South Dakota Road Trip - the most INSANE hiking weather, visiting Mt. Rushmore, and camping!

On this road trip through South Dakota, we went to Mt. Rushmore and then camped and hiked in Custer State Park. We ended the trip with a cave tour at Wind Cave National Park!
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Amanda Outside: Sharing camping and hiking tips and food ideas so you can get outside more... and eat great food while you're at it!

[@acm5739]

As always, love your energy and the childlike wonder you bring into the wild. Our world would be a better place if we all kept that kind of curiosity and earnestness into adulthood-- thanks for sharing yours! And as an aside, your hair is looking especially gorgeous lately, so healthy!

[@ParadoxAssassin]

Loved the video and editing - you captured the moments very well! The black Hills / Custer State Park are so beautiful. Black Elk Peak is a nice moderate hike and so worth the view, but the weather can get nasty. It hailed on me last time I was there. Little Devil’s Tower and the Cathedral Spires are great too.

[@amanda.outside]

So glad you enjoyed this one! We had the best trip and I cannot wait to go back. It was beautiful! There's so much more to see and do, I feel like I only scratched the surface.

[@sharrison3974]

Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us. Really appreciate the attention and care that goes into making such a great vlog.

[@mendyviola]

I love those bags to blow up inflatables with. They are a game changer. Back in my early days you had the option of your lungs, a battery operated pump, or a bicycle pump.

[@alisoncarey9546]

Just love your videos, both your energy is just contagious. Ready for hiking this weekend. Thank you both for sharing such beauty ❤

[@skipandersen7202]

For those that go to Devils Tower and Custer State Park, it's fun to hike around WY Devils Tower and hike Custer SP trail to Little Devils Tower. Always fun the find name sake locations.

[@alyssagibson7077]

Thank you so much for sharing all of your adventures with us. Please consider sharing more native american history, especially in a place like SD where they defaced sacred land. We are on native land and should remind others of such.

[@EveaGornall]

Love the music and the editing, really feels like a nature documentary taking you on a journey with a story 🙌

[@gumgirlcam9719]

Started my day with your awesome video - the close-up of the bisons & prairie dogs was stellar. Great editing too!

[@jenniferlaatsch9432]

I'm so happy you came to my home!! I hope you loved it as much as I do!!

[@StephsHealthMatters]

so relaxing!

[@judyweaver6466]

It looks like you had a great time. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@barrygraber9776]

Nice trip. Thanks for taking me along

[@rozefit]

Super rad video guys! Looking forward to exploring South Dakota. Appreciate all of your great camping tips as well! Cheers, Jakob

[@JJ-xd8hk]

The next time you and Nick travel to the Black Hills (Paha Sapa) you may enjoy visiting Bear Butte, just northeast of Sturgis. It is a very important place for the Lakota people as are all of the Black Hills. As some other people have mentioned, the Crazy Horse Memorial is pretty impressive, too. Take some time to read more about the Lakota and other tribes' (Crow and Northern Cheyenne) history of the region. There are some excellent books (he writes fictional novels and non-fiction histories) by Joe Marshall, who is Oglala Lakota.

[@amanda.outside]

Thank you for the book recommendations! I love learning more about the history of these regions.

[@KCandtheOverlanders]

Yes! We were fortunate enough last summer to attend an evening program at Wind Cave with Darrell Red Cloud. It was fascinating and moving to learn why this area is so important to the Lakota People. Great video Amanda! It’s nice to see you venturing in SD!

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

That looks awesome. Each of these kind of videos makes my desire to visit the States grow more and more.

[@dulcehernandez8228]

What an enjoyable video! Thank you 😊

[@helenvwalker7919]

Great video. We took our kids here many years ago on a trip from England. You brought back many happy memories. Thank you Amanda.

[@angelatroutman7128]

Love love LOVE! This is the all time best video! Good job ya'll!!!

[@courtneymckinney9264]

Found your videos this week, while isolated and recovering from Covid. Love your content, enthusiasm, and food!! You've kept me entertained and inspired and I'm feeling much better. Can't wait to get back out there!! Thanks and keep it coming.

[@tikoy1955]

Good video. Neat trip and looks like you both enjoyed it.

[@Wondering_Fireball]

Another great video, full of information. Being a long time camper, I love the little tips you give for meals and other ways to save money!

[@dm7479]

Thank you so much. Great video. I love how you get out see the world and share it with us. 🇺🇸

[@wildernessfieldjournal8211]

Fantastic trip video! I love how you captured the interaction betwwen the parrie dogs and cyote. I've seen the parrie dogs of South Dakoda myself and they are very entertaining. Great music and photography.

[@gennyslyk5221]

Beautiful video and very good choices pf music too 😌 Thanks

[@nicholeritchey1383]

It's so beautiful there and hiking in the fog seemed like such a crazy adventure! The bison and prairie dogs are fun to watch. We often see them while camping in Caprock Canyons State Park (Texas). Clarity Tunnel (nearby Caprock) is the home to a colony of Mexican Free-tail bats. It's really neat to watch them emerge from the tunnel at dusk.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Just beautiful!

[@jennerzlistens1522]

This was fantastic 😍 absolutely loved the cinematography and the story you shared!

[@amanda.outside]

Thank you so much!! 😊

[@LMay64]

Awesome trip - great video!

[@Tastewithnewdrinks]

Amazing adventure.

[@nancystrickland1623]

Yes you can see the clouds going by. Thanks for sharing!!

[@amanda.outside]

You're welcome! Thanks for commenting. That weather on the hike was crazy, but it's cool looking back on it now!

[@StephanieHughesDesign]

I have visited and hiked the area myself. Diverse with Custer State Park, Black Hills, Mt Rushmore. Love the Indian history and culture there too with Chief Crazy Horse monument and small towns. Thank you for sharing the beauty. Awesome video.

[@sburn2871]

Great video!

[@tiffanyschoenrock1904]

Thank you for highlighting my beautiful home state with such an amazing video. You’re so awesome.

[@amanda.outside]

SD is such a beautiful state! I cannot wait to go back one day 😁

[@tacoma_jon]

Absolutely beautiful area. Thanks for sharing Amanda.

[@amanda.outside]

You're welcome! It really was so beautiful. I cannot wait to go back!

[@leslieminkler7748]

Nice. I’ve wanted to do that trip for awhile. I only made it to the Badlands which were pretty incredible. Next time I’ll make it to the Black Hills.

[@daphlavor]

As you know (from your state) that weather in the mountains can change at moments notice. Some hikers in Maine recently weren’t as lucky and did not survive the harsh weather. So always prepare for extremes. Otherwise great vlog! Thanks

[@abd-y5011]

I really really love your hiking videos.

[@ervinslens]

Wow I'm so stunned about this video! Awesome job, narration and shots are fantastic.

[@amanda.outside]

Thank you!! I appreciate that 😊

[@nbrah26]

So glad you posted this! I'm currently in Custer State Park and just went to Mt Rushmore yesterday (4th of July). We also did the Needles Highway and are doing a hike and Jewel Cave tomorrow. It's a beautiful area.

[@amanda.outside]

It's so beautiful! We had the best trip and I definitely can't wait to go back!

[@simco75248]

Did almost the same trip just a few years ago. Our final destination was the Badlands NP. What a sight, what a trip. Thanks for giving me the chance to relive it.

[@amanda.outside]

On my next trip I definitely want to stop at the Badlands! Glad you enjoyed the video 😁

[@tortoisebeauty]

We are in the dead of summer here in South Louisiana and literally day dreaming every single day about fall and winter camping and this video made my whole week! Going organize come gear to keep the good vibes going. The effort you put into capturing these moments is phenomenal!

[@amanda.outside]

Thank you Ella! So glad you liked the video. It was such a fun trip and I'm grateful I get to share it here!

[@TheHikingChick1]

Great itinerary! Mt. Rushmore is on my bucket list snd now I know where else to go too! Beautiful video! 😍 🌻💛

[@amanda.outside]

There is so much to see and do in that area, but we felt like our itinerary was perfect! We got to see and do a lot, but we never felt rushed. I cannot wait to go back and explore more!

[@dlr77]

Hello Amanda thanks for sharing 👍 😊 never would have thought of south Dakota for a trip but looked pretty cool

[@amanda.outside]

It was so beautiful! There’s so much more to see and do in that area. I definitely want to go back!

[@whitleyrobertson7070]

Great story, thanks so much, one of my favorite places to be….and Devils Tower ….incredible!

[@amanda.outside]

So incredible!! This whole trip was just so beautiful and different than anywhere else I've been. Thank you for commenting!

[@tonyregalado5293]

My wife and I were there last July. We only had 3 days in Custer but went to Custer state park, Mt Rushmore Crazy Horse. And the Wildlife loop. I am homesick for Vacation this summer.😔

[@fldays6798]

Wow beautiful thanks for sharing keep the cameras rolling from Florida

[@debbiehowell5354]

Very beautiful video. Thank you 😊

[@wildearthwoman]

We were at Devils Tower just last week! We hiked the Red Beds trail around the Tower(about 3 miles). It really is impressive! About 10 years ago we went on a camping trip to South Dakota and did most of the sights that you featured in your video. At Wind Cave National Park we pulled into the little parking lot and were immediately surrounded by bison. It was so amazing to see them up so close! They were sniffing and licking the windows of our car! I’ve never seen a bison up that close. Thank you so much for sharing this video; it brought back so many memories. :-)

[@amanda.outside]

I love how videos can bring back travel memories. It was definitely a special trip for us! We did the hike around the tower and loved it! It was so beautiful and peaceful. Devils Tower was a little out of the way on our drive home, but I'm so glad we stopped!

[@raquel.303]

Wonderful video! Glad you guys stuck it out for that view! I have family in spearfish, SD. Definitely suggest to add spearfish canyon to the list next time! Such a beautiful area!

[@amanda.outside]

We definitely want to go back to SD. We only had a few days, but I know there is so much more to explore!

[@JasonGage]

Great job on the video. Loved the background music as well

[@amanda.outside]

It took me a really long time to find the right music for this one. Glad you liked it! 🤗

[@JasonGage]

@@amanda.outside yw. I'm actually camping at Cape Cod Massachusetts right now. I'm going to try your burritos. They looked really good!

[@elainelamle2086]

You should really go up to see Devil’s Tower in Hulett, WY! It is a great hike around the base plus if you are a rock climber, you can do that too. You will have to check the schedules for sure.

[@mandyinseattle]

So cool! Thanks for taking us along. I couldn't stop smiling. The baby bison are adorable, and I liked the coyote and the prairie dogs. Do you hike in sandals for miles and miles?

[@LTL_king]

When I was there many moons ago. Went over to crazy horse and we saw people walking just out in front of his face on his arm. Even using the pay for binoculars. All we could tell was there was a black shadow moving around up there. Yes they are HUGE It's like looking at the Statue of Liberty from a few miles away.

[@amanda.outside]

Yea I was so impressed with the carvings! I still can't believe the scale. We wanted to stop at Crazy Horse on this trip too, but we just couldn't fit everything in, so that's on the list for next time!

[@adventureawaits5003]

Awesome video ☝️

[@mandyinseattle]

The camera work is always beautiful.

[@janefm9220]

I was just there a few weeks ago. South Dakota is so underrated. Loved seeing your perspective of the area 🥾

[@amanda.outside]

It was so beautiful! I definitely want to go back someday!

[@janefm9220]

Me too!

[@madisonolson1487]

I was just hiking Black elk peak it is a beautiful sight to see!

[@amanda.outside]

So beautiful!! The 360 degree views are hard to beat!

[@lvmtb]

We will be there later this month.we are so excited love the chanel

[@amanda.outside]

I hope you have the best trip!! 🤗

[@lvmtb]

@@amanda.outside Thank you

[@StephsHealthMatters]

cool video. 🎉😊

[@frankmarullo228]

Good video Amanda,, I head off from billings every year to see Mr. Rushmore. ( during sturgis ofcours ) sorry I'm a day late in watching.. THANK you Frank from montana.......

[@amanda.outside]

Mt. Rushmore was so cool! I'm really glad we finally got to see it! Thanks for commenting Frank!

[@garyfrederick7607]

a good trip you should have done was from Spearfish all the way down the canyon down to Pactola Lake and see the history of The town of Pactola at the visitors center..... to Crazy horse and end in Edgemont where the only town in the world in where there is WW2 bunkers, and people now live in them. And in between all this,.....???? is falls,... spires, trails, Mount Rushmore, which you saw and paid for the high priced parking, Needles highway,.which on one side of the tunnel is a Apple tree growing out the side of the wall, pigtails road, Lead Homestake Gold mine, Rough Lock falls. And this is just to name a few.. even Terry Peak awesome views.

[@phoenix00717]

Me and my family visited Wave Cave on July 2, we are locals but haven't visited for years.

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

Awesome video .. thanks for sharing .. .. Your camp meals are amazing .. agree, a little prep and things can be so much easier ... ..Nick OK ?? Looked a little tense behind the wheel ....lol.. Nice hike ,, when are they going to carve Amanda and Nick in the rocks ?? Watching a spider marathon is kinda like watching paint dry ... .. Pack rafting looked great ,, usually only ones on the water . So cool .. This was at the lake near where you camped ,, right ?? An interesting and great trip .. ..... Stay Safe and God Bless .....

[@amanda.outside]

Yes we camped at a campground right by the lake. I think is was Center lake in the state park. So beautiful! Such a fun trip 🤗

[@rituka]

Very cool! I’m going to SD next week.

[@amanda.outside]

That's awesome! Enjoy! It was so beautiful!

[@daniellearmato845]

Can you do a video on the proper/best way(s) to use trekking poles? I never really know how to move with them and they just end up back in my bag. .

[@meln3771]

Going to steal the quick burrito recipe for our next trip - perfect for our first night! Where did you get the pack rafts? Definitely interested for something that is so compact.

[@amanda.outside]

I got mine from Alpaca Rafts and Nick actually bought a kit and built his himself. I think if you search “DIY packraft kit” you would find it! We love them! They pack up so small and only take a few minutes to blow up.

[@barbarajeanne8351]

Beautiful

[@kristinpainter9879]

Tell me more about your orange jacket! I've been looking for something similar but I can't find it linked anywhere.

[@bonomaladas6144]

God bless you,lot of love from india ❤️

[@Billybob-yv1hl]

Hi Amanda please reply if you can, at 18:36 of the video, what is the grassy trail that you are walking on called because it looks so beautiful and I would love to hike there in sometime.

[@michelleharrison-kintner1015]

They call that the Needles highway a must see

[@amanda.outside]

It was so beautiful, especially in the early morning hours when the light was so pretty! Can’t wait to go back someday!

[@kristatee7893]

How do you find trails, specifically ones with such beautiful views and scenery?

[@NadineAMiller]

I loved this video thank you for sharing - when visiting Mount Rushmore you were carrying a crossbody Fanny pack - please share Amanda 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻♥️♥️♥️ THANK YOU

[@The03Mopar]

Hey! What is the sling bag you have in the beginning? Looks awesome!

[@amanda.outside]

It's from 5.11 Tactical!

[@aimeedomal6455]

Crazy seeing this! I'm planning a month long roadtrip/camping next spring with my dog and we're doing SD, WY (with Devil's Tower at the top of the bucket list!) and Montana. Any advice for camping with a dog?

[@amanda.outside]

Wow, that's going to be such an epic trip!! I don't have a dog (yet) so I don't have much experience camping with one. Sorry I couldn't be more help on that, but I hope you have the best trip! 🤗

[@aimeedomal6455]

@@amanda.outside Epic is right, my roadtrip starts in PA...lol. I did a 2 week trip to NM last October, but only camped outside Roswell for a couple nights before heading up to Taos (hotel; too cold at night). Auggie🐾 did well but I don't know what I don't know...ya know? Lol Thanks for the reply!🤗

[@eprohoda]

hey! wow, superb uploading, ogodbye!~ 🌟

[@23littlelee]

Do u leave your camp set up during day hikes and excursions and no one messes with it ?

[@dancingcowgirl85]

Did you Mount Rushmore was supposed to be busts but because the granite was so crumbly and crappy that the nose of one of the faces fell off. After years of set backs and delays for funding and the crappy stone they basically just went that works and walked away. I watched a documentary on the sculpted years ago and it was kinda fascinating how it ended up.

[@amanda.outside]

I learned that when we were there. I had no idea it was supposed to be more than just the faces! What was the name of the documentary?

[@samanthawalters8755]

you were in SD and I didn’t know?! I’m from Spearfish and got engaged in Custer State Park 06/26 - I wonder if you were in the area!

[@samanthawalters8755]

also, I loveeeed watching you explore my backyard!

[@amanda.outside]

I was there about 1 week earlier, we just missed each other! What an excellent spot to get engaged!! Congratulations 🤗

[@mysticalmisfit1332]

🙌🏽🙌🏽😊

[@lavernelee908]

What packraft do you have? How do you feel about it?

[@amanda.outside]

I bought mine from Alpaca Rafts and I absolutely love it! It packs up so small and it only take a couple minutes to set up.

[@ronalvey103]

Hiking in sandals? Support for your "dogs" would give you a bit more comfort.

[@tracyrupp4882]

Did the cave narrator say "box work?" What is box work?

[@nalasmama668]

Do you have a link/info for your inflatable raft?

[@amanda.outside]

Mine is from Alpaca Rafts and I love it!

[@nalasmama668]

@@amanda.outside Thanks so much!

[@fannygo6673]

*Amanda* how do you manage “pee-time” while hiking? I am going on a long hiking and I am scared about that.

[@JasonGage]

Just like they did in the old days. Go behind a bush

[@fannygo6673]

@@JasonGage I have done that but this time will be in a very busy forest. Hopefully I’ll find a place 😜

[@A-K_Rambler]

Ice Cream on Me

[@amanda.outside]

That's so sweet! Thank you 🤗