From what we read, they only take 1/3 of the herd yearly. So that still leaves roughly 1,000 buffalo. I can't say how the round up effects the wildlife as a whole, but the animals do seem very comfortable with the cars. For the most part, the animals pay no attention to the humans. Good luck!

Beautiful either way! And it is a loop, so you'll see everything no matter which way you go.

The fees change seasonally, but cover up to a week. They didn’t differentiate based on activities. So we paid a $20 entrance fee for our car; you’ll pay that same fee regardless of weather you just drive the loop or camp for a week.

Sounds like a lot for one day, especially if you need six hours to get there. Once you are in the Black Hills, you can pick up a map of The area. But I think that only the Custer State Park map shows the wild life route. It is my favorite drive, well worth the time.

I would budget at least an hour and a half for it.

Definitely drive Iron Mountain Road starting from the south and driving north. As you go through the tunnels they frame Mt. Rushmore in a beautiful way. Keep your eyes open the whole time. Many times to view Rushmore from quite a distance away. Coming from Hot Springs I would take the Wildlife loop, then jog over to Iron Mountain Road. If you have time take the Needles Hwy after that. Our family enjoyed Iron Mountain the best, then Wildlife loop, with Needles being last. All roads are slow traveling, so plan for these 3 drives to take up much of your day. Hope this helps!!!

If you want to see a good variety of wildlife, then mid afternoon to dusk. You will see Buffalo, and at dusk, drive carefully as the Deer and Antelope will be on the road or next to it, munching on the grass. Stay safe and stay in your car when by the animals , especially the Buffalo. The Buffalo are big and can run faster than you can. So stay Safe and enjoy the sites.

I would say “no” also and agree being inside the car is the safest and most enjoyable way. We had to help a rider on horseback who got separated from her group. She stayed next to our car until she was safely away from the bison.

Hisega is quite a drive to the park area. If possible I would stay at Hill City or Custer to get an earlier start since you are fitting a lot into one day. Google the map of Custer state park to plan your day. I would suggest starting at Crazy Horse (I was more impressed with it than Mt Rushmore, and the visitors center is AMAZING. also take the $4, 1/2 hour bus ride into the base for a closer view and some great pics), drop down to hwy 16A to do the Wildlife loop and Iron Mtn roads $20 park fee. Then make Rushmore your last stop for the light show which I missed but have heard is great. Park free but parking is $10- Sr $5. On the loop road, stop at the Wildlife Station Visitors center for good info and nice bathrooms! We just spent 5 days there and much of it was closed due to weather in early May. But you will be seeing many of the highlights. Have Fun!!