Custer State Park, so you will need to purchase a Custer State Park entrance permit to drive on it. These can be bought at park entrances. :ticket:
Iron Mountain Road is a public road and is generally accessible year-round, but it is a seasonal road and can be closed due to snow and ice from late fall through spring. Always check current conditions. :clock1:
The cost is the Custer State Park entrance fee, which is typically a daily or annual permit. Check the official Custer State Park website for the most current pricing. :moneybag:
While possible, biking or walking on Iron Mountain Road can be challenging due to the narrow lanes, tunnels, and traffic. It's generally recommended for experienced cyclists who are comfortable with traffic. :bike:
There are no specific restrictions on photography, but always be mindful of other visitors and do not obstruct traffic while taking pictures. The tunnels offer unique framing opportunities. :camerawithflash:
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the 'pigtail bridges' and the one-lane tunnels that perfectly frame Mount Rushmore. There are also numerous scenic overlooks offering stunning Black Hills vistas. :star:
The drive itself is about 17 miles, but with frequent stops for photos and to enjoy the views, it can easily take 1-2 hours or more. :stopwatch:
Restroom facilities are limited along the road itself. It's advisable to use facilities at park entrances or major visitor areas before you begin your drive. :toilet:
You might spot bison, pronghorn, deer, and various birds in Custer State Park. Keep a safe distance and never feed the wildlife. :deer:
Absolutely! It's designed for scenic enjoyment. Take your time, pull over at overlooks, and soak in the unique engineering and natural beauty. :relaxed:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for slow-moving traffic and the narrowness of the tunnels, which might require extra patience with younger children. The numerous pull-offs are great for stretching legs and letting kids burn off energy while enjoying the views. It's a memorable part of a Black Hills family vacation that combines natural beauty with quirky road design.
🏍️ Motorcycle Enthusiasts
It's highly recommended to ride this road eastbound for the best views of Mount Rushmore through the tunnels. Be aware of the narrow passages and potential for slow-moving vehicles. Many riders combine Iron Mountain Road with the nearby Needles Highway for an unforgettable Black Hills motorcycle tour.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvels: Pigtail Bridges and Tunnels
Equally iconic are the one-lane tunnels carved directly into the granite. What makes these tunnels extraordinary is their deliberate alignment. As you drive through them, the openings are perfectly positioned to offer framed, postcard-worthy views of Mount Rushmore. This thoughtful design element transforms a simple drive into an interactive experience, revealing the monument in stages and creating memorable photo opportunities.
These features, combined with sections of divided highway where each roadway is a single lane, make Iron Mountain Road a truly distinctive and adventurous scenic drive. It's a testament to early 20th-century road construction and a highlight for anyone visiting the Black Hills.
Capturing the Iconic Views: Photography Tips
Beyond the tunnels, the pigtail bridges themselves are visually striking and make for excellent photographic subjects. Experiment with different angles to capture their unique spiral design. The numerous scenic overlooks along the route offer sweeping panoramas of the rugged landscape. Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, bathes the hills in a warm, dramatic light, making it an ideal time for landscape photography.
Remember to be patient and safe when taking photos. Utilize the designated pull-offs and overlooks to avoid obstructing traffic. While cell service can be spotty, having a good camera or a smartphone with a reliable camera app is essential for capturing the beauty of this scenic byway.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit