Needles Highway (SD-87)
SD-87 threads through Custer State Park between granite "needle" spires, with sharp switchbacks and two very narrow single-lane tunnels — the Needles Eye Tunnel is just 8'0" wide, so check your handlebar and mirror clearance on a wide bike. The road is closed in winter, typically from late October or early November through April.
What you'll hit along the way.
Rider-verified stops, overlooks, fuel, and the corners worth knowing about — in the order you'll meet them.
Legion Lake
Lake and lodge area on US-16A where the Needles Highway section of SD-87 begins; food and lodging in season.
Needles Eye Tunnel
Single-lane granite tunnel only 8 feet wide — yield to oncoming traffic and expect tourist congestion at the spires in summer.
Sylvan Lake
Northern end of the Needles Highway at a popular lake with a lodge, parking, and restrooms; busy on summer weekends.
No runs logged on this road yet — be the first.
Runs are rider-logged & GPS-traced in the app
Ride your own ride — times are rider-logged & GPS-traced, never a race on public roads.
Shot by the riders who've run it.
Riders upload photos to their profile and tag the road or stop — tagged shots show up here automatically.