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Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway

4.7 (26 reviews)

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David C.

Spearfish Canyon is an absolutely stunning location and fantastic drive. I had the pleasure to drive through the canyon and bike some miles as well. Both were a fantastic experience that I highly recommend to anyone around the area. For the drive, the entire drive was awesome but there are convenient stops at particularly stunning areas that I recommend you stop at including Bridal Veil falls which was an excellent place to stop and read for a bit. When biking, there are decent parts of the road with a somewhat dedicated bike lane but they do go in and out. There were a decent amount of cars going well above speed limit while I was biking there so if you do decide to bike, make sure to have a helmet and other protective gear on. I cannot wait to go back!

Falls from the bottom platform
Myphuong L.

We started down Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway and stopped at Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Falls, and Roughlock Falls. Our second stop was Spearfish Falls (47ft). Park at the Latchstring Restaurant. On the right, you'll see the map, to the right of that, there's a small hidden platform to see the falls from the top. It just looks like a stream. To get to the bottom platform, the trail starts on the left of the restaurant. Follow the pathway. A bit steep at first. There are signs of mountain lion sightings so stay together. We spent a total of 30 mins here. It says the trail is 1.5 miles but I think that's from the trail head not from the restaurant. We had a 4 year old to 80s and we all made it.

Paul V.

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is a must-do if you're in the area and well worth the drive. Taking the slow roll through and looking around up along the scenery along sides of the canyon, stopping at each of the pulloff areas, and seeing the beautiful winding river that goes through it all was a great experience. Bridal Veil falls were pretty light when I was there, so there wasn't much to see, but I was able to see a few sheep along the roadway nearby. The hike to Devils Bathtub was enjoyable - an out of the way section with a trail that can become a bit of a "choose your own adventure" situation after a bit, but you'll find your way as you stay near the water. It was a fun little extra adventure on a beautiful day for a scenic drive and hike.

Entrance to the park.
Leah W.

Loved the natural landscape and amazing mountain sides. There were several waterfalls, and we were able to 3 of them. Bridal Veil Falls was visible from the road and some off-road parking spots. Spearfish Canyon Falls is located behind the lodge. Outdoor bathrooms are located just past the lodge. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly. Mild incline but not a difficult walk. Was quick and beautiful. It has a metal gate in front of the fall. Roughlock Falls is an easy trail, but be careful during winter time for ice and slippery wood. Bathrooms are at the beginning of the trail and some picnic tables. The drive into the blackhills is breathtaking. It's such an amazing place to see.

Apple S.

Gorgeous stop and worth a visit!!! There's 3 falls to go find and it's well explained on the maps. Some are a longer walk than others. Breathtaking views

Bridal Veil Falls
Katelyn C.

Really cool stop during our family trip to the Black Hills. We stopped to do the roughlock falls hike and to look at bridal veil falls. Super fun thing to do!

Spend the whole drive looking up
Paul V.

A forest fire caused our detour leading to the most amazing drive in the state. Follow the gorge and an old rail path while taking in the sites above. Summer is best since some places will be tough sledding given spots that get zero sun the entire day (an amazing phenomenon in itself). Plenty of stops along the way, all the while keep looking up because the beauty goes on for miles and miles. Many go through Deadwood first, but if you're lucky and headed East, exit I-90 at Spearfish to take 14A the back way toward Leeds to Deadwood (where there was no law for a time). Stop if you like in the touristy parts of Deadwood; for us the amazing part was the drive there.

Jeana G.

This byway is stunning. Being a newbie to the area, I now know there is more we could have seen and done from other reviews, but that's OK..... we loved our adventure! We had lunch at The Latchstring Restaurant (a must) and then hiked down in snow (that fell a few days ago) to Spearfish Falls. The quiet, beauty and serenity of Spearfish Falls was the best! And, the long drive thru the Black Hills Forest definitely makes this byway one you don't want to miss. Look forward to visiting again one day!

Devil's Bathtub in the winter - completely frozen over!!
Bonnie L.

Beautiful canyon with great short (AKA, easy) hikes to several waterfalls. We visited mid-January when it was snowing and it made the place so pretty and peaceful! Bridal Veil Falls was completely frozen and looked pretty cool! Devil's Bathtub was a beautiful winter wonderland of a hike with the actual Bathtub completely frozen over. Some parts of the hike were icy so we had some funny moments of slipping and tripping. Spearfish Falls was frozen and looked so incredibly powerful and majestic! It was our favorite stop of the day, hands down. Roughlock Falls was not frozen, but the hike was still pretty with lots of information panels along the way. Would totally recommend visiting in the winter for some amazing views and picturesque scenery!

Katie D.

Beautiful drive just a short distance from Deadwood! We took some time on our Deadwood vacation to see the beautiful scenery, and I'm so glad we did.

Bridal Falls in February
Nichole L.

This is rated as one of the #1 things to do in Spearfish for a reason! We took this route on the way to Devil's Tower from Rapid City and again from Spearfish to CO - once in the late afternoon and once at dawn. Both times were breathtaking. Impossibly vertical cliffs and trees that stretch to the sky. If you're traveling with a friend, get them to drive so you can focus on the view ;) Be sure to stop along the way to take in the fresh air, babbling brooks, bird sounds and waterfalls. Even in February, I'd highly recommend the drive.

It's a must do when visiting the Black Hills! It's a quick drive with breathtaking views! You end at Roughlock Falls which is the perfect way to end your day! Serenity at its finest!

One of the stops along this byway, roughlock falls

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4 years ago

What a wonderful scenic drive through Spearfish area. Many lookouts with waterfalls and windy roads. Nice surprise and enjoyable 3 hours.

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8 years ago

Beautiful! Great views, with many great picture opportunities. I would highly recommend!

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6 years ago

The scenic byway is great. Make sure you stop to see the falls along the way. The rock walls are stunning. Bring your camera!

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Review Highlights - Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway

A very scenic drive with a couple of short hiking trails to see the falls - Roughlock falls and spearfish falls.

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Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

4.5
(793 reviews)
47.1 mi

I love that there is no entrance fee for Mount Rushmore, but you do have to pay for parking. It was…read moreregularly $10 or if you're over 62 it's five dollars you take a ticket when you go into the parking lot and you will pay at a pay station before you leave. It will ask you if you're over 62 There is a lot of room to view the monument as well as a restaurant, gift shop, clean restrooms, and plenty of areas to sit on benches and such to enjoy the environment Definitely something you need to check off your bucket list

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of those places that feels instantly recognizable in a way…read morephotos never fully prepare you for. The scale and setting change the experience the moment you arrive. The approach itself is scenic, with winding roads and forested surroundings that built anticipation before the monument even came into view. I kept glancing through the trees, waiting for the first glimpse. Once I reached the main viewing area, the carved faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln appeared set into the granite cliff. The effect felt both precise and surprisingly integrated into the natural rock face, as if the mountain had always intended to hold them. The visitor area is designed around walking paths and viewing platforms. I took my time moving along them, gradually changing my perspective. From a distant panoramic view to closer vantage points, the details in the stone became more apparent with each step. The space felt open and well maintained, with a structured layout that encouraged moving around rather than staying in one spot. I found myself pausing at different angles, noticing how the light shifted across the faces as the afternoon wore on.

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07.04.24 George Washington
07.04.24 George Washington
07.04.24 Miss South Dakota, Joelle Simpson
07.04.24 Miss South Dakota, Joelle Simpson
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Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway - hiking - Updated July 2026

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