Most reviewed Scenic Drives in South Dakota


  1. 4.5 Wildlife Loop Road (2.745 reviews)
    - Buffalo round up
    Scenic Drives
    Wildlife Loop Road image
    An 18-mile scenic drive in Custer State Park. See more..
  2. 5.0 Loop Road (1.978 reviews)
    - So beautiful I drove through on my way back, too
    Scenic Drives
    Loop Road image
    Main route through Badlands National Park. See more..
  3. 5.0 Iron Mountain Road (1.716 reviews)
    - Fun Drive with Great Views of Rushmore
    Scenic Drives
    Iron Mountain Road image
    Whether you are driving or simply riding, this is a fun drive with awesome views and fun, unique road features like corkscrew pigtails and one lane tunnels. Our group really enjoyed this as we made our way from Lake Sylvan to Mount Rushmore. It starts with a Meadow as you drive towards Keystone where you get your first glimpse of Rushmore. You then wind up to the top of Iron Mountain where there is a parking lot and observation area. You then start to descend passing a series of tunnels in the granite outcroppings with line up perfectly with the carvings on Rushmore. The final descent is accomplished by a couple of corkscrew bridges that allow you to drop elevation in a small space. It is a beautiful drive through the Black Hills that has some of the best views of Rushmore. You have to somehow reach Rushmore so be sure to take this route. See more..
  4. 4.5 Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway (956 reviews)
    - Beautiful drive after staying in Deadwood
    Scenic Drives
    Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway image
    We missed the Spearfish Scenic Byway on our last trip west, but were so glad we experienced it this time around. Take 14a out of Spearfish to Hwy. 85. We stopped often to enjoy the scenery and flip a fishing line in the water. There are several waterfalls along the way too. We wished we had left enough time to hike the Devil's Bathtub Trail. However, since Devil's Bathtub is near private property, parking for the trail is near the hydroelectric plant and there are creek crossings which would likely take extra time. We left ourselves a reason to go back. We also hoped to have an Indian taco in Cheyenne Crossings, but the wait was 2 hours at noon. We grabbed a picnic lunch out of our cooler and were on our way. I wouldn't drive far out of the way to take this scenic byway, but it's a beautiful option if you're in the area. See more..
  5. 5.0 Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway (80 reviews)
    - Engineering marvel of a road
    Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Drives • Geologic Formations
    Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway image
    This scenic drive along 16A is a marvel of early 20th century engineering. A very winding road, it provides vistas and numerous areas to pull over and enjoy the scenery. The LOW and NARROW tunnels are quite the treat. Forget going to see Mount Rushmore at the park. This route includes an overlook that provides a FREE, commanding view from across the valley of the monument. The winding drive up to this overlook is its own adventure (especially the LOW and NARROW tunnels). Once at the overlook, the info placards and trails and rock scrambling and free parking are added bonuses that make this location a great opportunity. See more..
  6. 4.5 Sheep Mountain Table Road (21 reviews)
    - A must!!!
    Spent 1-2 hours Scenic Drives
    Sheep Mountain Table Road image
    First, I must say, this road requires a high clearance vehicle for good reason. What an amazing view of the Badlands!!!! Not too many people travel this route due to the vehicle requirements. Once we reached the table, we were greeted with spectacular views of the Badlands in PEACE! It was very serene not hearing traffic or tourists talking. Just the sounds of nature. A few birds chirping and some insects. The rest of the Badlands has the same amazing views, but not the peaceful seclusion. Take a lawn chair and bag a lunch for a fantastic picinic. See more..
  7. 5.0 Native American National And State Scenic Byway (1 review)
    - Stop at Roam Free Park
    Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Drives
    The road in general is one you will enjoy driving. Lots of good views. A must stop is a small park at the top of the bluff overlooking the river and towns, Roam Free Park. See more..

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