Hiking in Spearfish Canyon is an absolute dream. It’s so easy to lose yourself while roaming between those massive walls of limestone and searching for the next waterfall or cave to explore. I especially love the vibrant colors in the fall, and sneaking behind frozen waterfalls in the winter. However, summer is the best time to take a dip in the popular Spearfish swimming hole, Devil’s Bathtub. No matter what season it is, Spearfish Canyon has plenty of beautiful hiking trails to offer. I’ve compiled this list of the 5 best trails below.
Heads Up
There is no entrance fee required for the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. Consequently, there are also no visitor centers or restrooms. I recommend making a quick restroom stop before you head out, because it is about a 30-minute drive through the highway (one-way), excluding stops for sightseeing. There is a lodge and a restaurant in the savoy area , but I have never used the restrooms there, so I don’t exactly know how welcoming they are to guests using their bathrooms.
In addition, there is no cell phone service in the canyon. For this reason, I recommend downloading the Google Maps for offline use. If you forget, it’s okay though, because you just stay on Spearfish Canyon Hwy the whole time. However, it will be extremely helpful if you’re looking for trailheads, as some of them are listed on Google Maps. For the first two trailheads, South Dakota Game, Fish, & Parks have provided this map.
**All the directions to the trailheads provided in this post are given from the perspective that you will be entering from the north entrance, driving south into Spearfish Canyon Hwy (Hwy 14A).
1. Roughlock Falls Trail
Roughlock Falls is considered one of the most beautiful spots in the Black Hills. It features a 50-foot multi-tiered waterfall that flows into a stream rich with greenery. The trail is 2 miles round-trip with little elevation gain, making it a very easy hike, although very photogenic.
To get there, drive 13 miles into the canyon and turn right into Roughlock Falls Rd, just before the Spearfish Canyon Lodge. Behind the lodge, you will find a dirt lot that you can park in. The Roughlock Falls trailhead is also in this lot. However, if you’d rather skip the hike and head straight to the falls, you will find another parking lot about a mile down Roughlock Falls Rd. Be careful though, as the road is not paved and very narrow for two-way traffic.
2. Spearfish Canyon Floor Nature Hiking Trail
- This trail is sometimes referred to as the Spearfish Falls Trail, which should not to be confused with the 6-mile long Little Spearfish Trail.
Just across the street from the Roughlock Falls Trail is another easy trail leading to Spearfish Falls. The Spearfish Canyon Floor Trail features a slightly larger waterfall, with informative signs about the plant life you’ll see. While it is only about .8 miles round-trip, the trail descends a few feet into the canyon, so make sure you wear the appropriate shoes.
To find the trailhead, head north from the Latchstring Restaurant parking, which is 13 miles into the canyon on the left side.
Bridal Veil Falls – To complete your waterfall tour of Spearfish Canyon, don’t forget to make a stop at Bridal Veil Falls as well. You can find the turnout for it at about 5.8 miles in from the north entrance – no hiking required.
3. Devil's Bathtub Trail
Devil’s Bathtub is deceivingly cold, but a wonderful sight to behold. The sparkling clear water collects into three small pools from a waterfall (depending on the time of year). When you see it, you won’t be able to resist taking a dip, so I recommend wearing your bathing suit. It would also be a good idea to wear water shoes with good tread, since you will likely have to cross the creek several times on slippery rocks during this hike.
To get there, look for the signs for Devil’s Bathtub, which will be near the old hydro plant, close to Cleopatra Pl. Park in the designated areas only. Vehicles parked on Cleopatra Pl. and on the shoulders will be ticketed and towed. From the parking area, there will be a trail that cuts through the grass that eventually leads to the trailhead. From there, follow Cleopatra Creek up for about a mile, and you will find Devil’s Bathtub.
The trail is rated at moderate since crossing the creek can be dangerous, especially when the water is high. Otherwise, it is not a hard trail.
Due to the increasing popularity of Devil’s Bathtub, the State has been actively trying to find better ways to handle the congestion in the summers. Be sure to check the Rapid City Journal for any information or updates on these changes.
4. Iron Creek Trail
Iron Creek Trail is a long scenic trail that follows the creek, and is mostly shaded by the abundance of trees and cliffs. It’s quite picturesque and serene with the tumbling waters of the creek nearby, and the natural textures of flora and cliffs. The unnoticeable incline makes it a very easy hike, and you could take the trail all the way to Tinton Rd if you wanted.
To find the trailhead for the Iron Creek Trail, look for the dirt lot on the right side of the road at about 11 miles into the canyon.
5. Community Caves
This trail is for the true outdoor adventurer. The destination at Community Caves is intriguing and exciting, while the trail itself takes determination and patience. The view of Spearfish Canyon from Community Caves is spectacular, and depending on what time of year you go, there may be a small waterfall trickling right in the middle of the cave.
Although the trail is only 1.2 miles round-trip, it goes straight up into the cliff side. Wear waterproof shoes with good tread, as you will be hiking through a small stream over loose rocks (in the summer). I would also recommend hiking sticks if you have them; they are particularly helpful on the hike down. Take it very slow – even the most experienced hikers will admit that this is a moderately strenuous trail. However, don’t let that deter you from experiencing this awesome cave.
As always, be respectful and protect our land so that everyone can enjoy its beauty. Follow the “Leave No Trace” guidelines by packing out what you pack in.
If you have any specific questions about hiking in Spearfish Canyon, leave them in the comments section below. For more information about traveling to South Dakota, check out my Complete South Dakota Travel Guide.
Until next time, happy hiking and I hope to see you out there on the trails!
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