Needles Highway -Still in South Dakota

The bus tour included a drive on the scenic Needles Highway, Iron Mountain and the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway.  The Needles highway stretches 14 miles through granite structures and pine covered mountains. It cuts through  Custer State Park, known for narrow, windy roads and tunnels.

Signature granite "needles" rise out of the surrounding landscape of the Black Hills.

The Needle's Eye is one of the most memorable granite formations along the drive, formed by years of rain, ice and wind.  This picture is from the internet as my picture didn't turn out.

Many different shapes and sizes of granite formations.

The tunnels are very narrow.

The tour bus is 10 ft high and 8 ft wide.  A 2 inch clearance on each side was too close for me!

People waiting at the end of the tunnel to see if the bus makes it. 

Half way through, the driver stops the bus, turns on his emergency flashers, honks his horn and waves his arms making the spectators think he is stuck.

By the serious looks on their faces, they really do think he can't move.

The driver starts back up and proceeds through the tunnel to smiles,  applause and thumbs up gestures.

As you exit one of the tunnels this is what you see.



Another stop was at Sylvan Lake.  It is a beautiful lake nestled at the base of Harney Peak and surrounded by the impressive rock formations and ponderosa pine trees.  This area is complete with the lake for swimming, boating or fishing, hiking trails, a lodge and campground.

The only wildlife we saw was a few elks and a privately owned herd of buffalo.   We want to explore the area to find free roaming buffalo if we can.

 Hope all is well!