Iron Mountain and Needles drive

We did one of our all-time favorite scenic drives, along Iron Mountain and Needles Highway.

An interactive map of our route, starting from the campground, and going counter-clockwise:

A buffalo on the road:

A buffalo on the road

Tunnel clearances:

Tunnel clearances

Scovel Johnson Tunnel:

Scovel Johnson Tunnel

A peek of Mount Rushmore through the trees:

A peek of Mount Rushmore through the trees

More tunnels:

More tunnels

Tunnel to spiral bridge:

Tunnel to spiral bridge

Another tunnel:

Another tunnel

Another peek of Mount Rushmore from the tunnel:

Another peek of Mount Rushmore from the tunnel

Another pigtail spiral bridge:

A pigtail spiral bridge

A pigtail spiral bridge

Passing Mount Rushmore:

Passing Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore side view:

Mount Rushmore side view

Interesting rocks:

Interesting rocks

Hood Tunnel:

Hood Tunnel

Sylvan Lake:

Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake

Popular jumping spot for kids:

Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake

Needle Eye:

Needle Eye

Needle Eye Tunnel:

Needle Eye Tunnel

Sun over rocks:

Sun over rocks

Another tunnel:

Another tunnel

Such a fun drive.