Unlock the Secrets of Spearfish Canyon!
Why Visit Spearfish Canyon?
Unlike Mount Rushmore or Badlands National Park, Spearfish Canyon is not a national park, which means fewer crowds and a more intimate experience with nature. The canyon’s rugged cliffs, dense pine forests, and crystal-clear streams create an untouched wilderness that feels worlds away from modern civilization. In the fall, the canyon bursts into vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, making it one of the most beautiful autumn drives in the country.
Top Attractions in Spearfish Canyon
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
One of the best ways to explore Spearfish Canyon is by driving the 19-mile Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, which follows Spearfish Creek from the town of Spearfish into the heart of the canyon. The road winds through towering limestone walls, providing incredible overlooks and access to the region’s best hiking trails and waterfalls.
📍 Location: U.S. Highway 14A
🚗 Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall for the best visibility and access
Roughlock Falls – A Must-See Waterfall
Roughlock Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in South Dakota and a highlight of any trip to Spearfish Canyon. The falls cascade over multiple rock ledges, creating a stunning tiered effect that is especially beautiful in the spring and after heavy rains. The hiking trail to Roughlock Falls is an easy, family-friendly route that winds through a peaceful forested canyon before arriving at the waterfall’s spectacular viewing decks.
📍 Location: Near Savoy, SD
🥾 Hike Length: 1 mile (easy, accessible)
🔗 Official South Dakota Tourism Info on Roughlock Falls
Spearfish Falls – The Canyon’s Hidden Gem
While Spearfish Falls is not as well-known as Roughlock Falls, it is arguably the most beautiful waterfall in the canyon. Hidden beneath the cliffs, this dramatic 60-foot waterfall is just a short hike away from Latchstring Restaurant, making it an easy stop for those looking to pair great views with a local meal.
📍 Location: Behind Latchstring Restaurant
🥾 Hike Length: 0.75 miles (moderate difficulty)
🍽 Nearby Dining: Latchstring Restaurant – A historic lodge-style eatery known for local flavors and rustic charm.
Things to Do in Spearfish Canyon
Hiking & Nature Walks
Trails range from short waterfall walks to more challenging backcountry routes, offering something for every level of adventurer.
For those looking for a quick and scenic stroll, trails like the Spearfish Falls Trail and Roughlock Falls Trail provide easy, well-maintained paths leading to some of the canyon’s most breathtaking waterfalls. These short hikes, typically under a mile round trip, are perfect for families, casual explorers, and photographers looking for stunning views without strenuous effort.
For a moderate adventure, Iron Creek Trail winds through dense forests and rocky terrain, offering hidden overlooks, diverse plant life, and opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. These trails require a bit more stamina but reward hikers with secluded natural beauty away from the main roads.
For experienced hikers and those seeking a true backcountry experience, routes like the 76 Trail and portions of the Crow Peak Trail take you deep into Spearfish Canyon’s rugged wilderness, climbing to higher elevations with panoramic views of the surrounding Black Hills. These challenging hikes test endurance and navigation skills but deliver spectacular summit views and a sense of solitude in nature.
Whether you’re after a leisurely walk to a cascading waterfall or an all-day trek through untouched landscapes, Spearfish Canyon’s trails offer an unforgettable experience for hikers of all levels.
Wildlife Watching
Spearfish Canyon is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, making it a prime destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
One of the most iconic residents of the canyon is the bighorn sheep. These agile climbers can often be spotted scaling the steep limestone cliffs or grazing along the roadside. During the fall rutting season, males can be seen engaging in head-butting battles, an impressive display of strength and dominance.
White-tailed and mule deer are common throughout the canyon, frequently seen darting across trails or grazing in open meadows at dawn and dusk. Their presence adds to the serene, untouched feel of the landscape, making for picturesque wildlife encounters.
Mountain goats, with their thick white coats and incredible climbing ability, are another rare but thrilling sight in the canyon. Unlike bighorn sheep, they prefer the highest, most rugged cliffs, often perching on near-vertical rock faces where few other animals can go.
Above it all, bald eagles soar over the canyon, taking advantage of the updrafts created by the towering cliffs. These majestic birds are a symbol of strength and freedom, and catching sight of one gliding effortlessly overhead is always a special moment.
With such a diverse range of wildlife, Spearfish Canyon offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the Black Hills, making every drive, hike, or quiet moment a chance for an unforgettable encounter.
Photography & Sightseeing
The dramatic limestone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and winding roads of Spearfish Canyon make it one of the most photogenic destinations in South Dakota. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just capturing moments on your phone, the canyon’s unique geology and ever-changing light provide endless opportunities for stunning shots.
At sunrise and sunset, the towering 1,000-foot canyon walls glow in soft hues of gold, orange, and pink, creating incredible depth and contrast. The interplay of light and shadow across the rugged terrain makes for breathtaking landscape photography. During autumn, the canyon explodes with vibrant red, orange, and yellow foliage, offering some of the best fall photography in the Midwest.
Waterfalls like Roughlock Falls and Spearfish Falls are must-visit spots for long-exposure photography, where the rushing water appears silky smooth against the backdrop of lush greenery and weathered rock formations. The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway itself is a dream for photographers, with sweeping curves, hidden overlooks, and pull-off areas perfect for capturing the grandeur of the canyon.
Whether you’re framing a shot of bighorn sheep navigating the cliffs, a golden-hued forest reflecting in Spearfish Creek, or the twisting road disappearing into the canyon’s depths, Spearfish Canyon is a landscape photographer’s dream.
Fly Fishing
Spearfish Creek is one of the best trout fishing spots in South Dakota, offering anglers the chance to fish in crystal-clear waters surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Flowing through the heart of Spearfish Canyon, this spring-fed creek remains cool year-round, creating ideal conditions for trout fishing even in the heat of summer.
The creek is home to an abundance of wild brown and brook trout, making it a favorite spot for fly fishers. The narrow, fast-moving waters create challenging yet rewarding fishing experiences, especially in the deep pools and shaded eddies where trout love to hide. With minimal fishing pressure compared to larger rivers, Spearfish Creek offers quiet, secluded spots where anglers can enjoy the sounds of rushing water and the sights of towering limestone cliffs.
Access points are plentiful, with hiking trails leading to some of the best fishing locations. The area near Iron Creek and the deeper pools along Roughlock Falls Trail are particularly popular for those seeking larger catches and a peaceful fishing experience.
For both seasoned anglers and beginners looking to try fly fishing in the Black Hills, Spearfish Creek provides a truly world-class experience—where the thrill of the catch is matched only by the beauty of the surroundings.
Rock Climbing & Biking
Nearby Attractions
(25 min drive) – Explore the Wild West history of this legendary gold rush town.
(1 hour drive) – Visit America’s first national monument, a sacred and stunning rock formation.
(20 min drive) – A hidden retreat for those seeking peace and introspection.
(Lead, SD) – Discover the history of one of the world’s largest gold mines.
Best Time to Visit Spearfish Canyon
Spring & Summer:
🌷Lush greenery, peak waterfall flow, and perfect hiking weather.
Fall
🍂 The canyon transforms into one of the best leaf-peeping destinations in the U.S.
Winter
❄️ A snowy wonderland, with opportunities for ice climbing and winter photography.
Plan Your Visit to Spearfish Canyon
For those looking for an expertly guided experience, My XO Adventures offers private tours through Spearfish Canyon, stopping at Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Falls, and other hidden gems along the way. With a local guide, you’ll gain deeper insight into the geology, history, and wildlife of this incredible region.
🔗 Book a Spearfish Canyon Tour Here: My XO Adventures – Spearfish Canyon Tour
