Needles Highway SD 87
A 14-mile scenic byway through Custer State Park, famed for its towering granite spires and three hand-carved tunnels.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and capture golden hour light.
Needles Highway SD 87
Best Time
Beat the crowds and capture golden hour light.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 14-mile scenic byway through Custer State Park, famed for its towering granite spires and three hand-carved tunnels.
"A truly unique and breathtaking drive through some of the most dramatic scenery in the Black Hills!"
🚗 Check Vehicle Size
Tunnels are narrow! Ensure your vehicle fits (8'0" wide max at Needles Eye). RVs & large trailers may need alternate routes.
⏰ Go Early or Late
Avoid peak hours for a more relaxed drive and better photo ops. Crowds thin out after lunch.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Needles Eye Tunnel
SD Highway 87
A famously narrow, hand-carved tunnel that frames a stunning rock spire. A true engineering marvel!
Granite Spires
Along SD Highway 87
Towering, needle-like granite formations that dominate the landscape, creating a dramatic and unforgettable vista.
Hood Tunnel
SD Highway 87
Another of the historic, hand-cut tunnels offering unique perspectives of the surrounding rock formations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Seasonal Access & Tunnel Widths
Plan for Crowds & Scenic Stops
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Check Vehicle Size
Tunnels are narrow! Ensure your vehicle fits (8'0" wide max at Needles Eye). RVs & large trailers may need alternate routes. 
⏰ Go Early or Late
Avoid peak hours for a more relaxed drive and better photo ops. Crowds thin out after lunch.
📸 Pack Your Camera
Incredible photo opportunities around every bend. Don't miss the unique rock formations and tunnels!
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Download maps of Custer State Park and Needles Highway beforehand.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Check Vehicle Size
Tunnels are narrow! Ensure your vehicle fits (8'0" wide max at Needles Eye). RVs & large trailers may need alternate routes.
⏰ Go Early or Late
Avoid peak hours for a more relaxed drive and better photo ops. Crowds thin out after lunch.
📸 Pack Your Camera
Incredible photo opportunities around every bend. Don't miss the unique rock formations and tunnels!
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Download maps of Custer State Park and Needles Highway beforehand.
⛽ Fill Up Beforehand
Gas stations are scarce along this 14-mile stretch. Ensure you have enough fuel for the drive.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking granite spires and the unique, historic tunnels of Needles Highway. The engineering marvel and dramatic scenery are consistently praised, making it a highlight of any Black Hills trip. However, some find the narrow tunnels challenging for larger vehicles, and crowds can be significant during peak times.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Needles Highway is part of SD Highway 87 within Custer State Park, South Dakota. It's accessible from the park's main entrances. Many visitors combine it with the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway.
No, Needles Highway is a two-way road, but it's very narrow in sections, especially through the tunnels. Drive cautiously and be prepared to yield.
It's not recommended for large RVs or trailers due to the extremely narrow tunnels (as little as 8'0" wide). Check specific tunnel dimensions before attempting.
You can access Needles Highway from the north near the State Game Lodge area or from the south near the Turnaround. It's a key part of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway loop.
No, there is no public transportation directly to or along Needles Highway. A personal vehicle is required to experience this scenic drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Needles Highway is located within Custer State Park, which requires a park entrance fee. You can purchase a daily or annual pass.
Needles Highway is typically open seasonally, from April to October, weather permitting. Always check current conditions before your visit.
No, there is no additional fee to drive through the tunnels on Needles Highway. The park entrance fee covers access to all park roads.
Yes, there are pull-offs and trailheads along Needles Highway where you can stop to hike and explore the granite formations.
While the drive itself is only 14 miles, plan for at least 1-2 hours to account for scenic stops, photos, and potential traffic.
📸 📸 Photography
The Needles Eye Tunnel, the granite spires themselves, and various pull-offs offering panoramic views are prime photo locations. Capture the dramatic curves and rock formations.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour is spectacular.
Drone usage is restricted in most national parks and state parks. Check Custer State Park's specific regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grand landscapes, while a telephoto lens can help isolate the dramatic spires. A tripod is useful for low-light conditions.
Yes, you can take photos inside the tunnels, but be extremely cautious of oncoming traffic and the narrowness. It's best to pull over safely if possible.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Pack plenty of snacks and water, as services are limited along the 14-mile route. Look for safe pull-offs where children can stretch their legs and marvel at the towering granite spires. The unique rock formations provide endless opportunities for imaginative play and discovery. Remember to bring your park pass for Custer State Park entry.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
+1Plan to drive it during daylight hours and consider visiting on a weekday to avoid the busiest periods. The 14-mile route is short but packed with dramatic scenery, making it perfect for a dedicated scenic drive or as part of a larger Black Hills exploration. Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning granite spires and engineering feats.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of Needles Highway
+1The most iconic features are the three hand-carved tunnels: Hood Tunnel, Iron Creek Tunnel, and the famous Needles Eye Tunnel. These tunnels were meticulously cut through solid rock, with the Needles Eye being particularly narrow, measuring only 8 feet 0 inches wide and 9 feet 9 inches high. This constraint is a significant factor for visitors planning their journey, requiring careful consideration for vehicle size.
+1Driving Needles Highway offers a unique perspective on the rugged beauty of Custer State Park. The road's construction allowed access to areas previously difficult to reach, showcasing the dramatic granite spires and formations that give the area its name. It remains a popular route for its breathtaking views and historical significance.
+1Navigating the Tunnels and Vehicle Restrictions
+1These dimensions mean that larger vehicles, including most RVs, campers, and many SUVs with roof racks, cannot safely pass through. Travelers with oversized vehicles are advised to use alternative routes, such as the main park road (SD 16A) or US Highway 16A, which bypass the narrowest sections. It's essential to check your vehicle's dimensions against the tunnel clearances before entering the highway.
+1Even for standard passenger cars, driving through these tunnels requires caution. The sharp turns leading into and out of the tunnels, combined with their limited visibility, necessitate slow speeds and constant awareness of oncoming traffic. Many visitors choose to park and walk through the tunnels or take photos from safe vantage points.
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