During my last road trip through South Dakota, I visited the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Mount Rushmore is one of those iconic locations that is almost always crowded with tourists. This time, I had Mount Rushmore to myself!

While planning my photo shoot, I was surprised to learn that the grounds at Mount Rushmore opened at 5:00 AM. That early opening meant that I could be at Mount Rushmore for sunrise! Sunrise was at a far more convenient time on the day of my visit (October 31st)--7:28 AM. So, I arrived at the memorial at 6:45 AM. My car was the only one parked in the first level of the parking garage. As I walked toward the monument, I did see a park ranger somewhere near the entrance. That was the last person that I saw for the next 90 minutes or so.

Often times, I enjoy shooting in the soft light just before sunrise. This is my first shot from that morning--taken about 30 minutes before sunrise:

Mount RushmoreDawn at Mount Rushmore National Memorial at 13000 SD-244 near Keystone, South Dakota on October 31, 2015 I made sure that I was ready for the first rays of golden light to strike the mountain--and I wasn't disappointed. This picture was not altered in Photoshop--it's exactly as it appeared that morning:

Mount RushmoreSunrise at Mount Rushmore National Memorial at 13000 SD-244 near Keystone, South Dakota on October 31, 2015 Here's my camera set up on the Grand View Terrace...again, I am the only one standing on this large viewing platform:

A short while later, I walked the Presidential Trail to get closer to the monument. I didn't come across a single person while walking the 1/2 mile trail:

Mount RushmoreMount Rushmore National Memorial at 13000 SD-244 near Keystone, South Dakota on October 31, 2015 In past years, I have been unable to capture an image of the Avenue of Flags without a lot of people in the frame. During my last visit, there were so many people in this area that I couldn't even set my tripod up! This time I was able to capture the image with minimal patience. It was mid-morning by the time this picture was taken, so I only had to wait for three or four people to clear the scene:

Avenue of FlagsAvenue of Flags at Mount Rushmore National Memorial at 13000 SD-244 near Keystone, South Dakota on October 31, 2015

I spent three or four hours visiting Mount Rushmore that morning. That's far more time that I've dedicated to the area in past visits, but it was well worth it. It gave me time to capture a lot of photographs, walk the Presidential Trail, and visit the Museum and Visitor Center. I returned later that night to see the illuminated faces--but I wasn't thrilled with that lighting:

Mount RushmoreMount Rushmore National Memorial at night at 13000 SD-244 near Keystone, South Dakota on October 31, 2015 There are certainly drawbacks to visiting during the off season. It was cold (mid 30's). And, some attractions are closed for the season--like the Sculptor's Studio and the Evening Lighting Ceremony. But, it was well worth it. It's an unforgettable experience to witness Mount Rushmore without the crowds!