Iron Mountain Road

"The Iron Mountain Road is a 17-mile stretch that connects Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, and the town of Keystone. This road is famous for its stunning views, engineering marvels, and unique features. Here's what to expect: Spectacular Scenic Views: Iron Mountain Road offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including granite cliffs, forests, and distant peaks. The road is intentionally designed to showcase the natural beauty of the Black Hills, with carefully planned tunnels and pigtail bridges that frame the stunning vistas. Pigtail Bridges: One of the most distinctive features of the Iron Mountain Road is its series of pigtail bridges. These bridges loop around and under themselves to allow the road to gain elevation quickly in a small space. These bridges not only serve as engineering marvels but also provide fantastic viewpoints of the surrounding landscape. Tunnels: Similar to Needles Highway, the Iron Mountain Road features narrow tunnels that are strategically aligned to frame views of Mount Rushmore. These tunnels perfectly frame the presidential faces, creating a picturesque and iconic view of the monument in the distance. Like Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road might be closed during the winter months due to snow and icy conditions. It's typically open from late spring to early fall, weather permitting. The road, with its curves and turns, is known for being both a challenging and exhilarating drive. It winds through the landscape, providing drivers with an adventure that's both scenic and engaging."