South Dakota Vacation Guide - 2026 South Dakota Vacation Guide
Spearfish Canyon Nature Area
2025-12-18 10:36:53
The Black Hills and Badlands offer a diverse range of activities leading to stunning views
Spearfish Canyon Nature Area
Where the creek sings, Spearfish Canyon is a natural wonder with towering limestone cliffs and tree-lined landscapes framing flowing waterfalls.
Take a ride through Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, stopping by Bridal Veil Falls to snap photos from the observation deck and listen to the water cascading 60 feet over the canyon walls.
Roughlock Falls and Savoy Pond are stunning gems, with a serene hiking trail offering easy access to the natural landmarks.
Fish for trout in Spearfish Creek or enjoy lunch at one of several picnic areas in the Canyon.
Keep your camera close by— mountain goats, fish, eagles, and other wildlife can often be visible to photograph.
Bear Butte State Park
Located near Sturgis, Bear Butte is referred to as Mato Paha, or Bear Mountain, in the Lakota culture, which recognizes the landmark’s sacred significance.
Hike the Summit Trail and enjoy a breathtaking view spanning over three states from the viewing deck. Please note: Dogs are not allowed on the Summit Trail.
The Park also offers camping facilities, as well as a small pond, where visitors can fish and boat.
The legend about this butte goes like this: Children disturb a bear, which chases them. To escape, they climb a tree stump that begins to grow taller. The bear’s pursuit causes the stump and the bear itself to become part of the Black Hills, forming Bear Butte. An eagle eventually rescues the children. Note: Devils Tower in Wyoming shares a similar story but is a separate landmark with its own distinct legends.
Recreation Areas
ANGOSTURA | Hot Springs Biking • Birdwatching • Boating Camping • Canoe Rentals • Fishing SHEPS CANYON | Hot Springs Biking • Birdwatching • Boating Camping • Canoe Rentals • Fishing ROCKY POINT | Belle Fourche Archery Range • Biking • Birdwatching Boating • Camping • Canoeing • Fishing FORT MEADE | Sturgis Biking • Birdwatching • Camping Fishing • Hiking SHADEHILL | Lemmon Archery Range • Biking • Birdwatching Boating • Camping • Canoeing • Fishing LEWELLYN JOHNS | Lemmon Biking • Picnicking • Walking Trails
Waterfalls
BRIDAL VEIL | Stop along your drive through Spearfish Canyon to view the cascading waterfall. SPEARFISH FALLS | Located along a short hike at the junction of Hwy 14A and Savoy. ROUGHLOCK FALLS NATURE AREA | Stroll along serene trails to rolling waterfalls framed by seasonal foliage.
©South-Dakota. View All Articles.