CUSTER COUNTY, S.D. — A family had to be found after getting lost south of the Needles Eye Tunnel.
Custer County Search and Rescue says it happened just before noon local time July 2, 2024.
A family of three were exploring south of the Needles Eye Tunnel and got lost. They called 911 and Custer dispatch tried to direct them back to their vehicle as they had received video that the lost party had sent of their location but was unsuccessful.
Park Ranger and Custer County Sheriff responded first and were able to hear the lost but with the echo and rock obstruction, it made it difficult for the lost to follow law enforcement’s audible calls or for law enforcement to pinpoint their location.
Custer County Search and Rescue arrived and climbed down near the Needles Eye Tunnel and were able to find the lost a short time later. They were wet, thirsty, cold, and tired as a storm had just passed through the area and needed a little help climbing back out.
Search and Rescue personnel say it’s very common for many to explore the spires around the Needles Eye Tunnel and calls are rarely made for lost individuals there, probably because it’s always populated during the summer and a call for help gets a fast reply from someone else and they find their way back. The lost were only 100 yards away from the Needles Eye but the abundance of rock formations in that area can cause one to lose their bearings.
To complicate things, going down rocky terrain when it’s dry is one thing, but trying to come back up it when it’s wet is another. Black Hills weather can present all four seasons in one day. It’s always a good idea to bring plenty of water and even a small backpack with extra raingear just in case as well as checking the weather forecast before venturing out for the day.
