Needles Highway Scenic Drive in South Dakota
Your Complete Local Guide to Driving the Needles in Custer State Park
If you’re looking for the most dramatic Black Hills scenic drive, this scenic drive is it.
Granite spires that rise like cathedral walls. Narrow rock tunnels carved through solid stone. Curves that feel intentional, almost artistic. This isn’t just a road. It’s a carefully engineered experience inside Custer State Park.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what Needles Highway is, how to plan your drive, the best stops, what most visitors miss, and how to decide if it belongs in your itinerary.
What Is Needles Highway?
This scenic Highway is a 14 mile scenic drive inside Custer State Park in South Dakota. Officially part of SD Highway 87, it connects Sylvan Lake to the Wildlife Loop Road area.
It was designed in the early 1920s by Peter Norbeck, who intentionally routed the road through the most dramatic granite formations in the Black Hills. He didn’t build the shortest route. He built the most scenic one.
Today, driving Needles Highway is considered one of the top experiences in the Black Hills.
Why it’s special
Narrow granite tunnels including the famous Needles Eye Tunnel
Towering rock formations known as the Needles
Access to Cathedral Spires and other short hikes
Constant elevation changes and sweeping curves
If you’re planning a Black Hills road trip, this is one of the drives people remember most.
Quick Facts About Needles Highway
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Custer State Park, South Dakota |
| Length | 14 miles |
| Drive Time | 45 minutes to 1.5 hours with stops |
| Vehicle Restrictions | Not suitable for large RVs or oversized vehicles |
| Park Entrance Fee | Custer State Park pass required |
| Best Season | Late spring through fall |
| Famous Feature | Needles Eye Tunnel |
Table of Contents
Where Is This Highway Located?
Peter Norbeck Scenic Highway runs through the western section of Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
You can access it:
From Sylvan Lake near the east side
From the Wildlife Loop Road area near the south side
If you’re coming from Rapid City, expect about an hour drive to reach the entrance depending on traffic and your route
How Long Does It Take to Drive Needles Route?
Without stopping, you could technically drive it in 30 to 40 minutes.
You won’t want to.
Most visitors spend 60 to 90 minutes because:
You’ll stop at scenic pullouts
You’ll likely hike Cathedral Spires or walk around Sylvan Lake
Traffic slows near tunnels
Wildlife sometimes appears along the roadway
If you enjoy photography or hiking, plan for at least two hours.
The Needles Eye Tunnel and Narrow Rock Tunnels
The most iconic feature of this highway is the Needles Eye Tunnel.
This narrow rock tunnel is carved directly through granite and frames the sky perfectly. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the Black Hills.
Important things to know:
Large vehicles cannot pass through
You may need to wait for oncoming traffic
Peak summer afternoons create small traffic backups
Early morning offers better light and fewer crowds
There are three narrow tunnels along the route. All were intentionally placed to frame views and heighten the sense of adventure.
Iconic Photos of this Black Hills Route
Cathedral Spires and Must See Stops Along Needles Highway
Cathedral Spires Trail
One of the best short hikes in Custer State Park begins directly from the highway. Cathedral Spires Trail winds through granite formations that feel almost otherworldly.
It’s ideal if:
You want a moderate hike
You enjoy dramatic rock formations
You want to step away from road traffic
Sylvan Lake
At the northern end sits Sylvan Lake. Many people consider it the crown jewel of the park.
You can:
Walk the scenic lake loop
Rent paddleboards in summer
Enjoy easy access views without strenuous hiking
Scenic Pullouts
Several small pullouts offer views of the granite spires. Many visitors rush past these. Slow down. The quiet overlooks often provide the best photography angles.
Best Time to Drive Needles Highway
For fewer crowds
Early morning is ideal. Before 9 AM the drive feels peaceful and spacious.
For photography
Golden hour light enhances the texture of the granite. Late afternoon works beautifully.
For fall color
September and early October bring golden aspen in lower elevations.
Winter conditions
Sections of Needles Highway may close due to snow and ice. Always check Custer State Park updates before visiting in colder months.
Driving Tips
If you’re planning to drive on your own for the first time, here are practical tips:
Drive slowly. This is not a highway in the traditional sense.
Watch for wildlife crossing unexpectedly.
Avoid oversized vehicles.
Stop fully in pullouts before exiting your vehicle.
Be patient near tunnels during peak summer hours.
This is one of those drives that rewards calm attention.
Who This Drive Is Perfect For
This scenic route is ideal if:
You enjoy scenic road trips
You love dramatic geology
You want iconic Black Hills photography spots
You prefer short hikes over long backcountry routes
It may not be ideal if:
You’re driving a large RV
You dislike narrow roads
You’re in a rush
Pairing Needles Highway With Other Experiences
Most guests combine Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway with:
Wildlife Loop Road
Sylvan Lake hiking
If you want to experience this drive without worrying about navigation or timing, it’s included in several private tours with My XO Adventures.
Why Needles Highway Feels Different
Many scenic drives are beautiful.
The road feels intentional.
Peter Norbeck designed this route to create a sense of discovery. Curves reveal granite spires suddenly. Tunnels frame sky like artwork. Elevation shifts feel dramatic rather than gradual.
You’re not just driving through scenery. You’re moving through a story carved in stone.
FAQ: Driving Needles Highway in the Black Hills
This is one of the most scenic and distinctive drives in the Black Hills. Granite spires, narrow tunnels, and winding curves create an experience that feels both dramatic and intimate. These questions help you plan your drive with confidence.
Question: Why is it called Needles Highway?
Answer: The name comes from the tall, slender granite spires that rise dramatically along the route. Their sharp vertical shapes resemble sewing needles against the sky.
Question: How long does it take to drive?
Answer: Without stops, the drive takes about 45 minutes. With scenic pullouts, short walks, and photo stops, most visitors spend 1.5 to 3 hours enjoying the route.
Question: Are the tunnels difficult to drive through?
Answer: The tunnels are narrow and low-clearance, which adds to the adventure. Larger RVs and trailers may not fit, so vehicle size matters.
Question: Is this drive suitable for nervous drivers?
Answer: The road is paved and maintained, but it includes tight curves and steep sections. Drivers who are comfortable with mountain-style roads typically enjoy it most.
Question: When is the best time of day to drive the route?
Answer: Early morning and late afternoon provide softer light and fewer vehicles. Midday can be busier during peak summer months.
Question: Are there hiking opportunities along the highway?
Answer: Yes. Several trailheads and scenic pullouts allow for short hikes, including routes near Sylvan Lake and Cathedral Spires.
Question: Can I combine this scenic drive with other attractions in one day?
Answer: Absolutely. Many visitors pair it with Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake, or Mount Rushmore for a varied scenic day.
Question: Is wildlife commonly seen along the highway? #8
Answer: Yes. Deer, mountain goats, and other wildlife occasionally appear near rock formations and forest edges, especially during quieter hours.
About the Author
Daniel Milks is the owner and lead guide of My XO Adventures, a private tour company based in Rapid City, South Dakota. He’s spent years exploring the Black Hills and Badlands on foot and by vehicle, learning the land through seasons, weather, wildlife patterns, and the small details most visitors miss.
Daniel’s guiding style is calm, personal, and grounded in place. He blends local history, geology, ecology, and real world logistics so you can enjoy the experience without stress or guesswork. His tours are private, paced to your comfort, and built around what you actually care about, not a rushed checklist of stops.
Want a trip that includes this scenic drive with smart timing and a relaxed flow? Explore My XO Adventures or learn more about Daniel’s approach on the his biography page.
