Keystone, South Dakota: Rushmore Tramway Ultimate pass

Planning a family trip to the Black Hills and want more than just a sightseeing drive past Mount Rushmore? The Rushmore Tramway Ultimate Pass promises a full day of outdoor fun with a mix of ziplines, slides, and climbing — all just a couple of miles from the iconic monument. Whether you’re traveling with kids or just young at heart, this experience offers plenty of adrenaline and memorable moments.

What we love about this adventure is its location—so close to Mount Rushmore that you can easily combine a quick sightseeing stop with a day of active fun. Also, the diversity of attractions—from a 800-foot zipline to alpine slides—means there’s something for all, regardless of age or thrill-seeking levels.

A possible consideration is the duration—around five hours—so it’s best suited for travelers who want a full, immersive outdoor experience rather than a quick activity. Also, since all attractions are outdoors, be prepared for weather changes, and pack sunscreen, extra clothes, and gloves.

This tour suits families, adventure lovers, or groups seeking a balance of outdoor activity and scenic views, especially if you’re staying nearby. If you’re craving a day that combines excitement with the natural beauty of the Black Hills, this might be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Proximity to Mount Rushmore: Only 2 miles away, making it easy to combine sightseeing with adventure.
• Wide Range of Activities: Includes ziplining, alpine slides, tubing, climbing, and free fall drops, perfect for thrill-seekers and families.
• All-Day Experience: Lasts about 5 hours, giving sufficient time to enjoy all attractions at a relaxed pace.
• Great Value: For $90, you get access to multiple adrenaline-pumping attractions, making it a cost-effective way to spend a day.
• Outdoor, Weather-Dependent: All activities are outdoors, so good weather is essential for the best experience.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for most ages, but not for pregnant women or those who prefer indoor or seated activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Guide to the Rushmore Tramway Ultimate Pass

When considering the Rushmore Tramway Adventure, it’s helpful to understand what makes this experience stand out—and where it might fall short. This outdoor park, covering a vast 100 acres, is designed to thrill and entertain the whole family.

Location and Accessibility

The closeness to Mount Rushmore (just two miles away) is a major advantage. You can easily plan a morning visit to the monument and then head to the Tramway for an afternoon of fun. The site is straightforward to reach, with a designated meeting point at the waiver tent before heading to the ticket window.

What’s Included in the Ultimate Pass?

For $90 per person, you’re granted an all-access pass to a variety of activities:

• Aerial Adventure Park: Climb and navigate through suspended obstacles high in the trees. This is a great way to get some altitude and challenge your balance and agility.
• 800-foot Zipline: One of the highlights, offering a rush of speed with scenic views. The length guarantees a memorable glide.
• Jump Tower: A free fall drop that adds an extra dose of adrenaline.
• Two Alpine Slide Rides: Sliding down winding tracks, with a scenic chairlift to take you back up—perfect for those who love fast, winding fun.
• Two Tubing Hill Rides: Classic winter fun, available here in the summer as well, giving a relaxing contrast to the high-energy activities.
• Soaring Eagle Zip Ride: An additional zipline experience that adds to the array of zipping thrills.

What’s the Experience Like?

The entire experience takes about five hours, which is enough to savor each activity without feeling rushed. You can pace yourself, taking breaks and soaking in the mountain scenery. Expect a day filled with high-energy fun, combined with the stunning backdrop of the Black Hills.

Several reviewers mention the quality of the attractions—“the best designed, most thrilling, and largest” —a testament to the investment in safety and excitement. The zipline is praised for its length and thrill factor, while the alpine slides are noted as “big” and “fast,” giving riders a real rush.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Bring comfortable shoes suitable for walking, climbing, and standing for extended periods.
• Wear sunscreen and consider bringing gloves for ziplining or climbing, especially on sunny days.
• If you’re planning to ride the alpine slides or tubes, dress in clothes that can get a little dirt or dust—these activities can be messy but fun.
• Food and drinks are not included, so plan to buy snacks or a meal on-site.
• The timing varies depending on availability, so it’s wise to reserve in advance and confirm your start time.
• As the activities are outdoors, weather can impact your plans—check the forecast beforehand.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

It’s an excellent choice for families with children (age restrictions apply, so check if your kids are tall enough or old enough), adventure lovers, or groups seeking a full outdoor day. However, pregnant women are advised to avoid activities involving free fall or strenuous climbing.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for travelers who want more than just standard sightseeing and are eager to get active. If you’re visiting the Black Hills and enjoy outdoor thrills, this is a great way to break up your day. It’s especially appealing if you’re staying close to Keystone or Mount Rushmore, as it offers a convenient, value-packed option for an afternoon of adventure.

It’s not just about adrenaline—you’ll also enjoy the scenic views and the sense of achievement after conquering the various courses and slides. For families, it’s a safe, supervised environment that emphasizes fun and challenge.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For $90, the Rushmore Tramway Ultimate Pass provides a comprehensive, adrenaline-fueled experience that delivers excellent value. The variety of activities means you can try everything from ziplining to alpine slides, making it a versatile option for groups with different thrill levels.

The location near Mount Rushmore makes this an easy addition to your Black Hills itinerary. The outdoor setting lets you enjoy fresh mountain air and scenic vistas, adding to the thrill of each activity.

If you’re after a fun, active day that caters to all ages and interests, this adventure park is a solid choice. Just remember to pack gear suited for outdoor fun and check the weather forecast to ensure your day runs smoothly.

FAQs

Is the Rushmore Tramway Ultimate Pass suitable for children?
Yes, it’s designed to be family-friendly. However, certain activities may have height or age restrictions, so check those in advance.

How long does the entire experience last?
The full pass takes about 5 hours, giving plenty of time to enjoy each attraction at a comfortable pace.

What should I bring with me?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, extra clothes, and gloves are recommended. Food and drinks are available for purchase on-site.

Are there any health restrictions?
Pregnant women are advised not to participate in activities involving free fall drops or strenuous climbing.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a group size limit?
The info doesn’t specify, but given the outdoor nature, expect group sizes to be manageable, and reservations are recommended to secure your spot.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to add some adventure to your Black Hills trip, the Rushmore Tramway Ultimate Pass offers a well-rounded, exciting day of outdoor fun. It combines physical activity, scenic views, and a dash of adrenaline — all within a stone’s throw of the iconic Mount Rushmore.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby