Needles Highway
United States, north-america
22 km
1,890 m
moderate
May-October (closed in winter)
# Needles Highway: A Must-Drive Masterpiece in the Black Hills
Buckle up for 22 kilometers of pure scenic magic winding through South Dakota's stunning Black Hills. This isn't just any highway—it's a 1922 engineering marvel that still feels ahead of its time, dreamed up by state highway engineer Scovel Johnson, who was determined to create something that could rival the country's most famous national park drives.
What makes Needles Highway absolutely wild is the dramatic granite spires—the "needles" themselves—that tower alongside you as you navigate some seriously tight curves. You'll encounter jaw-dropping pigtail bridges (those spiral overpasses that cleverly gain elevation in tight spaces) and tunnels carved right through solid rock that are almost claustrophobically narrow. The showstopper? The Needles Eye Tunnel, where you're barely squeezing through at 2.4 meters wide and 3.7 meters tall. Fair warning: if you're driving anything larger than a standard car, this road isn't your friend.
The Cathedral Spires dominating the landscape have earned this area serious bragging rights as a world-class rock climbing hotspot, and the road threads right past them for maximum drama. Continue into Custer State Park and you'll spot around 1,300 free-roaming bison casually hanging out in their natural habitat.
Where is it?
Needles Highway is located in South Dakota, United States (north-america). Coordinates: 43.7993, -103.4620
Driving Tips
# Road Trip Tips for the Area
**Size Matters for Tunnels**
If your vehicle is wider than 2.4 meters or taller than 3.4 meters, you won't be able to squeeze through the tunnels here. Worth checking before you head out!
**Be Courteous at Tunnel Entrances**
Pull over to let oncoming traffic through at the tunnel entrances. It keeps things flowing smoothly for everyone.
**Make It a Full Day**
This drive pairs beautifully with Iron Mountain Road and Wildlife Loop Road. String them together and you've got yourself an amazing scenic day out.
**Watch Out for Bison**
Custer State Park is home to bison, and they don't always stick to the side of the road. Keep your eyes open and be ready to slow down or stop.
**Budget for Entry**
You'll need to pay a park entrance fee to get in, so have that ready when you arrive.
Road Surface
Paved, very narrow with tight tunnels and sharp switchbacks
Road Details
- Country
- United States
- Continent
- north-america
- Region
- South Dakota
- Length
- 22 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,890 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Paved, very narrow with tight tunnels and sharp switchbacks
- Best Season
- May-October (closed in winter)
- Coordinates
- 43.7993, -103.4620
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is Lion's Back in UT?
🇺🇸 Usa
Lion's Back is a famous sandstone ridge located near the city of Moab in the US state of Utah. It is now private property and no longer accessible by 4x4 enthusiasts. Where is Lion's Back in UT? Lion's Back is located in the heart of the Colorado Plateau, near Moab, in Grand County, in the eastern part of Utah, in the western United States. It’s located to the east of the iconic Why is Lion's Back in UT famous? It gained popularity in the early 2000s as a daring climb for off-road vehicles due to its steep incline and rugged terrain. How is Lion's Back in UT? The climb is several hundred feet up (350 feet), and the slope has a gradient of up to 65 degrees in places; then the world’s most precarious 3-point turn at the top of the rock, before the hair-raising descent. It's said to be one of the most iconic off-road obstacles on the planet. As the tire tracks on the rock show, plenty of off-roaders have proved their insanity here. Excellent traction enabled vehicles to surmount inclines of incredible steepness, but plenty of power is necessary. The climb involves several hundred feet on a steep slope, and then a 5 to 9-point turn-around at the top of the rock before slowly descending the same way up. Drivers ascended a steep stone ramp, surrounded on all sides by precipitous drop-offs. This amazing and dangerous rock was not for stock vehicles or novice drivers. The most famous accident on Lion's Back This rocky hill was known for a video showing a Chevrolet Blazer losing its brakes and rolling down the hill, plunging 30 feet to the ground. The accident was featured on several TV shows. Why is Lion's Back at Moab closed? The experience was simply stunning. Despite its allure to adrenaline junkies, Lion's Back was eventually closed to vehicle traffic due to safety concerns and environmental considerations. The closure came after several incidents and accidents on the trail, highlighting the risks associated with attempting such treacherous off-road challenges. In 2004, this land was purchased by a real estate developer and has since been closed to the public. Now it’s privately owned and no longer accessible by 4x4 enthusiasts. It is one of those obstacles that looks much more intimidating than it is difficult. While Lion's Back is no longer accessible for 4x4 vehicles, it remains a notable landmark in the Moab area and serves as a reminder of the region's rugged terrain and adventurous spirit. Dare to drive the Yankee Boy Basin Road in Colorado The killer Old Priest Grade Road in California hits a 20% of max gradient Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardTreasure Hill
🇺🇸 Usa
Treasure Hill is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.805m (9,202ft) above the sea level, located in White Pine County, along the central eastern boundary of the U.S. state of Nevada. The peak is located within the White Pine Range range. The road to the top is very rough, tippy and bumpy at times. The road is usually impassable in winters. Great trail for experienced wheelers. The trail is narrow with few places for passing so meeting someone can be a challenge. In order to drive this road up, you need a high clearance vehicle! The trail is very steep. Wet conditions may make for tough driving along the muddy road. Navigating the Scenic Byways of Pennsylvania Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
easyWhere is Sandia Crest?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! Sandia Crest, nestled in the Cibola National Forest just outside Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a MUST. We're talking serious altitude here - 10,678 feet! The NM-536, also known as the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway, is your perfectly paved, 13.3-mile ticket to the top. It’s smooth sailing for any vehicle, so no need to leave the family sedan at home. Built way back in '27 and fully paved by '60, this road is a classic. The asphalt is in great shape, recently resurfaced. Expect around 20 switchbacks as you climb. Keep an eye out for a bit of dirt on those tighter corners though! Motorcycle enthusiasts, this one's for you. The winding road is a dream. Just be aware that those summer storms can bring some wild temperature swings. And speaking of climb, get ready for some steep sections. We're talking gradients up to 9% in spots! You’ll gain 3,763 feet over those 13.3 miles, averaging around a 5.35% grade. Factor in around 25 minutes of driving time *without* stops, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop! The views are insane, stretching across the high desert and dense forests of the Sandia Mountains. At the summit, you'll find a parking area, restaurant, gift shop, and accessible viewing areas and facilities. Oh, and did I mention the panoramic views of Albuquerque, the Rio Grande, Mount Taylor, and the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains? Seriously, the perspective from the top overlooking Albuquerque is simply breathtaking. Prepare to be wowed!
extremeWhich are the most iconic drives in Capitol Reef?
🇺🇸 Usa
Located in south-central Utah, Capitol Reef National Park is defined by the Waterpocket Fold—a 100-mile long warp in the Earth's crust. This remote landscape features a cold semi-arid climate and a complex network of roads that range from scenic paved bypasses to high-clearance dirt tracks. For the off-road enthusiast and the professional traveler, navigating Capitol Reef is an exercise in desert logistics, where seasonal weather volatility and rugged terrain demand precise vehicle preparation. Road facts: Capitol Reef National Park South-central Utah, USA Autumn (Peak stability) & Spring Flash floods, extreme heat, and rocky washouts Technical Requirements High-clearance 4WD (for backcountry loops) Which are the most iconic drives in Capitol Reef? The park offers a diverse hierarchy of routes, each presenting unique technical challenges. The is the most accessible, providing 12.7 km of paved access to the park’s inner canyons. However, for those seeking a more rigorous experience, the runs parallel to the Waterpocket Fold for 52.3 km, transitioning from pavement to rugged unpaved surfaces that require constant monitoring of road traction. What makes the Cathedral Valley Loop a high-risk route? Cathedral Valley Loop is a 92.7 km (57.6 miles) dirt track that traverses some of the most remote sections of the park. This route is notorious for the , where vehicles must cross active water. Depending on seasonal runoff, the river depth can fluctuate rapidly, making it impassable for standard vehicles. High-clearance 4WD is a non-negotiable standard for this loop, as deep sand and bentonite clay can become impassable when wet. Is the Burr Trail Road suitable for all vehicles? Connecting Capitol Reef to the Grand Staircase-Escalante, the is a 106 km journey through massive canyons and steep switchbacks. While the western portion is paved, the segments within the park boundary remain unpaved and technically demanding. The switchbacks involve dramatic elevation changes over short distances, requiring a disciplined approach to braking and gear management to avoid mechanical stress in the desert heat. How dangerous is the South Draw Road for off-roaders? For the highly experienced off-roader, is a 13.03 km rough dirt track that provides a technical climb from the park’s scenic drive up to the slopes of Boulder Mountain. This is a high-clearance 4WD only route, featuring large boulders, deep ruts, and multiple stream crossings. It is frequently closed during winter and spring due to snow and mud, making it one of the most unpredictable and "breath-taking" segments for vertical navigation in Utah. Conclusion: Operational Readiness in Red Rock Country Capitol Reef is a park of extreme contrasts, where the beauty of the landscape is matched by its logistical complexity. Whether you are sticking to the paved Scenic Drive or venturing into the deep sand of Cathedral Valley, situational awareness is your best tool. Always check the weather forecast at the visitor center before departing; a dry wash can transform into a deadly in minutes. In this remote area of Utah, professional preparation is the key to a successful expedition. A paved road to Ibex Pass in Death Valley NP Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.