{
  "name": "Needles Highway",
  "slug": "needles-highway",
  "url": "https://www.bestdrivingroads.com/roads/needles-highway/",
  "summary": "Granite spires and tunnels barely wider than a car, in the Black Hills.",
  "roadNumbers": [
    "SD 87"
  ],
  "location": {
    "country": "United States",
    "region": "South Dakota",
    "start": {
      "name": "Custer",
      "lat": 43.76784,
      "lon": -103.457205
    },
    "end": {
      "name": "Sylvan Lake",
      "lat": 43.840772,
      "lon": -103.56335
    }
  },
  "measurements": {
    "lengthMiles": 13.7,
    "lengthKm": 22,
    "driveMinutes": 30,
    "corners": 40,
    "hairpins": 2,
    "maxGradientPercent": 7,
    "summitMetres": 1955.9,
    "elevationConfidence": "measured",
    "difficulty": "moderate",
    "tightnessOutOf10": 7
  },
  "timing": {
    "bestSeasons": [
      "spring",
      "summer",
      "autumn"
    ]
  },
  "conditions": {},
  "hazards": [
    "One-lane rock tunnels",
    "Sharp blind bends",
    "Heavy summer traffic"
  ],
  "scenery": [
    "mountain",
    "forest"
  ],
  "pointsOfInterest": [
    "Iron Creek Tunnel",
    "Cathedral Spires Trailhead"
  ],
  "geometry": {
    "pointCount": 285
  },
  "attribution": {
    "source": "Routes - bestdrivingroads.com",
    "citation": "Cite with a link to the road page. Stats are measured from the mapped line, not copied from other lists; where elevationConfidence is \"approximate\" the 30 m DEM cannot resolve that line and the elevation figures are indicative.",
    "roadGeometry": "(c) OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL",
    "terms": "Facts are free to cite with attribution; bulk reproduction of the catalogue requires permission (simon@keane.studio)."
  },
  "updated": "2026-07-25"
}