Needles Highway

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This national scenic byway was considered impossible to construct by some before it was finished in 1922. It is named after the high granite "needles" it winds among. On the highway, you'll drive by the needles eye, around tight turns, through low tunnels and near the Cathedral Spires. One of the most famous parts of the drive is the Needle Eye Tunnel. This one-way tunnel is only  8′ 4″ wide by 12′ 0″ high so make sure your vehicle will fit through before starting up the highway because once you reach the tunnel, there isn't much room to turn around.

The Needles Highway starts near Sylvan Lake and ends up near Legion Lake, State Game Lodge, or Center Lake and is full of adventure and beautiful scenery whichever way you choose to go.

During the winter the road is closed and people walk the road or cross country ski it. It is just gorgeous and you can get up close with all the majestic spirals. This is one of our favorite trails to do in the winter. Be warned though the road is not plowed in the winter so walking it can be tricky if there has been a lot of snow. I recommend bringing poles.

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The Needle’s Eye

The Needle’s Eye

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Cool rock formations around every curve.

Cool rock formations around every curve.

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Beautiful vistas

Beautiful vistas

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Unique rocks

Unique rocks

Neat picnic area on the way to the Needle’s Eye - Hole in the wall.

Neat picnic area on the way to the Needle’s Eye - Hole in the wall.

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Cool marmot came out to visit. Needle’s Eye Tunnel in background

Cool marmot came out to visit. Needle’s Eye Tunnel in background

Very curvy road.

Very curvy road.

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Iron Creek Tunnel

Iron Creek Tunnel

Nice stream follows the road in some parts.

Nice stream follows the road in some parts.

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Cathedral Spires

Cathedral Spires

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Gorgeous any time of year.

Walking the road in the winter time.

In the winter time the road is closed to vehicles making this a wonderful hike.

Hiking the road in 2023. Just a gorgeous sunny day.

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