2019-12-20 04:41:08
TAKE THE LONG WAY HOME Roll down the windows, lean into the breeze and joyfully inhale the fragrance of ponderosa pines as you set out on one of the many highways and scenic byways. Whether on two, three or four wheels, cruising the extensive network of backcountry lanes in the Black Hills and Badlands of western South Dakota is always guaranteed to be a driver’s delight. CUSTER STATE PARK The 70-mile Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway in Custer State Park threads its way around pigtail bridges, through one-lane, rock-walled tunnels and ascends to the uppermost heights of the Needles. The route is considered one of the most outstanding byways in America and is made up of Needles Highway (SD 87), Iron Mountain Road (U.S. 16A), Horse Thief Lake Road (SD 244) and Sylvan Lake Road (SD 89). SPEARFISH CANYON The Northern Hills are home to Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. Towering limestone palisades line U.S. Hwy 14A as it twists through the 19-mile gorge between Spearfish and Lead. Hikers find wonder exploring the side canyons and bicyclists love the wide shoulders and uniform 3% grade. NEMO ROAD AND VANOCKER CANYON Take the path less traveled and enjoy a leisurely cruise through the hills. The scenery on this drive is full of vast and open vistas, taking visitors from Rapid City to Nemo and then Sturgis. Full of hairpin turns and the chance to see the occasional eagle or elk, this drive through the hills is a classic year-round. BELLE FOURCHE TO WYOMING This 52-mile route on U.S. Hwy 34 offers a rolling landscape with a variety of natural beauty to keep you in awe. Consider also taking the Wyoming Scenic Byway (U.S. Hwy 85/585), sprawling from Newcastle north to Sundance and Devils Tower. Afterwards, jump on U.S. Hwy 16 back into South Dakota and stop by Jewel Cave National Monument along the way. OTHER AREA FAVORITES Meander through other area favorites — Badlands Loop Scenic Byway (SD 240), U.S. Hwy 385 through the Black Hills and U.S. Hwy 44, also known as Rimrock Highway, stretching from Rapid City to the junction of U.S. Hwy 385.
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