Needles Eye Tunnel
A breathtaking drive through granite spires and a famously narrow tunnel in South Dakota's Black Hills.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Needles Eye Tunnel
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking drive through granite spires and a famously narrow tunnel in South Dakota's Black Hills.
"Such an amazing and scenic drive—a perfect way to spend the afternoon!"
🚗 RVs Beware!
Tunnel clearance is only 8ft wide & 9'9" tall. Measure your vehicle carefully!
💰 Park Pass Value
The $20 Custer State Park pass is good for 7 days, covering multiple attractions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Needles Eye Tunnel
Needles Highway, Custer State Park
A unique granite tunnel carved through solid rock, famously narrow and challenging for larger vehicles.
Cathedral Spires Hike
Near Needles Eye Tunnel
Surreal rock formations resembling a natural cathedral, offering incredible photo opportunities and a sense of awe.
Scenic Needles Highway Drive
Custer State Park
A breathtaking drive with towering granite spires, winding roads, and stunning Black Hills vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
RV & Oversized Vehicle Caution
Custer State Park Entry Fee
This fee covers multiple attractions within the park, making it a good value for exploring the area.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 RVs Beware!
Tunnel clearance is only 8ft wide & 9'9" tall. Measure your vehicle carefully! +1
💰 Park Pass Value
The $20 Custer State Park pass is good for 7 days, covering multiple attractions.
📸 Tunnel Photo Op
Stop on the west side for parking and photos before or after squeezing through.
🥾 Hike to Spires
Don't miss the short hike to Cathedral Spires for amazing rock formations.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 RVs Beware!
Tunnel clearance is only 8ft wide & 9'9" tall. Measure your vehicle carefully! +1
💰 Park Pass Value
The $20 Custer State Park pass is good for 7 days, covering multiple attractions.
📸 Tunnel Photo Op
Stop on the west side for parking and photos before or after squeezing through.
🥾 Hike to Spires
Don't miss the short hike to Cathedral Spires for amazing rock formations.
🛣️ Single Lane Traffic
Be prepared to wait for oncoming traffic to clear the narrow tunnel.
🗺️ Add to Itinerary
Great stop between Mount Rushmore and other Black Hills attractions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Needles Highway and Needles Eye Tunnel, calling it an unforgettable scenic drive with awe-inspiring granite formations. The unique tunnel experience and the hike to Cathedral Spires are major highlights. Some caution is advised for larger vehicles due to the tunnel's narrowness.
"If you can, go!! we love this place. so many cool rock formations, they are surprisingly easy to climb, coming back down is a little tricker, but totally worth the stop. single lane tunnels, small parking areas, but we had no trouble getting around and parking on a Saturday evening."
Julie Esplin
"Such an amazing and scenic drive—a perfect way to spend the afternoon after visiting Mount Rushmore in the morning! The winding roads, narrow tunnels, and breathtaking views made it an unforgettable family experience. We stopped for lunch along the way, and it was both peaceful and fun. The kids especially enjoyed watching the big trucks and RVs squeeze through the tiny tunnels—so entertaining! Definitely a must-do if you’re exploring the Black Hills."
Desiree Winkleblack
"This is a very cool tunnel to drive through. It's too narrow for traffic going both directions, so you may need to stop for a minute. There is a small parking area immediately on the West side of the tunnel. There isn't as much space on the East side right by the tunnel, but there is a scenic overlook with a parking lot shortly down the road."
Alec Barker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Needles Eye Tunnel is located on the Needles Highway within Custer State Park, South Dakota. The highway itself is a scenic drive accessible from various points around the Black Hills. Many visitors combine a trip to the tunnel with visits to Mount Rushmore or other park attractions.
Needles Highway is generally open from late spring through mid-October, but it is weather-dependent. It's advisable to check current road conditions before your visit, especially if traveling in early spring or late fall.
The Needles Highway is a one-way loop for much of its length, designed for scenic enjoyment. Drive slowly, pull over at designated spots to admire the views, and be prepared for narrow sections and tunnels.
While GPS can guide you to Custer State Park and the general area of Needles Highway, it's helpful to have a park map. The tunnel is a distinct landmark along the highway, often marked on maps.
Public transportation is very limited in this rural area. The most common way to access Needles Eye Tunnel is by personal vehicle or rental car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no separate fee for the Needles Eye Tunnel itself. However, you need to pay the Custer State Park entrance fee, which is typically $20 for a 7-day pass per vehicle.
Entrance passes can be purchased at park entrances, visitor centers, or sometimes online in advance. Having your pass ready can expedite entry.
Needles Highway is generally open during daylight hours, but specific opening and closing times can vary seasonally. The park itself has hours, but the scenic drive is accessible when the road is open.
No reservations are typically required for driving Needles Highway. It's a public road within the state park, though parking at popular spots can fill up.
Yes, the Custer State Park pass is valid for access to multiple attractions within the park, including the Needles Highway, Wildlife Loop Road, and various hiking trails.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Needles Eye Tunnel is famously narrow, with a clearance of approximately 8 feet wide and 9 feet 9 inches tall. This makes it a challenge for RVs and larger vehicles.
No, the tunnel is too narrow for two vehicles to pass simultaneously. You will need to wait for oncoming traffic to clear or coordinate with other drivers.
There is a small parking area immediately on the west side of the tunnel. A scenic overlook with a larger parking lot is located a short distance down the road on the east side.
The west side of the tunnel offers great angles for photos of vehicles passing through. The surrounding granite formations, like the Cathedral Spires, also provide stunning photographic opportunities.
Yes, the hike to the Cathedral Spires is highly recommended and located near the tunnel. It offers a chance to explore unique rock formations up close.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options are available within Custer State Park, such as the State Game Lodge or Sylvan Lake Lodge. Pack snacks and water, as options directly at the tunnel are limited.
Yes, there are scenic spots within Custer State Park suitable for picnics. Enjoying a meal with the stunning Black Hills scenery is a great experience.
The lodges within the park offer sit-down dining, often featuring regional cuisine. Options can range from casual to more formal depending on the lodge.
It's a good idea to have a meal or snacks before embarking on the Needles Highway, as dining spots can be spread out. You can also stop for lunch after your drive.
Food trucks or vendors are not commonly found directly along the Needles Highway. It's best to rely on park lodges or bring your own provisions.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the granite textures. Midday sun can be harsh but still offers clear views.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the tunnel and surrounding landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details in the rock formations.
Drone usage is subject to Custer State Park regulations. It's essential to check the park's official website for current drone policies before flying.
Beyond the tunnel itself, look for unique rock formations, sweeping vistas of the Black Hills, and the winding road itself. The Cathedral Spires are a prime subject.
Experiment with different angles, capture vehicles (especially larger ones) squeezing through, and try to incorporate the surrounding granite spires into your shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as dining options directly on the highway are limited. The scenic overlooks provide great spots for a picnic lunch with a view. The drive itself is an adventure, with winding roads and surprising vistas that will keep younger passengers entertained. Remember to factor in extra time for spontaneous stops to admire the scenery and take photos.
🚗 RV & Oversized Vehicle Travelers
Before entering, meticulously measure your vehicle's width and height. If you have any doubt, it's best to skip the tunnel and explore other parts of Custer State Park. There are alternative scenic routes in the Black Hills that are more accommodating for larger rigs. For those who can fit, the drive is spectacular, but safety and careful planning are paramount.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 The tunnel itself is a fantastic opportunity for creative shots, capturing the interplay of light and shadow as vehicles pass through. Consider visiting during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for the most dramatic lighting. The Cathedral Spires hike offers elevated perspectives and stunning compositions. Be mindful of traffic and parking, especially during peak season, and always respect park regulations regarding drone usage.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Needles Highway
+1Key to navigating this route is understanding its unique features. The most famous is the Needles Eye Tunnel, a single-lane passage only 8 feet wide and 9 feet 9 inches tall. This requires careful attention for larger vehicles, and drivers must be prepared to yield to oncoming traffic. Beyond the tunnel, the highway offers numerous pull-offs for scenic overlooks and short hikes, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the Black Hills.
When planning your drive, consider the time of day and year. Weekdays and off-peak hours generally offer a more relaxed experience with less traffic. The park entrance fee is valid for seven days, making it an excellent value for exploring multiple attractions within Custer State Park. Remember to bring your camera, as the photographic opportunities are abundant.
+1The Iconic Needles Eye Tunnel
+1Many visitors find humor and excitement in watching larger vehicles navigate the tunnel. The tight squeeze is a popular subject for photos and videos, with creators often sharing their own experiences of the challenge. It’s crucial for drivers of oversized vehicles to measure their dimensions beforehand, as getting stuck can cause significant delays and potential damage. The tunnel's unique construction and the need for careful coordination with oncoming traffic add to its allure.
+1While the tunnel itself is a highlight, the surrounding area also offers much to explore. The Cathedral Spires, a cluster of towering granite formations, are a short hike away and provide a spectacular backdrop for photos. The sheer scale and unique shapes of these spires make them feel like a natural cathedral, a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Exploring the Black Hills Granite Formations
Beyond the Spires, the entire Needles Highway is dotted with fascinating rock formations. Visitors often marvel at their sheer size and intricate shapes, which can spark the imagination. The granite here is not just visually impressive; it's also a playground for hikers and climbers. While some formations are challenging to ascend, many offer accessible trails that allow you to get up close and personal with these natural sculptures.
These geological features are a significant draw for tourists, offering a stark contrast to the surrounding prairies. The Needles Eye Tunnel itself is carved from this very granite, showcasing the raw power and beauty of the earth. The combination of these formations and the scenic drive makes the area a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
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