---
title: "Sylvan Lake Lodge: The Beginning of the Needles Highway Journey"
date: 2026-08-12T11:35:00-05:00
author: Click Rain Inc
canonical_url: "https://www.custerresorts.com/news/driving-through-stone"
section: News Posts
---
![Rock spires span the horizon](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Homepage/hero-bg.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=60&h=35&c=09202b46&v=cb498ca5cb09cac152ddc89723a7292b40a2ba188d007f6df4ccf666f768fd22)  [Back to News](https://www.custerresorts.com/news)# Sylvan Lake Lodge: The Beginning of the Needles Highway Journey

  August 12, 2026  

      ![](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Featured/Custer-State-Park_67.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=60&h=35&c=6959f827&v=dd6f09507983715c6013ef79cb8e18a84f32c030b01a98d8062285da386649aa)  Needles Highway is the pinnacle (pun intended) of a Black Hills trip. This spindly, winding road beckons travelers to slow down and enjoy the ride, while looking up at some of the most unique rock formations our nation has to offer.

Amy Grisak from Rock & Gem writes that Sylvan Lake marks the starting point of this journey. Custer State Park Resort’s [Sylvan Lake Lodge](https://www.custerresorts.com/plan-your-trip/sylvan-lake-lodge) sits on the shores of this glistening lake, serving as a hub for Needles Highway travelers.

Read the [full article from *Rock & Gem*](https://com-custerresorts-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/general-uploads/52-57-Needles-Highway_RG0826-1.pdf) and see what you can expect from this iconic highway. Consider [booking a stay at Sylvan Lake Lodge](https://be.synxis.com/?_gl=1*acu49o*_gcl_au*MTY5OTMwNTY2Ni4xNzg1ODY2OTQ2*_ga*MTc2MTQ3NDM3My4xNzg1ODY2OTQ2*_ga_RKSD5YRLN2*czE3ODYzODk5NDEkbzkkZzEkdDE3ODYzODk5NDMkajU4JGwwJGg2NjI2MjY3MDc.&adult=1&arrive=2026-08-12&chain=7774&child=0&currency=USD&depart=2026-08-13&hotel=20182&level=hotel&locale=en-US&productcurrency=USD&rooms=1) so you can get a head start on the drive before the crowds get there!