Is Spearfish Canyon open in winter?

Yes. The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway (US-14A) is open year-round. One side road is not: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks closes FS Road 222 from Savoy to Roughlock Falls from December 15 through March 31 for snowmobile season. The trail from Spearfish Canyon Lodge to Roughlock Falls stays open all year. Expect ice on the falls, fewer crowds, and icy patches on the road; check sd511.org before you drive.

What is there to do in Spearfish Canyon besides driving?

Besides the scenic drive: hike to Roughlock Falls or Devil's Bathtub, photograph Bridal Veil Falls and Roughlock Falls, fish Spearfish Creek (trout), and dine at the Latchstring Inn. In fall, leaf-peeping is the main draw.

Spearfish Canyon: Scenic Byway, Waterfalls & Winter Access (Just Updated)

Q: Is Spearfish Canyon free to visit?

Yes. Spearfish Canyon is a 19-mile scenic byway (US-14A) with no entrance fee. You can drive the entire canyon, stop at pullouts, and access trailheads and waterfalls at no cost. Some facilities like Roughlock Falls Nature Area have parking; roadside stops are free.

Q: What are the waterfalls in Spearfish Canyon?

The three main waterfalls are Bridal Veil Falls (roadside, near Spearfish), Roughlock Falls (short walk from parking, one of the most photographed), and Spearfish Falls (near Latchstring Inn/Savoy). All are accessible from the canyon drive.

Q: When is the best time to see fall colors in Spearfish Canyon?

Late September through early October is peak fall color in Spearfish Canyon. In 2026 the Spearfish Canyon leaf report declared peak on September 28, and its final report on October 5 said the canyon was past peak but still held about 85% of peak color, with leaf drop high. The canyon is known for dramatic yellow and gold foliage. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Check the leaf report for exact timing each year.

Q: Where do you enter Spearfish Canyon?

You can enter from either end: from Spearfish (north) via US-14A, or from Cheyenne Crossing (south). Most visitors start in Spearfish and drive south. The byway is open year-round; winter driving may require caution.

Q: Where should I stay when visiting Spearfish Canyon?

Spearfish and Deadwood are the closest towns. Spearfish has hotels and is at the north entrance; Deadwood is about 15 miles away with historic lodging and casinos. Rapid City is about 50 miles south with the most hotel options.

Spearfish Canyon is a 19-mile National Scenic Byway in the northern Black Hills of South Dakota, famous for limestone cliffs, Spearfish Creek, three named waterfalls, and some of the best fall foliage in the region. Unlike Custer State Park, there is no entrance fee, you can drive the entire canyon for free. According to the South Dakota Department of Transportation, the byway sees hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, with peak traffic during late September and early October when the canyon's yellow and gold leaves draw photographers and leaf-peepers from across the country.

The canyon follows US-14A from Spearfish south to Cheyenne Crossing, passing Bridal Veil Falls, Roughlock Falls, and Spearfish Falls. You can complete the drive in under an hour or spend a full day hiking and stopping at pullouts. Located about 15 miles from Deadwood and 50 miles north of Rapid City, Spearfish Canyon fits easily into any Black Hills itinerary. This guide covers the best time to visit, where to see the waterfalls, short hikes, and where to stay nearby.

Peak color is the one thing here worth timing precisely, and it moves year to year with the summer heat and the first hard frost rather than the calendar. Our Black Hills weather guide covers the September and October pattern that drives it, including how much colder the canyon floor runs than Spearfish itself. If you plan to walk rather than drive, the best hikes guide puts the Roughlock and Devils Bathtub trails in context against the rest of the region, and the scenic drives guide covers how US-14A compares with the Needles Highway in the southern Black Hills and Iron Mountain Road if you only have time for one.

Quick Answer: What is Spearfish Canyon and is it worth visiting?

Spearfish Canyon is a 19-mile National Scenic Byway (US-14A) in the northern Black Hills of South Dakota, with limestone cliffs, Spearfish Creek, and three named waterfalls: Bridal Veil Falls, Roughlock Falls, and Spearfish Falls. It is free to drive with no entrance fee. The drive takes 45 to 60 minutes without stops, or a full day with hiking. Peak fall colors arrive late September through early October; in 2026 the canyon reached peak on September 28 and was past peak by the final leaf report on October 5. In winter the byway stays open, but the road to Roughlock Falls closes from December 15 to March 31, so you walk in from Spearfish Canyon Lodge. The canyon starts at the south edge of Spearfish, about 14 miles from Deadwood and 50 miles north of Rapid City.

“Spearfish Canyon is renowned for its natural beauty and history framed by towering limestone canyon walls.”

Black Hills National Forest, U.S. Forest Service, Spearfish Canyon

The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Drive

The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway (US-14A) runs 19 miles through the canyon. You can start in Spearfish (north) or at Cheyenne Crossing (south). Most visitors start in Spearfish and drive south, with the road following Spearfish Creek between towering limestone and sandstone walls. According to the Black Hills National Forest, this byway is the best place in the Black Hills to see waterfalls, including Bridal Veil, Little Spearfish, and Roughlock Falls.

Drive at a glance

Length: 19 miles one way
Time: 45-60 min no stops; 2-4 hours with stops
Fee: None
Season: Open year-round; fall (late Sept - early Oct) is peak for colors
Road: Paved; winter ice possible, check conditions
Winter: the south end at Cheyenne Crossing is on the US 85 route to Terry Peak

Waterfalls in Spearfish Canyon

The three main waterfalls, Bridal Veil Falls, Roughlock Falls, and Spearfish Falls, are the canyon's top stops. All are accessible from the byway with short walks or roadside views.

Bridal Veil Falls

Roadside view from US-14A (northern canyon)

Bridal Veil Falls is visible from the highway, no hiking required. A pullout lets you park and photograph the cascade. It's one of the most photographed spots in the canyon, especially in fall when the foliage frames the falls.

Roughlock Falls

Short walk from Roughlock Falls Road / Nature Area

Roughlock Falls is the canyon's standout waterfall. A paved path and short trail lead to the falls; the nature area has parking and restrooms. Allow 30-60 minutes to walk and enjoy the views. Popular for photography year-round; winter ice formations are striking.

Spearfish Falls

Near Latchstring Inn / Savoy area

Spearfish Falls is near the historic Latchstring Inn. A short trail leads to the base. Combine a visit with lunch or a stop at the inn. The falls are especially pretty in spring and early summer when water flow is higher.

Hiking in Spearfish Canyon

Several short hikes add variety to a canyon drive. Roughlock Falls Trail (and the nature area path) and Devil's Bathtub are the most popular. Trails are generally moderate; wear sturdy shoes and check for seasonal closures or ice in winter.

Roughlock Falls Trail: Paved and natural paths to Roughlock Falls. Family-friendly; allow 30-60 minutes.
Devil's Bathtub: Short but sometimes muddy trail to a natural pool. Popular in summer; can be slick after rain.
Spearfish Falls access: Short walk from the Latchstring area to the base of Spearfish Falls.

Best Time to Visit Spearfish Canyon

Fall (late September - early October) is the most popular time: the canyon's deciduous trees turn gold and yellow, and traffic peaks. In 2026 the canyon peaked on September 28, and by the final leaf report on October 5 it was past peak, holding about 85% of its color, with the best trees mid-canyon between Bridal Veil Falls and Devil's Bathtub. For next year, plan for the last week of September and aim for a weekday morning. For fewer crowds, visit on a weekday or in late spring and summer when the creek and waterfalls are full. Winter is quiet and the falls ice over; see what is open in winter before you go. For this year's color reports and what else is open, see the Black Hills in October 2026 guide.

Fall (Sept - Oct)

Peak fall colors (late Sept - early Oct)
Most crowded season
Weekdays less busy
Cool mornings, layer up

Spring & Summer

Higher water at waterfalls
Good for hiking and fishing
Fewer crowds than fall
Wildflowers in spring

Spearfish Canyon in Winter: What Is Open

The canyon gets quiet after the leaves drop, and the main drive stays open. A couple of things change once the snow arrives, mostly around Roughlock Falls.

Winter at a glance

US-14A byway: open year-round. Expect packed snow or ice on shaded curves after a storm, and check sd511.org before you go.
Road to Roughlock Falls: FS Road 222 from Savoy to Roughlock Falls is closed from December 15 through March 31 during snowmobile season, per South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.
Walking in: the trail from Spearfish Canyon Lodge to Roughlock Falls is open year-round, so you can still see the falls on foot in winter.
Fees: none. The Spearfish Canyon Nature Area has no entrance fee in any season.
Snowshoes and snowmobiles: GFP lists snowshoeing among the nature area's winter activities. Spearfish Canyon Lodge in Savoy rents snowshoes from December through March and snowmobiles from December 15 to March 31, per its rentals page.
Skiing: the south end of the canyon at Cheyenne Crossing is the turn for Terry Peak ski area.

Between now and December 15 you can still drive to the Roughlock Falls parking area when the road is clear. After that, park at Spearfish Canyon Lodge in Savoy and walk the trail. Bridal Veil Falls is a roadside pullout on US-14A, so it is the easiest frozen waterfall to see from the car; Visit Spearfish describes its 60-foot winter ice.

How to Get to Spearfish Canyon

From Spearfish: Take US-14A south; the canyon begins at the south edge of town. About 5-10 minutes from downtown Spearfish.
From Deadwood: Spearfish is about 14 miles from Deadwood, roughly 20 minutes on US-85 and I-90; the canyon starts at the south edge of town. You can also drive from Deadwood to Savoy and enter mid-canyon. More pairs are in our Spearfish to Deadwood distance guide.
From Rapid City: About 50 miles north via I-90 to Spearfish, then US-14A. Allow about 1 hour drive.

Attractions Near Spearfish Canyon

Pair Spearfish Canyon with other northern Black Hills destinations: Deadwood for history and gaming, Things to Do in the Black Hills for a full list, or Best Time to Visit the Black Hills for seasonal planning.

Deadwood

~15 miles

Historic gold-rush town, gaming, and the final resting place of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.

Custer State Park

~60 miles south

Bison, Needles Highway, and Wildlife Loop Road. Plan a full day if combining with the canyon.

Where to Stay Near Spearfish Canyon

The closest lodging is in Spearfish (at the north entrance) and Deadwood (about 15 miles away). Deadwood hotels offer historic character and casino options; Spearfish hotels are cheaper and closer to the canyon mouth, and Spearfish Canyon Lodge at Savoy is the only lodging inside the canyon itself. Rapid City hotels have the largest selection and are about 50 miles south, ideal if you're also visiting Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, or Badlands. Our hotels near Spearfish Canyon guide compares stays for fall-color trips, and if you are in town for a campus visit, see hotels near Black Hills State University.

Spearfish Canyon Visitor Tips

Fall weekends: Expect heavy traffic in late September - early October. Arrive early or visit on a weekday.
Pullouts: Use designated pullouts for photos; don’t stop in the travel lane.
Gas and services: Fill up in Spearfish or Deadwood; services in the canyon are limited.
Winter: Road is open but can be icy. Check conditions and drive with caution.

From USD 395

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Frequently Asked Questions About Spearfish Canyon

Is Spearfish Canyon free to visit?

Yes. The 19-mile Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway (US-14A) has no entrance fee. You can drive the canyon, use pullouts, and access trailheads and waterfalls at no cost.

What are the waterfalls in Spearfish Canyon?

The three main waterfalls are Bridal Veil Falls (roadside), Roughlock Falls (short walk from parking), and Spearfish Falls (near Latchstring Inn). All are accessible from the canyon drive.

When is the best time to see fall colors in Spearfish Canyon?

Late September through early October is peak. The canyon is known for dramatic yellow and gold foliage. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.

How long does it take to drive Spearfish Canyon?

The drive is about 19 miles one way. Without stops, allow 45-60 minutes. With stops at waterfalls and pullouts, plan 2-4 hours. A full day is ideal if you add hiking.

Where should I stay when visiting Spearfish Canyon?

Deadwood hotels (about 15 miles) and Spearfish hotels (at the north entrance) are the closest. Rapid City hotels (about 50 miles) have the most hotel options if you’re touring the whole Black Hills.

Plan Your Spearfish Canyon Trip

Spearfish Canyon sits in the northern hills, so the natural pairings are close by: Deadwood is about 25 minutes away and Sturgis is about 25. During the Sturgis Rally that proximity cuts both ways: Spearfish is one of the best rally lodging bases, and the canyon itself stays comparatively quiet. The canyon is also one of the routes in our Black Hills scenic drives guide.

Things to Do in Black Hills Deadwood Hotels Best Time to Visit

Spearfish Canyon: Complete Guide 2026