Denver To Mount Rushmore Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide

Traveling from Denver to Mount Rushmore is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA. The 367 miles of road trip from Denver to Mount Rushmore takes around 5 hours and 50 mins of driving without stops.

In this article, we share the 18 top tips that turn your Mount Rushmore trip into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Denver to Mount Rushmore, keep reading!

5 Best Hotels On The Way From Denver To Mount Rushmore

On the way from Denver to Mount Rushmore, you may want to stay at some points on the way. Here are the top five hotels on the Denver – Mount Rushmore route!

1. The Oxford Hotel: The Oxford Hotel is one of the best hotels where you can stay on the road trip from Denver to Mount Rushmore. Driving from Denver to The Oxford Hotel might take around 10 mins. The Oxford Hotel is Denver’s most historic hotel in the Lower Downtown district, LoDo. The hotel opened in 1891 and is one of downtown Denver’s oldest establishments. It is within walking distance to some of the city’s best restaurants, shops, and businesses, making it a popular spot for visitors to explore Lower Downtown and return to comfortable accommodations. The room was spotless, comfortable, and spacious. The staff was friendly and helpful. The Cruise Bar was great for cocktails, and the bartender was accommodating. Breakfast was limited but very tasty and healthy. Housekeeping was excellent. Check The Oxford Hotel, one of the best hotels in Denver, Colorado, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
2. The Elizabeth Hotel, Autograph Collection: Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Mount Rushmore from Denver is The Elizabeth Hotel, Autograph Collection. Located in Fort Collins, Colorado, the hotel is 64.1 miles away from Denver, and it would take 1 hour and 9 mins to drive. We stayed at the Elizabeth Hotel for three nights, and the front desk staff was fantastic. They had musical instruments to borrow and a great collection of Vinyl records. Each room has a record player and astounding decor, with traditional spiral staircases and modern art hangings on wall motifs. The mosaic floors in the foyer and elevators play on Classical Roman patterns crossed with modern geometric design. If you want to learn more about The Elizabeth Hotel Autograph Collection, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
3. Fairfield Inn & Suites Cheyenne: Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the Fairfield Inn & Suites Cheyenne. Fairfield Inn & Suites Cheyenne is located in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and it’s 104 miles away from Denver. You can arrive there with 1 hour 42 mins of non-stop driving. The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cheyenne Southwest/Downtown Area offers guests a comfortable and convenient location in the heart of Downtown Cheyenne, Wyoming. The hotel’s Western charm blends seamlessly with modern amenities, providing guests with public spaces and accommodations that are enjoyable and inspiring. The room was spotless, and the lobby was very nice as well. However, the breakfast could be better. Lothar gave us excellent service when it came to getting towels and breakfast. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Fairfield Inn & Suites Cheyenne for more information.
4. Super 8 by Wyndham Custer: If you are taking the road trip from Denver to Mount Rushmore, Custer, South Dakota, is must have a place you should visit. Plus, Super 8 by Wyndham Custer is one of the best hotels in town. It is Super 8 by Wyndham Custer, 347 miles from Denver, and it would take 5 hours and 24 mins to drive. We enjoyed touring Custer and staying at this hotel. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the location was great, with Crazy Horse National Monument and Custer National Park just minutes away. If you need more info about the price and availability of Super 8 by Wyndham Custer, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.
5. Hilton Garden Inn Rapid City: Our next hotel is Hilton Garden Inn Rapid City, Rapid City, South Dakota. It will take 6 hours, and 9 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Denver. The Hilton Garden Inn-Rapid City is conveniently located off of I-90, centrally located in the middle of famous shopping, and within minutes to many Black Hill attractions such as Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse monument. The hotel offers a country ambiance and friendly service, making it perfect for a comfortable family stay. The hotel staff alone provided some great local tips that helped us maximize our short vacation to the Black Hills. Check the Hilton Garden Inn Rapid City on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Hilton Garden Inn Rapid City for reviews, prices, and availability.

In this part, we explained five different hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Denver to Mount Rushmore. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by writing a comment to this post. It will help people who will take the same Denver to Mount Rushmore route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Denver to Mount Rushmore. We have six restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

6 Best Restaurants On The Way To Mount Rushmore From Denver

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Denver to Mount Rushmore road trip. In this section, we list the six different restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Denver to Mount Rushmore. Stay hungry and enjoy!

1. Corinne Restaurant: We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on the road trip from Denver to Mount Rushmore with Corinne Restaurant. Corinne Restaurant is located in Denver, Colorado, and is 0.4 miles from Denver. Therefore, it would take 4 mins to drive. The service was excellent, and the decor was beautiful. The tables and chairs were well-made, and the lighting was perfect for a romantic evening. I had the beet salad to start, and my partner had the Caesar. Both dishes were very generous in size, with plenty of truffle flavor throughout both items. For my main course, I ordered the truffle bucatini, which was exquisite – delicate yet richly flavored with just enough garlic to enhance the taste without overpowering it. We would highly recommend dining at this restaurant for a special occasion! For more information about Corinne Restaurant, you can visit the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Corinne Restaurant.
2. Donut Haus, Colorado: Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Mount Rushmore from Denver is Donut Haus, Colorado. Located in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Donut Haus, Colorado, is 53.4 miles from Denver and would take 1 hour of driving. The donuts are great; they are tasty and fresh. The two young men working were polite and treated the customers well. If you want to learn more about Donut Haus, Colorado, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
3. The Silver Grill Cafe: Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is The Silver Grill Cafe. It will take 1 hour 10 mins of car drive to take 64.3 miles from Denver to The Silver Grill Cafe, Fort Collins, Colorado. Cinnamon roll French toast is a delicious and budget-friendly meal option. The hostess and waiter were both polite and helpful, providing excellent service. You can check The Silver Grill Cafe on TripAdvisor or Google Maps for more information.
4. Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant, Cheyenne: Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant, Cheyenne deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The service was slow for coming before 5 pm on a mid-week afternoon. However, the margaritas were giant, and the chips with salsa and beans were enjoyed. The carne asada was cooked well. Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant, Cheyenne, is 105 miles away from Denver, and it would take 1 hour and 42 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant, Cheyenne, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
5. Black Hills Burger and Bun Co.: If you enjoy dining, Black Hills Burger and Bun Co. would be an excellent choice in Rapid City, South Dakota. It’s 347 miles from Denver and would take 5 hours and 25 mins of car driving. Everything about our lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings was great. The burger was cooked perfectly and seasoned to perfection. The fries were delicious, and we also enjoyed a chocolate shake that was large and very satisfying. The employees were all kind and helpful, making it easy to enjoy our meal. Additionally, the bathrooms were clean – something that is always appreciated! If you want to learn more about Black Hills Burger and Bun Co., you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
6. Colonial House Restaurant & Bar: Another restaurant we recommend visiting on the road trip from Denver to Mount Rushmore is Colonial House Restaurant & Bar, Custer, South Dakota. It will take 6 hours and 4 mins of driving to reach Colonial House Restaurant & Bar from Denver. We enjoyed our meal at this restaurant. The burgers, fries, and shrimp were all great. The menu had a good variety of choices, the food was delicious, and the price was reasonable. We also appreciated the convenience of the location. For more information about Colonial House Restaurant & Bar, you can check the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of the restaurant.

This section lists our six restaurant recommendations for you to eat on your road trip from Denver to Mount Rushmore. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 367 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant from the list according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a Mount Rushmore road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Denver to Mount Rushmore. Keep reading.

7 Places To Visit On The Way From Denver To Mount Rushmore

A unique experience awaits you on Mount Rushmore. However, on your road trip, there are also some unique destinations, like Denver, Colorado. We want to explain the top seven destinations we recommend on the Mount Rushmore route.

• Denver Botanic Gardens: Denver Botanic Gardens will be the first destination we recommend you to stop by on your Denver to Mount Rushmore road trip. Located in Denver, Colorado, Denver Botanic Gardens is 2.2 miles away from Denver, and it would take 9 mins to drive. The Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street offers a wide range of gardens and collections that illustrate an ever-widening diversity of plants from all corners of the world. The gardens are stunning, with both local and tropical plant selection views! The cactus house was incredibly cool. It’s reasonably priced, with free parking. If you want to learn more about the Denver Botanic Gardens, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• Trail Ridge Road: Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, is one of the destinations we recommend you to stop by on the Denver to Mount Rushmore route. It’s 82.6 miles from Denver, and it’ll take about 2 hours and 3 mins to drive. This was an incredible drive! The photos included in these reviews show you the beauty of this park and the views of this drive. My review is primarily for people who are afraid of heights. I have been up Pike Peak and also the northern Pacific Coast Highway. If you want to learn more about Trail Ridge Road, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website.
• New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins: One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Denver to Mount Rushmore is Fort Collins, Colorado. And if you visit Fort Collins, Colorado, we suggest you visit New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins. You can arrive at New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins, after 1 hour and 9 mins of driving. I spent the afternoon touring a local brewery and sampled some of their beers afterward. The tour was comprehensive and informative, and I learned much about the brewing process. There were around 30 different beers available after the tour, so it was an enjoyable experience. You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins, for more information.
• Wyoming State Museum: Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Wyoming State Museum, Cheyenne, Wyoming, on the road trip from Denver to Mount Rushmore. Wyoming State Museum is 101 miles from Denver, and you can arrive there after the 1 hour 39 mins of drive. The Wyoming State Museum is a great place to explore if you’re in the area. There are currently some renovations, but the museum still has many interesting artifacts. The building is very close to the state capital, so it’s a great option if you want to visit both places in one trip. In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Wyoming State Museum before going there.
• Keystone, South Dakota: Located in Rapid City, South Dakota, Keystone, South Dakota, ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the Mount Rushmore road trip. You must take 5 hours and 56 mins of driving to arrive at Keystone, South Dakota. Gutzon Borglum is best known for carving Mount Rushmore, a mountain in South Dakota that features the faces of four American presidents – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. If you want to learn more about Keystone, South Dakota, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• Custer State Park: Another attraction you can visit on the road trip from Denver to Mount Rushmore is Custer State Park, Custer, South Dakota. Custer State Park is 361 miles from Denver and would take 5 hours and 48 mins to drive. This 73,000-acre wilderness is a great place to visit for its scenic views and abundant wildlife. If you’re interested, there are many great trails to hike, and it’s not overly populated. The drive through the park was beautiful. You can check their TripAdvisor page or official website for more information about Custer State Park.
• Black Hills National Forest: You can visit many destinations on your Denver to Mount Rushmore journey. One of these destinations is Black Hills National Forest, located in Custer, South Dakota. You can arrive at Black Hills National Forest after 5 hours and 57 mins of driving. The Black Hills National Forest is a large forested area in South Dakota and Wyoming. It features beautiful mountains, scenic drives, and excellent hiking trails. Lakes, streams, campsites, and picnic areas are also available for visitors to enjoy. I highly recommend a visit to this forest! If you want to read the reviews of previous visitors about Black Hills National Forest, you can visit Black Hills National Forest’s TripAdvisor page or their website.

FAQ of the Road Trip From Denver to Mount Rushmore

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the Denver to Mount Rushmore drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Denver To Mount Rushmore?

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the road trip takes approximately 5 hours and 50 mins to drive. The distance between Denver to Mount Rushmore is 367 miles.
• If you want to make the Denver to Mount Rushmore road trip by bike, the time you spend on the road will be one day and 7 hours.
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Denver-Mount Rushmore route, you will have to walk for four days and 18 hours.

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Denver To Mount Rushmore?

There are many beautiful pit stops along the way to Mount Rushmore. Here we list seven of them. For more information about the best places on the Denver to Mount Rushmore journey, you can check the 7 Best Places To Visit On The Way From Denver To Mount Rushmore.

1. Denver Botanic Gardens: 2.2 miles / 9 mins to drive from Denver | 369 miles / 5 hours 53 mins of driving to Mount Rushmore.
2. Trail Ridge Road: 82.6 miles / 2 hours 3 mins to drive from Denver | 370 miles / 6 hours 29 mins of driving to Mount Rushmore.
3. New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins: 64.6 miles / 1 hour 9 mins to drive from Denver | 311 miles / 4 hours 58 mins of driving to Mount Rushmore.
4. Wyoming State Museum: 101 miles / 1 hour 39 mins to drive from Denver | 267 miles / 4 hours 20 mins of driving to Mount Rushmore.
5. Keystone, South Dakota: 370 miles / 5 hours 56 mins to drive from Denver | 3.2 miles / 9 mins of driving to Mount Rushmore.
6. Custer State Park: 361 miles / 5 hours 48 mins to drive from Denver | 19.4 miles / 41 mins of driving to Mount Rushmore.
7. Black Hills National Forest: 366 miles / 5 hours 57 mins to drive from Denver | 17.5 miles / 34 mins of driving to Mount Rushmore.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Denver To Mount Rushmore?

There are many excellent hotels during your Denver to Mount Rushmore road trip. We have selected five hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 5 Best Hotels On The Way To Mount Rushmore From Denver section.

• The Oxford Hotel: 1.2 miles / 9 mins to drive from Denver | 365 miles / 5 hours 45 mins of driving to Mount Rushmore.
• The Elizabeth Hotel, Autograph Collection: 64.1 miles / 1 hour 9 mins to drive from Denver | 311 miles / 4 hours 58 mins of driving to Mount Rushmore.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Cheyenne: 104 miles / 1 hour 42 mins to drive from Denver | 267 miles / 4 hours 20 mins of driving to Mount Rushmore.
• Super 8 by Wyndham Custer: 347 miles / 5 hours 24 mins to drive from Denver | 20.6 miles / 30 mins of going to Mount Rushmore.
• Hilton Garden Inn Rapid City: 390 miles / 6 hours 9 mins to drive from Denver | 27.3 miles / 41 mins of driving to Mount Rushmore.

Where To Eat Between Denver to Mount Rushmore?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Denver to Mount Rushmore journey, you can consider the six restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 6 Best Restaurants On The Way From Denver To Mount Rushmore.

1. Corinne Restaurant: 0.4 miles / 4 mins to drive from Denver | 367 miles / 5 hours 49 mins of driving to Mount Rushmore.
2. Donut Haus, Colorado: 53.4 miles / 1 hour 1 min to drive from Denver | 323 miles / 5 hours 12 mins of driving to Mount Rushmore.
3. The Silver Grill Cafe: 64.3 miles / 1 hour 10 mins to drive from Denver | 311 miles / 4 hours 58 mins of driving to Mount Rushmore.
4. Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant, Cheyenne: 105 miles / 1 hour 42 mins to drive from Denver | 267 miles / 4 hours 19 mins of driving to Mount Rushmore.
5. Black Hills Burger and Bun Co.: 347 miles / 5 hours 25 mins to drive from Denver | 19.7 miles / 28 mins of driving to Mount Rushmore.
6. Colonial House Restaurant & Bar: 387 miles / 6 hours 4 mins to drive from Denver | 21.9 miles / 28 mins of driving to Mount Rushmore.

Conclusion

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Denver to Mount Rushmore. We have listed five hotels, six restaurants, and seven places to visit on the way. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from Denver to Mount Rushmore as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken a road trip from Denver to Mount Rushmore? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Denver to Mount Rushmore and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.