Needles Highway

Why drive it

Peter Norbeck planned the route himself, partly on foot and on horseback, and the road opened in 1922. Rather than blasting the needles out of the way, the builders squeezed the road between them. The result is a slow, twisting, unforgettable drive.

Highlights

• The Needles Eye: a slender spire with a slit near its top, next to the narrowest tunnel on the road.
• Cathedral Spires: a cluster of tall granite pinnacles, with a trail of about 3 miles there and back.
• Sylvan Lake: at the western end of the road, the perfect place for a picnic or a short walk.
• Iron Creek and Hood tunnels: rough-cut tunnels with views on either side.

Tunnels and vehicle size

The tunnels are one lane and only just over 8 feet wide. Their exact dimensions are posted at each end of the road. Large RVs, trailers and buses may not fit, so check your vehicle against the signs before you set off. Take turns at the tunnels, and be patient with drivers lining up their mirrors.

Tips

• Drive it early in the morning, before the tour buses and motorcycles.
• Allow far longer than the mileage suggests. Pull-offs are small and the views keep coming.
• Combine it with the Iron Mountain Road and the Wildlife Loop for the full Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway. Read our guide to Black Hills scenic drives.
• The road usually closes from late autumn to spring because of snow.