It exists entirely within Edmunds County, from U.S. Route 12 (US 12) west of Roscoe to SD 47 north of Bowdle.

The route is maintained by the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) and is not a part of the National Highway System.

SD 253 begins at an intersection with US 12 near Gretna and heads north through flat farmland.

After running through the city, the highway passes by a cemetery and treks west.

The route reaches its northern terminus approximately eight miles (13 km) west of Hosmer at an intersection with SD 47.