SD 79's southern terminus is at Maverick Junction near Hot Springs, where it meets US 18 and US 385.

SD 79 runs east of the Black Hills to Rapid City, where it joins US Route 16 Truck Bypass around the east side of Rapid City up to Interstate 90.

The road continues north and runs concurrently with US 14 and Interstate 90 westbound toward Sturgis.

Leaving Sturgis, SD 79 leads to Bear Butte State Park and briefly runs concurrently with U.S. Route 212 south of Newell.

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