Spearfish Canyon
- Hike
- 1 mi each way
- Road
- Gravel
- Permit
- Not required
Entry fee: Free (no entrance fee). Spearfish Canyon is a river on Little Spearfish Creek in Lawrence County, South Dakota. See every spot on Little Spearfish Creek.
Closures and warnings
Creek access near Roughlock Falls has slippery rocks and cold, fast water; no designated lifeguarded swim beach in the nature area. As of September 30, 2026.
Before you swim
| Swimming allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Water type | River |
| Entry | Walk in |
| Current | Strong |
| Water clarity | Little Spearfish Creek cascade at Roughlock Falls is a viewing and photography stop; wading is at your own risk where allowed. |
Access
| Hike | 1 mi each way |
|---|---|
| Road | Gravel |
| Road note | Roughlock Falls Road (FDR 222) west from Savoy on US-14A in Spearfish Canyon. |
| Parking | Roughlock Falls trailhead parking at end of Roughlock Falls Road. |
| Fee | Free (no entrance fee) |
| Hours | Open year-round; Roughlock Falls Road closed December 15-March 31 during snowmobile season. |
| Reservation or permit | Not required |
| Seasonal closure | FS Road 222 from Savoy to Roughlock Falls closed December 15 through March 31; trail from Spearfish Canyon Lodge remains open at your own risk. |
| Managed by | South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (Spearfish Canyon Nature Area) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
|---|---|
| Picnic sites | Yes |
| Note | Vault toilets open year-round; trail system links Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Falls, and Savoy Pond. |
Common questions
Common questions
Is Spearfish Canyon open?
Creek access near Roughlock Falls has slippery rocks and cold, fast water; no designated lifeguarded swim beach in the nature area. As of September 30, 2026. Seasonal closure: FS Road 222 from Savoy to Roughlock Falls closed December 15 through March 31; trail from Spearfish Canyon Lodge remains open at your own risk. Hours: Open year-round; Roughlock Falls Road closed December 15-March 31 during snowmobile season.
Can you swim at Spearfish Canyon?
No, swimming is not allowed at Spearfish Canyon. A strong current is reported here, use caution.
How long is the hike to Spearfish Canyon?
It's a 1 mi hike each way. The road in is gravel. Roughlock Falls Road (FDR 222) west from Savoy on US-14A in Spearfish Canyon. Parking: Roughlock Falls trailhead parking at end of Roughlock Falls Road.
Do you need a reservation for Spearfish Canyon?
No reservation or permit is required.
Is there a fee at Spearfish Canyon?
Yes. Free (no entrance fee).
What facilities are at Spearfish Canyon?
Restrooms and picnic sites. Vault toilets open year-round; trail system links Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Falls, and Savoy Pond.
Nearby
Camping nearby
Public land
Spearfish Canyon is inside Black Hills National Forest .
Sources
2
- https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/spearfish-canyon-nature-area/ (accessed September 30, 2026; backs manager / access.fee / access.hours / access.seasonalClosure / amenities / access.roadNote, access.parking / waterbodyName, hazardNote / swimmerNotes.swimmingAllowed / swimmerNotes.waterClarityNote)
- https://gfp.sd.gov/userdocs/spearfish_canyon_trails.pdf (accessed September 30, 2026; backs access.hikeDistanceMi / access.hikeDistanceBasis)