Needle’s Eye Tunnel
the famous slot through a granite spire
Needle’s Eye Tunnel is one of the places Roamward flags on the Needles Highway because it gives the drive its texture: the famous slot through a granite spire. Use it as a planned pull-over instead of letting the route become a blur between towns.
How it fits the drive
The Needles Highway runs Custer State Park, SD (SD-87). Granite spires and one-lane tunnels in the Black Hills.
Nearby route stops
- Sylvan Lake — a granite-rimmed lake and trailhead for Black Elk Peak (Needles Highway)
- Cathedral Spires — a cluster of soaring granite fins (Needles Highway)
Conditions, access, parking, fees, weather, and seasonal closures can change quickly on scenic routes. Check the managing agency or local visitor information before committing to a side stop.
Build a trip around Needles Highway stops like this.
Roamward turns spots like this into a real road trip on your phone — the scenic drive, the stops, and the detours, planned around the vibe you’re after. Get early access: