Keystone, SD: Pinnacle Zipline Tour by Mt. Rushmore

Rushmore looks different from a cable. This two-hour zipline tour takes you above the Black Hills, where you ride a chairlift to the summit and zip down five side-by-side lines. I like the rare Mount Rushmore views and the small-group setup, limited to 10 people. I also like that two guides stay with the group, adding instruction, encouragement, and a bit of humor.

The main consideration is that this is an active adventure, not a sightseeing ride with a quick zipline added on. You can reach speeds of 40 mph and rise as high as 400 feet above the ground. If heights make you uneasy, the chairlift and elevated lines may feel like a lot. Guides including Davy, Jeff, Shane, David, and Edwin have earned especially warm praise for making the experience feel safe and fun.

Key points to know before you book

• Three of five ziplines face Mount Rushmore: You do not just ride near the monument. Several lines give you a direct view while you are in motion.
• The tour starts with a chairlift: Your first ride carries you to the summit before the zipline section begins.
• Speeds reach up to 40 mph: Expect a real thrill ride, with some lines reaching roughly 400 feet above the ground.
• Two guides lead a group of up to 10: The limited group size allows the guides to explain the process and keep the activity moving.
• The $140 price covers the full ride setup: Your fee includes the chairlift, five zipline rides, two guides, a harness, helmet, and zip trolley.
• Closed-toe shoes are required: Leave hats, alcohol, and drugs behind, and plan to sign a liability waiver before starting.

Why this zipline is different near Mount Rushmore

Most people reach Mount Rushmore by car, walk to the viewing area, and look up at the carved faces. Here, you approach the sight from above and from a moving cable. That makes the monument part of the activity rather than just a backdrop at the end of a road.

The company describes this as the only zipline in the world with views of Mount Rushmore. That is a strong claim, but the basic experience is clear: three of the five lines include views of the monument. You are not promised a long, quiet viewing session. Instead, you may catch the granite faces as you glide past, with the Black Hills spread around you.

I like that the tour gives you several chances to enjoy the setting. One zipline could feel like a novelty. Five lines create a full outing, with time to settle into the equipment and become more comfortable as the rides continue. The first run may bring the biggest nerves. By the later lines, you have had time to understand the motion and focus more on the scenery.

Arriving at Rushmore Tramway Adventures

Your first stop is the waiver tent. After that, go to the sales window. Build in enough time to complete these steps before your scheduled start, since the activity requires a liability waiver.

The meeting process is simple, but the order matters. Do not head straight to the zipline area without checking in first. The staff need to confirm your participation, provide the required equipment, and organize the group before the chairlift ride.

The tour is conducted in English. A small group of up to 10 participants is a useful middle ground. You get more personal attention than on a large ride, but this is not a one-person private outing. If you are traveling with family or friends, the limited size should help keep the group together.

The chairlift ride to the summit

The chairlift is the opening act. It carries you to the top of the summit before you begin the five zipline rides. This gives you a slower first look at the Black Hills and lets the guides prepare you for the faster part of the tour.

For some people, the chairlift may be the calmest part of the experience. For others, sitting above the ground before the ziplining begins could be the moment when the height feels most real. The tour reaches as high as 400 feet in the air, so I would not treat the chairlift as a minor detail if you are sensitive to heights.

Once you reach the top, the guides get you ready with the included harness, helmet, and zip trolley. You do not need to bring that equipment. Your job is to wear suitable clothing, listen closely, and arrive in closed-toe shoes.

Five ziplines, with three Mount Rushmore views

The heart of the tour is five side-by-side ziplines. The side-by-side design helps make the ride social. You may be able to travel alongside another person, rather than riding alone on a single cable while the group waits below.

Three of the five lines provide views of Mount Rushmore. That split is worth understanding before you book. Every line is part of the adventure, but not every line offers the monument view. The other two still add speed and height to the outing, while the three Rushmore-facing lines supply the signature feature.

Speeds reach up to 40 mph. That is quick enough to make each run feel like a proper ride, but the tour is still guided from beginning to end. You will not be left to guess how the equipment works. The two guides explain what you need to do and help the group move from one line to the next.

The 400-foot height also changes how you experience the setting. At ground level, the Black Hills can seem wooded and close. From the cables, you get a wider view and a stronger sense of the hills dropping away below you. The scenery is a major part of the value, especially on a clear day.

Guides who make the difference

A zipline tour depends heavily on its guides. Equipment and scenery matter, but a rushed or unclear briefing can make the activity stressful. Here, Davy and Jeff have been praised for being experienced, entertaining, and reassuring. Shane and David have also received strong praise, as have Shane and Edwin.

That repeated attention to the guide team is important. You want people who can explain the ride before you leave the platform, keep the tone upbeat, and respond calmly when someone feels nervous. The feedback points to guides who take both the fun and the safety briefing seriously.

I would still listen carefully even if you have zip-lined before. The tour has its own equipment and procedures, and the guides are the people who explain how this specific activity works. The fact that one person had already done the experience at Tramway Adventures and wanted to return suggests that repeat riders can find enough enjoyment in the five-line format.

What the $140 price really includes

The price is $140 per person. That is not a cheap add-on, so you should judge it against the length and contents of the outing rather than comparing it with a short single zipline ride.

Your fee includes:

• The chairlift ride to the summit
• Five zipline rides
• Two guides
• A harness
• A helmet
• A zip trolley

You are paying for roughly two hours of organized activity, not simply a few seconds on a cable. The chairlift, equipment fitting, instructions, transitions between lines, and five runs all form one package.

I see the strongest value for someone who already plans to spend time in Keystone or near Mount Rushmore and wants a memorable activity beyond the usual monument visit. If you only want a quick look at Mount Rushmore, the price may feel high. If you want a major part of your day to be active, scenic, and unusual, the five rides make the cost easier to justify.

The price does not include a water bottle or sunscreen. Those are small expenses, but they matter in the Black Hills, where an outdoor activity can leave you wanting both. Bring your own water and apply sunscreen before you start.

The right clothing and physical expectations

Closed-toe shoes are required. Choose practical footwear that stays secure while you move through the equipment and platforms. Sandals and open shoes are not allowed under the stated rules.

Hats are not allowed, and alcohol and drugs are prohibited. The tour also requires a liability waiver. These rules are easy to follow, but you should know them before arriving so you do not have to make last-minute changes.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users. The supplied information does not provide a detailed list of other physical requirements, age limits, or weight limits, so contact the operator if any member of your group has a concern that is not covered here.

I would choose this for people who enjoy heights, speed, and a guided outdoor challenge. It can work well for a family, as the experience is specifically presented as family-friendly, but every participant should be comfortable with the basic demands of a chairlift and five elevated rides.

A two-hour plan with a good pace

The stated duration is two hours. That is long enough to feel like a full activity while still leaving room in your day for Mount Rushmore, Keystone, or another Black Hills stop.

The exact starting times depend on availability. Since space is limited, I would reserve ahead rather than assume you can walk up and find an open place. The small group size is part of the appeal, and it also means spaces can disappear during busy periods.

The outing has a natural rhythm:

• Check in at the waiver tent and sales window.
• Meet the two guides and receive your equipment.
• Ride the chairlift to the summit.
• Learn the zipline procedure.
• Ride five lines, including three with Mount Rushmore views.
• Return after the final run, with the full activity lasting about two hours.

The experience should feel more substantial than a quick photo stop, but it is not an all-day Black Hills tour. I like that balance. You get a focused burst of adventure without giving up the rest of your sightseeing schedule.

How the views compare with a normal Mount Rushmore visit

A conventional Mount Rushmore visit gives you a stable viewing area and time to examine the sculpture. This zipline tour gives you a moving, elevated view, so the two experiences do different jobs.

You should not book the zipline as a replacement for every traditional Mount Rushmore stop. The point here is the unusual angle and the thrill of passing through the setting. If you want time to stand quietly and study the monument, plan a separate visit.

What this tour adds is a sense of scale. You see the monument as part of the Black Hills rather than as an isolated wall of granite. The chairlift and cables create changing views, and the motion makes the sight harder to forget.

That combination explains why the experience has earned a perfect rating from the available feedback. The strongest praise focuses on three things: the unusual Mount Rushmore connection, the fun of the rides, and the guide team. Those are exactly the features that make this more than a standard zipline course.

Cancellation and booking flexibility

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Black Hills plans are still shifting.

That flexibility is useful for an outdoor activity. You may want to wait until you have a clearer idea of your schedule, but limited space is a reason not to leave the reservation until the last minute. Check the available start times when you book.

Who should book this experience?

I would book it if you want a high-energy way to see the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore. It is especially suited to people who enjoy guided adventure, want several rides instead of one short zip, and like the idea of sharing side-by-side lines with a small group.

Families may appreciate the clear two-hour format and the presence of two guides. Friends and couples may enjoy the side-by-side setup. Repeat zipline riders could also find the five-line course worthwhile, particularly if they want the Mount Rushmore setting.

I would think twice if you dislike heights, want a quiet monument visit, use a wheelchair, or are pregnant. The price also deserves attention. At $140 per person, this is a planned activity, not a casual impulse stop.

Should you book the Pinnacle Zipline Tour?

Yes, if you want your Mount Rushmore visit to include speed, height, and a memorable change of viewpoint. The combination of a chairlift, five ziplines, three monument-view lines, and a small group gives you a full two-hour experience rather than a quick thrill.

The best reason to book is the setting. You are not simply riding a zipline in a generic outdoor park. You are moving through the Black Hills with Mount Rushmore appearing along the route. Add the consistently praised guides, including Davy, Jeff, Shane, David, and Edwin, and the tour has a strong case for active visitors.

Skip it if your priority is a calm, traditional monument visit or if $140 feels too high for an adventure activity. For everyone else, bring closed-toe shoes, water, and sunscreen, then prepare to see one of South Dakota’s best-known sights from a much less ordinary angle.

FAQ

How long is the Pinnacle Zipline Tour?

The tour lasts two hours.

How many ziplines are included?

You ride five ziplines during the experience.

Can you see Mount Rushmore from the ziplines?

Yes. Three of the five ziplines have views of Mount Rushmore.

How fast do the ziplines go?

Speeds reach up to 40 mph.

How high above the ground can the tour go?

At times, you can be as high as 400 feet in the air.

What is included in the $140 price?

The price includes the chairlift ride, five zipline rides, two guides, a harness, a helmet, and a zip trolley.

What should you bring?

Bring closed-toe shoes, a water bottle, and sunscreen. Water and sunscreen are not included.

Who cannot take this tour?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users. Hats, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed, and every participant must complete a liability waiver.