Needles Highway South Dakota
A 14-mile scenic drive through Custer State Park, South Dakota, featuring towering granite spires and narrow tunnels.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Needles Highway South Dakota
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 14-mile scenic drive through Custer State Park, South Dakota, featuring towering granite spires and narrow tunnels.
"This is such a fantastic drive. Truly remarkable sites to behold. Don't miss this if you are visiting Custer State Park."
🚗 Check Vehicle Width
Ensure your vehicle is under 8 feet wide to safely navigate the narrow tunnels.
📸 Go Early for Photos
Morning light offers the best conditions for photography, avoiding glare and harsh shadows.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Needles Eye Tunnel
Needles Highway
A famously narrow tunnel carved through granite, offering a thrilling and picturesque passage.
Granite Spires
Custer State Park
Towering, sharp rock formations that pierce the sky, sculpted by millions of years of erosion.
Scenic Overlooks
Various pull-offs along the highway
Numerous spots to stop and soak in breathtaking views of the Black Hills and unique rock formations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Needles Highway
Vehicle Size Matters on the Needles Highway
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Check Vehicle Width
Ensure your vehicle is under 8 feet wide to safely navigate the narrow tunnels.
📸 Go Early for Photos
Morning light offers the best conditions for photography, avoiding glare and harsh shadows.
💰 Custer State Park Pass
A $20 fee grants 7-day access to the park and its scenic drives.
🏍️ Motorcycle Paradise
A popular route for motorcyclists, especially during the Sturgis Rally.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Check Vehicle Width
Ensure your vehicle is under 8 feet wide to safely navigate the narrow tunnels.
📸 Go Early for Photos
Morning light offers the best conditions for photography, avoiding glare and harsh shadows.
💰 Custer State Park Pass
A $20 fee grants 7-day access to the park and its scenic drives.
🏍️ Motorcycle Paradise
A popular route for motorcyclists, especially during the Sturgis Rally.
⏳ Allow Extra Time
Factor in time for frequent stops at scenic pull-offs; the drive can take longer than expected.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Needles Highway for its breathtaking scenery and unique rock formations, calling it a must-see in Custer State Park. The carved tunnels, particularly the Needles Eye Tunnel, are highlighted as impressive feats of engineering. While some find the overlooks average, most agree the drive is a remarkable experience, especially for photographers and motorcyclists.
"One of the most scenic drives you take during the Fall season! Depending on the weather I recommend visiting early September to mid-October. If you visit September you will be more likely to find red and golden colored trees which enhance the beauty of this relaxing drive. The road gets quit narrow in places and in three different spots there is a one-lane rock tunnel. I took the road a little slower than the speed limit at times; turns can be quit sharp and some on-coming vehicles are across the double yellow line. There are also deer and goats which can be found walking across the road at times. I try to take this drive during the afternoon, then I have the option for visiting Sylvon Lake or the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop (animals best seen in late afternoon to early evening). Cellphone service is spotty in areas, but the road signs are helpful when needed."
Northern Nurse
"I am so glad we took a detour to drive this stretch to the road. The drive which takes about 45-60 minutes, is breathtaking. There are so many scenic spots and that added another hour to our drive. I wish we had time to use some of hiking options and see more of the area. This is a top ten road to travel through."
Mehrdad Mahmoudi
"This is such a fantastic drive. Truly remarkable sites to behold. Don't miss this if you are visiting Custer State Park. Breathtaking views of the rocks and vista. Cool carved tunnels."
Meg Glass
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Needles Highway is located within Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It's accessible from various points, with common starting points being near the towns of Custer or Keystone. Many visitors drive from Rapid City, which is about a 45-minute to 1-hour drive away.
The Needles Highway is typically open from late spring through mid-October, but it is weather-dependent. It can close due to snow or ice, so it's crucial to check current road conditions before your visit, especially in the shoulder seasons.
Most visitors drive the Needles Highway, enjoying the scenic views and stopping at pull-offs. It's also a very popular route for motorcyclists.
While GPS can be helpful for general navigation to Custer State Park, cell service can be spotty along the Needles Highway itself. It's advisable to download offline maps or have a physical map of the park and surrounding areas.
No, the Needles Highway is a two-way road. You can drive it from either direction, and many recommend experiencing it from both ends to get different perspectives.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you need a Custer State Park entrance permit to drive the Needles Highway. The fee is typically around $20 for a 7-day pass, which grants access to the park and all its scenic drives.
Permits can usually be purchased at park entrances, visitor centers, or sometimes online in advance. It's best to check the official Custer State Park website for the most up-to-date information on purchasing permits.
While specific discounts can vary, annual passes for South Dakota State Parks might be available if you plan to visit multiple parks. Check the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website for details on park passes.
The Needles Highway itself doesn't have set operating hours as it's a public road within the park. However, the park's general hours and the accessibility of the road are subject to weather conditions and seasonal closures.
Refund policies for park entrance fees typically depend on the circumstances of the closure. It's best to contact Custer State Park directly to inquire about their policy regarding refunds for weather-related closures.
🎫 🚗 Onsite Experience
The Needles Highway has several narrow tunnels, with the Needles Eye Tunnel being particularly tight. The maximum recommended vehicle width is 8 feet. Larger vehicles, RVs, and trailers may not be able to pass through safely.
The drive itself is about 14 miles long, but it can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours or more, depending on how often you stop for photos and to enjoy the views.
Absolutely! The Needles Highway is dotted with numerous scenic pull-offs and overlooks specifically designed for visitors to stop, admire the views, and take photographs.
The Needles Eye Tunnel is a must-see, along with the dramatic granite spires that give the highway its name.
Yes, there are several hiking trails in Custer State Park that can be accessed from or near the Needles Highway, such as the Cathedral Spires Trail.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon, during the 'golden hours,' offers the best lighting for photography. This minimizes harsh shadows and provides a warm, beautiful glow on the granite spires.
The Needles Eye Tunnel, with its unique rock formations framing the passage, is incredibly photogenic. The towering granite spires themselves, especially when catching the light, are also prime subjects.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national and state parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's essential to check the specific regulations for Custer State Park regarding drone operation before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and dramatic rock formations. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details in the spires. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
The narrow tunnels can present lighting challenges, and the bright sun can create harsh contrasts. Be prepared for varying light conditions and consider using polarizing filters to manage reflections and enhance colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should be aware of the 8-foot vehicle width restriction for some tunnels, so ensure your vehicle is suitable. The drive is relatively short, making it manageable for younger children, but be prepared for winding roads which might affect sensitive stomachs. 💰 Budget Travelers
This fee provides excellent value, as it grants access to multiple scenic drives and attractions within the park for a full week. To maximize your budget, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) when crowds might be smaller, and you can enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for the golden hours of sunrise and sunset for the most dramatic lighting. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Needles Highway: A Driver's Guide
Drivers should be mindful of the road's construction, which often lacks a center line and can be narrow in places. Before embarking on this drive, it's crucial to assess your vehicle's dimensions. Vehicles exceeding 8 feet in width may not be able to safely navigate the tunnels.
The park entrance fee is typically $20 for a 7-day pass, granting access to this and other scenic routes within Custer State Park. It's also wise to check road conditions, as the highway is weather-dependent and can close due to snow or ice, even outside of winter. Allow ample time for the drive, as the temptation to stop at the numerous scenic pull-offs is high.
Capturing the Majesty: Photography on the Needles Highway
The Needles Eye Tunnel is a particularly iconic spot for photographers. Its narrow opening, carved through solid granite, frames the landscape beyond in a dramatic way.
Be prepared for varying light conditions within the tunnel and consider using a tripod for sharper images, especially if you're shooting in lower light. While the scenery is stunning, be mindful of the practicalities of shooting on a busy scenic drive. Many pull-offs offer safe places to park and set up your gear.
Motorcyclists' Paradise: Riding the Needles Highway
+1 The combination of winding roads, sharp turns, and dramatic granite spires makes for an exhilarating and visually stunning ride. The narrow tunnels, like the Needles Eye Tunnel, add an extra layer of excitement and challenge to the experience. Many riders appreciate the opportunity to explore Custer State Park's natural beauty from their bikes. The frequent pull-offs allow for breaks to admire the scenery and take photos.
For those attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the Needles Highway is often a highlight of their trip.
It offers a scenic escape from the rally's main events while still providing an unforgettable riding experience. 
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