kenievans Loc: Dallas

First I would like to say that yes I have done my research online for our trip but I would like to hear from others who have been there as well. Going the last week of April. I have a Canon T6 and taking my 18-135mm zoom along with my 50mm prime. I also have a 55-250mm and a kit 70-300 but planning on leaving those at home. I have had my camera for 2 years so not a lot of experience but I have the basics down.

We are not big hikers so I dont see spending more than a couple of hours at Mt Rushmore. What is the best time of day and is there a particular place for the best shots?

Thinking about driving to Devil's Tower. Its a 2 1/2 hour drive to get there. Is it worth the drive? Anything else I should look for on the way?

Will spend a couple of hours in Cheyenne. Anything a must?

Planning a hot air balloon ride in Taos. Taking just the camera and one lens. The 18-135mm or the 50mm?

Your suggestions would really be appreciated. Snarkers welcome to respond if helpful info is included.

Almostageezer Loc: USA

When you get to Denver there is Georgetown about 50 miles west. They have the Georgetown loop railroad for a nice ride that is not too long. The town is scenic as well.

BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

I found the Crazy Horse project to be quite interesting.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

There are two marvelous caves near Mt. Rushmore. I forget the names but they are National Parks.

Also a drive by Crazy Horse is worth it. They wanted too much to go in for me but you can photograph from the road.

Many Bison in the Black Hills.

Big Horn Sheep in Badlands National Park. You’ll want your 300.

You’ll also want the 55-250 for the balloon ride.

Of course Devils Tower is worth it.

treadwl Loc: South Florida

devils Tower is worth it---so are the prairie dog colonies on the approaching roads (you will need that 300mm). Devil's Tower is best at sunrise or sunset, you need that directional light to make the grooves look more dramatic. Storms work well as background. Don't just take postcard shots and closeups , get the environment and perhaps the river for foreground. It is round and you can easily get completely around it, so you can always find a spot where the light is good. It looks great at night with stars above it (wide angle lens and tripod required)

the hiker Loc: San Diego

Custers battlefield is in the area its worth the trip.

Black Elk Peak

Devils Tower is well worth the trip. Also, you will be near The Badlands. An awesome place.

Vaughan K.

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

All the fine gentlemen of Mt Rushmore are looking East. Early hours then would of course be the best. On the other hand overcast days are frequent in April and if that's the case you'll be working with soft and fairly even light most of the day.

Usually visitors shoot from the park areas. It's been a long time since I've been there (Used to visit an uncle in Rapid City) but for my tastes I felt some of the better images I got were from the roads leading to the park, as I was able to include parts of the local mountains to show the setting.

gwong1 Loc: Tampa, FL

You should consider Custer State Park. PM me if you want more information. There are tunnels you can drive through that give you a good look at Rushmore through the tunnel.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

tripadvisor.com

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

18-135mm.
50mm is a complete waste of time and effort.

ken patton Loc: Portland, OR

Hi, I spend a couple of weeks in the Blackhills area every year. I was stationed as Ellsworth AFB in the late 70’s as well. I suggest seeing Mt Rushmore 1st. Morning is best for shots as the faces face east. The “Iron Mt Road” drive has several tunnels and pull outs for photo shots. Save Crazy Horse Memorial for after Mt Rushmore visit. It is very interesting and the Indian museum has artifacts from almost all of the North American tribes. There’s also an artists section with displays and history of the ongoing carving. It can take all day to see everything...there’s even a trip to the top of the carving if you want to pay their price. Day 2– drive through Custer State Park. Opens at 7am. Bring a 10lb bag of carrots for the wild burro’s. Drive the “wildlife loop road” SLOWLY....15-20 mph. Lots of pronghorn antelope, bison (will be calving at this time of year), whitetail deer, mule deer, if you’re lucky elk and bighorn sheep. There’s also mt goats over by Rushmore. I’ve been surrounded by the bison herd so don’t be surprised if you find yourself in that situation. The visitors center is a great place to stop. Manned by volunteers with lots of info. Be aware that the weather can be unpredictable. Fastest way to get to CusterSP, Iron Mt road and CrazyHorse is HWY 79.

wds0410 Loc: Nunya

I will second the Custer State Park visit. Also, Deadwood is in the vicinity and that is worth a trip. Devils Tower is also pretty interesting.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

If you’re not taking your other lenses, then the 18-135 for the hot air balloon. However, for wildlife, you’ll quickly find that that lens won’t give you enough reach. I would take the 18-135 and the 70-300 and the 50.

jwm1944 Loc: Maryland

Spearfish Canyon!!