Custer State Park Needles
Custer State Park Needles is a moderate 35 miles off-road trail near Custer, SD, best run May - October. The gear list marks All-terrain tires as required, and 4WD capability and Narrow vehicle recommended as recommended. A stock high-clearance 4x4 can run it; check the gear list before you go.
Trail Conditions
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Custer State Park's Needles Highway is one of America's most dramatic scenic drives, threading through impossibly narrow granite tunnels and past towering spires of rock that look like they were placed by giants. Beyond the main highway, the park's interior gravel roads lead to remote valleys where 1,300 bison roam free among cathedral-like rock formations.
Fun Facts
Custer State Park maintains a herd of approximately 1,300 bison.
The Needles Eye tunnel carved through granite is only 8 feet 4 inches wide.
The annual Buffalo Roundup each September attracts thousands of spectators.
🛞 Tires
⚙️ Drivetrain
📦 Other
Closest campgrounds to Custer State Park Needles:
- Bison Range Campground · Custer · 9 mi (straight-line)
- Ponderosa Peak Campground · Custer · 9 mi (straight-line)
- Elk Mountain Campground · Hot Springs · 14 mi (straight-line)
Straight-line distance. Check the map for drive time.
GPS Coordinates
Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin
Map of Custer, SD
5-Day Forecast
Nearby Trails
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
A mild lift, all-terrain tires, and correct gear ratio will get you through this trail confidently.
Tire Size Calculator
Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.
Size up correctly, 33s vs 35s matters on moderate terrain.
Gear Ratio Calculator
Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.
Re-gear after a tire upgrade to restore trail torque and MPG.
Wheel Fitment Calculator
Calculate backspacing and offset so wider wheels clear your suspension.
Extra wheel width = extra clearance on tight lines. Check offset before buying.
MPG Calculator
Estimate fuel economy after a tire upgrade, important for remote runs.
Bigger tires cut MPG. Plan your fuel stops for this trail.