SMALL PHONE
PHONE
TABLET
DESKTOP
LARGE DESKTOP
XL DESKTOP

Thread the eye of the needle on a motorcycle trip that’s a must-do

Needles Highway view
June 27, 2019

Winding roads carry you through gorgeous mountain vistas and leave you feeling awe-inspired. The Needles Highway is one of those bucket list roads for many riders. Situated in southwestern South Dakota, about 30 miles southwest of Rapid City, it’s one of the most popular rides for motorcycle riders attending the annual Sturgis rally.

About the Needles Highway ride

The Needles Highway and this national landmark area are located within the boundaries of the Black Hills National Forest. The highway gets its name from the eroded granite towers, pillars, and spires that rise from ridges in a section of Custer State Park.

In 1976, a 637-acre portion of the Needles was designated as a national landmark called the Cathedral Spires and Limber Pine Natural Area. The towering spires of granite are an impressive natural wonder when seen from a distance, but they’re even more breathtaking when you ride your motorcycle on the narrow road that winds between them.

The highway passes through several tight tunnels, giving you the sensation of threading your motorcycle through the eye of a needle. Needles Eye Tunnel is just 8 feet, 4 inches wide, and it's the most famous of the three tunnels on the road.

Needles Highway is open from April through October. Because the road is so narrow, the byway is closed during the winter.

About Black Hills National Forest

Needles Highway lies within the Black Hills National Forest. It covers 1.25 million acres of forest, grassland prairie, and three mountain ranges. The majority of the national forest is in South Dakota, with a section extending into eastern Wyoming. It’s easily accessed from Interstate 90 westward from Rapid City, past Sturgis, and onto Spearfish Canyon.

It offers outdoor recreation ranging from camping to hiking and fishing. It also encompasses several unique western cities, state parks, national parks, and the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. What makes it extra special for motorcyclists is the number of riding opportunities.

Riding the Needles Highway and Mount Rushmore Loop

You can see it all by starting a loop in Hill City. Head south on US385/US16 for about 3 miles and make a left turn on to Needles Highway, south SD87.

Ahead is nearly 38 miles of motorcycle-riding nirvana. Expect switchbacks, curves, great views, and the epic natural wonder of the Needles. Make sure to bring a camera and stop to capture some memories of riding in this natural wonder.

When you arrive at the juncture with US16A, turn left. This is also known as the Norbeck Byway. Along this leg of the loop there’s more open road, plus a bounty of curves, switchbacks, tunnels, and a 270-degree turn where the road passes under itself.

After nearly 25 miles of US16A, you’ll arrive at the juncture with SD244. Turn left towards Mount Rushmore. There’s a pullout just before the Mount Rushmore complex that offers a unique view of the monument showing President Washington’s profile.

Traveling just over 10 miles on SD244 will bring you back to US385/US16 to close the loop. Once here, consider turning around and riding the loop in the other direction.

Till next time, ride safe.

Related links

Document your road trips this motorcycle season with a National Parks Passport.

Stay protected while you ride. Learn about roadside assistance and how it can keep you on the road if trouble happens.

At Dairyland, we feel strongly about your safety and promote it through our Rider Training Course discount. Check it out.

The general information in this blog is for informational or entertainment purposes only. View our blog disclaimer.

*Data accuracy is subject to this article's publication date.

Get insured
Auto