South Dakota - Custer State Park and Needles Highway

One of the scenic drives in Custer State Park is the 18 mile Wildlife Loop Road.  The first 10 miles or so of the drive had us second guessing our decision to take this route through the park since we did not see any kind of wildlife at all.  As we continued on we knew there had to be wildlife around due to the number of cars pulled off on the side of the road and everyone with cameras standing outside of their vehicles. We were so excited to finally see the buffalo in large numbers.

We were told by friends not to miss seeing Sylvan Lake and  I am so glad we took their advice.  The lake is known as the crown jewel of the park and in the pictures below  and by clicking on the link you will see why it has this designation.  This lake is one of the most beautiful swimming holes anyone could find. 

Leaving the day use area around the lake we continued on to Needles Highway.  Deemed "impossible" to build it was completed in 1922 and consists of 14 miles of sharp turns, low tunnels and granite rock formations called "needles".  Driving through the rock tunnels that fit only one car at a time does cause a traffic jam at the unique rock formation called Needles Eye. 

Our day did not end here.  Crazy Horse Memorial and the town of Custer were our next stops and will be shared in the next post. 

The first herd of buffalo we saw in the park.



Pronghorn



Getting a closer look at some of the herd.  The question that is always ask is "How fast can they run?".  The answer is faster than you.  35mph

In the spring they shed their hair in large clumps making them look shaggy.  In the fall, they grow a new coat.

Male bison grow larger than females.  A bull can grow 6 feet high at the shoulders and weigh 2000 pounds.  A cow is closer to 4 1/2 feet high at the shoulders and weigh 900 pounds.

Mature bulls were often seen alone.

The herd of approximately 1300 roams freely in Custer State Park.

The bison are on their own for finding their food.  The park does not supplement their food supply.



Cowboys and cowgirls on horseback round up the herd every year in September.  This event is opened to the public to see.  It is part of a management tool used to determine how many will be sold off in November.

Both the bison bulls and cows have horns.

Displaying their dominance by fighting.

Reddish-brown calves are born in late April and May.  The calves can keep up with the herd 2 to 3 hours after birth.

 

One of many weddings that take place at Sylvan Lake.

Everyone was enjoying the lake from in the water and on top of the boulders.

Walking a short distance brought me to this spot on the lake.

And now you know why Sylvan Lake is known as the crown jewel of the park. 

I just loved seeing the sun rays beaming into the lake.



Another glimpse of the lake as we were leaving the area.



The beginning of Needles Highway

The diversity of the area was seen on Needles Highway.

Do you see a face on this rock formation?

Pine and spruce forests, meadows and rugged mountains are awesome to say the least.

You don't get in a hurry driving this highway, the scenery has you pulling off to take in all of the views and of course trying to capture that perfect picture.

One vehicle at a time through the tunnels.

Parking area as you come out of the tunnel at Needles Eye formation.  It was one big traffic jam that you are not expecting because vehicles were blocking  the road trying to find a place to park while others were waiting to enter the tunnel.  Not only did you have to  contend with the vehicles but also with people walking all around  the moving vehicles.

Needles Eye - formed by years of rain, ice and wind.

This drive was awesome at least for me - Terry had to negotiate the windy road, sharp turns and narrow tunnels.

So many different formations.



The tunnels always seemed to greet you with a sharp curve.