What’s Needles Eye in South Dakota famous for?

What’s Needles Eye in South Dakota famous for?

Usa, north-america

Length

23 km

Elevation

2 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Cruising through Custer State Park in South Dakota? You HAVE to experience Needles Eye! This isn't just a road; it's an adventure carved right through the Black Hills. Picture this: you're on Highway 87, part of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, winding 14 miles through granite spires and lush pines.

The real star is the Needles Eye Tunnel—an 8'4" wide, 12' high passage blasted straight through the rock. It's cozy, to say the least! One car at a time, folks, so be ready to take turns and maybe hold your breath! RVs and big trailers? Probably best to skip this part.

The views are absolutely worth it, though. Those needle-like granite formations are stunning, and the road itself is a masterpiece, completed back in 1922. Factor in about 45 minutes to an hour to really soak it all in, driving a leisurely pace. Keep in mind that this route is generally open from April to October, as it usually closes for winter due to snow. And remember there's a park entrance fee. Get ready for tight hairpin turns, mind-blowing scenery, and a drive you won't soon forget!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
23 km
Max Elevation
2 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

Travel guide to the top of Dead Indian Hill in WYhard

Travel guide to the top of Dead Indian Hill in WY

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Dead Indian Hill in northern Wyoming's Park County is calling your name! We're talking about a summit sitting pretty at 8,549 feet in the Absaroka Range, with killer views of the Sunlight Basin from up top. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved, and you'll need a trusty 4x4 to conquer it. There's a gate, but usually it's open and beckoning you forward. Hold on tight, because this climb gets STEEP – we're talking gradients up to 13%! The ascent kicks off at some point, and from there it’s a short but mighty 0.93 miles to the top, gaining 436 feet along the way. The average grade is around 8.86%. The summit itself is home to a few radio towers. Just a heads-up: keep an eye on the weather, because snow can turn this epic drive into a no-go zone real quick.

Driving the scenic Door County Coastal Byway in Wisconsineasy

Driving the scenic Door County Coastal Byway in Wisconsin

🇺🇸 Usa

Cruising the Door County Coastal Byway is an absolute must if you're exploring Wisconsin! This gem winds its way around the stunning Door Peninsula in the northeastern part of the state. Think of it as your all-access pass to some of the most breathtaking scenery Wisconsin has to offer. We're talking a fully paved, 66-mile loop (Highways 42 and 57) that's open year-round and begging to be explored. Starting just north of Sturgeon Bay, you'll hug the coastline, first heading north on Highway 57 to the very tip of the peninsula at Northport and Gills Rock. Then, it's a glorious southward journey back on Highway 42 to your starting point. Trust me, it's worth every minute. You'll be treated to incredible views from the Green Bay bluffs, plus you'll meander through charming dunes and bays along Lake Michigan. Seriously, keep your camera handy! Along the way, you'll discover scenic overlooks of Lake Michigan, the Bay of Green Bay, and the Niagara Escarpment bluffs. Plus, there are dense forests, picturesque farms, and adorable little towns dotting the shoreline. And the fall colors? Forget about it! Expect vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows from the sumac, maple, birch, and oak trees, especially around Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Ellison Bay, Northport, and Baileys Harbor. Photographers, this is your paradise! The road is draped in a mix of hardwood trees, aspens, and oaks, with pines thrown in for that evergreen touch. And with three state parks, ten county parks, and several lighthouses dotting the route, the twisting and turning design of the road makes this scenic byway the perfect leisurely ride.

Brown Mountain: a steep unpaved road to the topmoderate

Brown Mountain: a steep unpaved road to the top

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, Texas road trip fans, listen up! Brown Mountain: ever heard of it? It's a seriously high point in Jeff Davis County, clocking in at almost 7,000 feet! Think panoramic views. Getting there? That's part of the adventure. This ain't no Sunday drive on smooth asphalt. The road to the top is all dirt, so a 4x4 is a must. Trust me, you'll want the extra grip. The climb starts from TX-166, and it's about 2.6 miles to the top. Don't let the short distance fool you – you're gaining over 1,100 feet in elevation, so it's a steady climb averaging around an 8% grade. Not crazy steep, but enough to make you appreciate that low gear! Once you're at the summit, you'll find a communication antenna, and views that stretch forever. Just you, the big Texas sky, and a serious sense of accomplishment.

Cottonwood Pass is a beautiful scenic drive in Coloradoeasy

Cottonwood Pass is a beautiful scenic drive in Colorado

🇺🇸 Usa

Cottonwood Pass is a must-do in Colorado! This high-altitude beauty tops out at 12,126 feet, making it one of the highest roads in the state. You'll find it smack-dab between Chaffee and Gunnison counties in central Colorado. This scenic route is 31.7 miles of pure driving bliss, linking Buena Vista and the area near Taylor Park Reservoir. Think of it as a shortcut between Buena Vista and Crested Butte, a fun alternative to Monarch Pass. You'll start on Chaffee County Road 306 heading east, then switch to Gunnison County Road 209 as you near the summit on the west side. Good news for everyone: the road's been fully paved since 2019! The western side is especially smooth and wide, perfect for any vehicle. But don’t get too comfy – there are switchbacks, and some seriously tight ones near the top where you'll want to stick to 15 mph. The road can be steep, with gradients hitting 10% in places. So, if you're hauling a trailer or driving a big RV, be prepared for a bit of a challenge. Being in the Rockies means epic views, but also unpredictable weather. The road's usually closed from October to May due to snow. Even when it's open, afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan to go early. Altitude sickness is a real risk, and hypothermia can be a problem year-round. You might even spot some snow at the summit in summer! The area is pretty remote, so be self-sufficient. But hey, the views are worth it! This road is famous for its stunning scenery, and it's perfect for regular 2WD cars. Factor in about an hour for the drive without stops. Autumn is an especially beautiful time to visit, with the changing colors. The parking area at the top offers incredible views, and there are overlooks on the way down that you won't want to miss. Definitely worth the trip!