Routes
Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway
Custer, SD
68 miles combining three mountain roads through Mount Rushmore, Cathedral Spires, and Crazy Horse views.
The Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway encompasses 68 miles marketed as a unified day experience, though composed of individual segments: Iron Mountain Road (17 miles with pigtails and tunnels), Needles Highway (14 miles through Cathedral Spires), and Custer State Park's Wildlife Loop (18 miles). The complete route threads through Black Hills National Forest with rock tunnels, granite spires, mountains, and sculptures including Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Designers intentionally routed the byway through the most dramatic granite formations in the Black Hills. A full ride can be completed in 3 to 4 hours with minimal photo stops, though most riders take longer to explore overlooks, Mt. Coolidge Fire Tower (6,023 feet, the highest point in Custer State Park), Blue Bell Lodge, and the Iron Mountain Road Store.
The Route
Open in Google Maps →- Custer, SDStart
- Custer
- Keystone
- Mount Rushmore
- Crazy Horse Memorial
The Ride
Combines 314 curves (Iron Mountain) + 314 curves (Needles) + switchbacks (Wildlife); 3 pigtails, 6 tunnels total
Rider Stops Near This Route
Dealers, bars and campgrounds from our atlas near this route's home base — real distances, not ads.
Campgrounds
French Creek RV Park Campground
Bars & Saloons
Buglin' Bull Restaurant and Sports Bar
Bars & Saloons
Mount Rushmore Brewing Company
Bars & Saloons
Mt Rushmore Brewing
Bars & Saloons
Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company
Campgrounds
Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort
Campgrounds
Elk Mountain Campground
Campgrounds
Custer's Last Chance RV Park & Campground
Campgrounds
Bearded Buffalo Resort
More Routes in SD
All SD routes →Badlands Loop Road
39 miles through Badlands National Park with steep passes and layered rock formations over 3,000 feet elevation.
39 mi
Custer State Park Wildlife Loop
18 miles through rolling prairies and pine hills with bison herds, elk, deer, and mountain terrain.
18 mi
Iron Mountain Road
17 miles with 314 curves, 14 switchbacks, 3 pigtail bridges, and 3 tunnels framing Mount Rushmore.
17 mi
Needles Highway
14 miles of tight curves, switchbacks, and granite tunnels through Cathedral Spires in Custer State Park.
14 mi
south-dakota