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Spearfish Canyon, Spearfish, SD

Photo: Yanktonranger, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorOutdoor AdventureFree

Spearfish Canyon

US Highway 14A between Spearfish and Cheyenne Crossing · Spearfish, SD

Why you should go…

Spearfish Canyon is a deep, narrow gorge carved by Spearfish Creek in the northern Black Hills, with the scenic byway on US 14A running from Spearfish to Cheyenne Crossing along an old railroad grade. You pass rock walls layered in brown shale and pink and buff limestone. Stops include Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Falls and the Roughlock Falls Nature Area at Savoy, with walking paths and picnic areas.

  • #scenic byway
  • #waterfalls
  • #black hills
  • #canyon
  • #hiking

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Spearfish Canyon, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Eat & Drink
    Local Gem

    Cheyenne Crossing

    Under $25

    Historic cafe and general store at the mouth of Spearfish Canyon, known for its Indian tacos.

    7.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Black Hills Discovery Tours

    $50+

    Narrated day-long van tours of the Black Hills, including Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park.

    8.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center

    Free

    Black Hills science and mining center overlooking the 1,250-foot-deep Homestake Open Cut in Lead.

    8.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    George S. Mickelson Trail

    Under $25

    Bike, hike or ride horseback on a 109-mile crushed limestone rail trail through the Black Hills.

    11 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Wonderland Cave

    Under $25

    Guided tours through a Black Hills show cave near Nemo, South Dakota, noted for its variety of crystal formations.

    24 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Bear Butte State Park

    Under $25

    Hike a 1.85-mile summit trail up a sacred butte that rises over 1,200 feet above the plains, with bison grazing near its base.

    27 mi awayMore like this