The region
A limestone gorge in the northern Black Hills, cut by Spearfish Creek and lined with waterfalls, forest and short trails — including Devil's Bathtub.
Orientation
Nearly everything visitors come to Spearfish Canyon for sits within sight of Highway 14A. That makes the canyon unusually easy to plan around: pick two or three stops, drive slowly between them, and you have a full day.
Devil's Bathtub is the most physical of the popular short stops. The waterfall walks near Savoy are far gentler, which makes them a good pairing when part of your group would rather stay dry.
What's here
Highway 14A runs roughly twenty miles between Spearfish and Cheyenne Crossing beneath limestone walls, following Spearfish Creek the whole way. It is the spine of the region and the access road for nearly every trailhead here.
Spearfish Falls, Roughlock Falls and Little Spearfish Falls are all short walks from the byway, which makes a three-waterfall day genuinely easy to pull off.
Trails range from paved-feeling strolls to creek scrambles like Devil's Bathtub and longer forest loops above the canyon rim.
Deer, wild turkey, songbirds and the occasional mountain goat use the canyon. Watch from a distance, and watch for animals on the road at dawn and dusk.
Overcast light suits the canyon best. Autumn brings gold birch and aspen against dark spruce, and winter turns the falls to ice.
Pullouts and viewpoints along the byway make it worth driving slowly and stopping often, even if you only hike once.
Spearfish Creek is a well-known trout stream. Licensing and regulations are set by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks — check current rules before you cast.
Spearfish, Lead and Deadwood all sit within a short drive and cover lodging, food, gear and fuel.
Rock climbing, biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing all happen in and above the canyon, depending on the season.
Conditions change. These are the things this guide cannot tell you.
Closures and parking rules can also be posted on site with no notice online. Read the signs at the trailhead and follow current restrictions when you arrive.