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Posted in South Dakota Trips October 27, 2017 by Catherine Armstrong

The Highest Road In South Dakota Will Lead You On An Unforgettable Journey

The CanAm Highway stretches 1,478 miles from El Paso, Texas all the way up into Canada. Along the way, it cuts through South Dakota on U.S. 85. A portion of that road is the highest in all of South Dakota, and some of the most beautiful road you’ll ever see.

You can see from this map that the CanAm Highway slices through South Dakota along U.S. 85 on the west side of the state.

From the North Dakota border until you reach the Black Hills, the highway takes you through the flat expanses of prairie that are so iconic of South Dakota. The grasslands are vast, and the sky is endless here.

You'll briefly travel east on I-90 through spearfish before connecting again with U.S. 85.

Once you reconnect with the CanAm Highway on U.S. 85, you'll soon enter the Black Hills National Forest, and the scenery begins to include pine-covered hills and winding canyon roads.

The Highway goes right through Deadwood, which is a great spot to grab a meal or a few beers at one of the historic saloons and pubs.

The stretch of highway from Deadwood to Lead is gorgeous, cutting through tree-covered mountains and cliffs.

Lead is a pretty little town that's nestled among the evergreens. You'll continue on another 8.5 miles or so to Cheyenne Crossing.

You'll definitely want to make a stop at this quaint trading post in the mountains. The restaurant is open during the winter Thursday through Sunday 7:30 AM to 8 PM.

Continue on along the CanAm Highway another 12 miles to O'Neil Pass. This pass sits at an elevation of 6,683 feet, making it the highest road in the state.

Just past O'Neil Pass, you'll find Trailshead Lodge, a year-round lodge offering cabins and snowmobiling.

The Black Hills portion of the CanAm Highway can be very dangerous in winter months, with ice and snow on the winding road. This area has already had its first snowfall, so take appropriate precautions if you decide to travel along this beautiful road between now and spring.

Have you driven the CanAm Highway? Tell us about your adventures!

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Catherine Armstrong

Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.