Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is one of the Black Hills’ best scenic drives to be seen. Filled with a variety of flora and fauna, breathtaking views, and majestic waterfalls, the Canyon invites visitors to take in sights, hike hidden trails, or fish for trout in its pristine waters. The following is a self-guided tour starting at the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Hwy 14A in Spearfish, heading south to Cheyenne Crossing located at the intersection of Hwy 14A and Hwy 85.
But how is it that I’ve heard so little of this miracle and we, toward the Atlantic, have heard so much of the Grand Canyon when this is even more miraculous...
— Frank Lloyd Wright, famous American architectThis guide will highlight 9 points of interests, but keep in mind that the canyon is also home to several picnicking areas, trails, campgrounds, and more!
- Split Rock
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Homestake Hydroplant No. 2
- Victoria’s Tower
- 11th Hour Gulch
- Kissing Rocks
- Spearfish Falls
- Roughlock Falls
- Dances with Wolves Winter Film Site
Before you begin your journey, we recommend picking up the Spearfish Adventure Guide which includes a centerfold points-of-interest map of the scenic drive. These are available at many locations in Spearfish, including the Spearfish Visitor Information Center or request a copy in the mail by clicking the button below.
Please keep in mind, Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is host to many curves that often create blindspots. Be sure to follow all posted traffic signs, and be on the look out for hikers, runners, bikers, and more!
Split Rock
2.9 miles traveling down the canyon, from the intersection of Colorado Blvd. and Hwy 14A, the road travels through a notch blasted in a domed rock outcropping to permit access for the railroad that traveled the canyon floor.
Bridal Veil Falls
Cascading approximately 60 feet, Bridal Veil Falls is located adjacent to a large parking lot to accommodate sightseers. An observation platform was installed by the Forest Service to prevent erosion to the area. The falls flow intensely in the spring and slow considerablely in late summer and fall.
Homestake Hydroplant No. 2
The Homestake Mining Company opened its second hydroelectric plant in 1917 using the water of Spearfish Creek to create electricity for its massive gold mine located in Lead. The plant sits idle now, but its older sister plant, opened in 1911 and is located near the Spearfish Canyon Campground, still operates and generates clean power.
Victoria’s Tower
Located 9 miles into the canyon, a large limestone face towers from the canyon floor and is known as Victoria’s Tower. This landmark can be difficult for drivers to take in its full beauty due to the curvy nature of the road, however, vehicle passengers can catch a glance at the towering beauty.
11th Hour Gulch
Blink and you’ll miss it! But there is a small parking space located jut downstream from the gulch – a narrow, 50-feet wide, slot carved into the canyon wall.
Kissing Rocks
Use the same parking lot to visit Kissing Rocks, two large boulders laying in the middle of Spearfish Creek. The rocks, also known as The Dice, came crashing to the bottom of canyon.
Spearfish Falls
At Savoy, the road forks in the canyon, continuing south to Cheyenne Crossing and west into Little Spearfish Canyon. Here you’ll find Spearfish Canyon Lodge and the Latchstring Inn Restaurant. Use the parking area near the restaurant for easy access to the Spearfish Falls trail.
Roughlock Falls
At Savoy, turn up Forest Service Road 222 and travel approximately one mile into Little Spearfish Canyon. Several parking lots are available for people to use while they visit the falls. Pioneers traveling down the canyon used to lower the wagons down the drop. To do so, they would rough lock the wheels to prevent them from rolling freely – hence the name of the falls.
Dances with Wolves Film Site
1990 saw the epic Western film Dances with Wolves. Much of the movie was filmed in South Dakota, and the film site of the winter camp scene is marked three miles on FSR222 from Savoy.
Continue south from Savoy on Hwy 14A and find yourself at Cheyenne Crossing. (Word has it the Stage Stop Café has the best Indian tacos in the Black Hills among other delicious eats!)
