I’ve been hiking for fifteen years, and I’ll be honest—I’m getting pickier about where I spend my weekends. So when I tell you that Spearfish Canyon in South Dakota has earned a permanent spot on my annual rotation, that means something.
The Morning That Changed Everything
Last September, I almost didn’t go. I’d been fighting a head cold all week, and the weather forecast looked iffy. But my buddy Jake had bailed on our original plans, leaving me with a free Saturday and nowhere to be. Sometimes the best adventures happen when you’re not trying too hard.
I grabbed my day pack around 6 AM and drove the hour and a half from Rapid City, nursing gas station coffee and wondering if I was making a mistake. Then I hit Highway 14A.
The thing about Spearfish Canyon is that photos don’t prepare you. I’ve seen all the Instagram shots—believe me, I’ve posted my share—but when those limestone walls first come into view, towering 1,000 feet above the road, it still catches you off guard. I actually pulled over at the first overlook just to sit with it for a minute.
Starting Small at Roughlock Falls
I’m not one of those hikers who needs to conquer the hardest trail to feel accomplished. Sometimes the “easy” hikes are exactly what you need. The Roughlock Falls trail is barely a mile, mostly flat, and follows Spearfish Creek through stands of aspen and birch.
But here’s what nobody mentions in the trail guides: it’s the small moments that stick with you. Like the way the morning light filtered through the canopy, or how the creek sounds different in autumn—fuller, more urgent. I passed an older couple sharing a thermos of coffee on a fallen log, and the woman smiled and said, “Beautiful morning for it.”
It was. Simple as that.
The falls themselves are lovely—not dramatic, but steady and reliable. A local family was there with their kids, and I watched the youngest one, maybe five years old, trying to catch the mist in her hands. Her dad was patient, pointing out the way the water carved the rock over thousands of years. That’s the kind of moment that makes you remember why you do this.
Going Quiet
After the falls, I followed a fainter trail that parallels the creek. This is where you lose the casual walkers and find something closer to solitude. The path isn’t marked on most maps, but it’s there if you pay attention—worn smooth by deer and the occasional hiker who values quiet over convenience.
I found a sun-warmed boulder about a mile in and ate my lunch there. Peanut butter and jelly, an apple, and water that tasted better than it had any right to. A red-tailed hawk circled overhead, riding thermals I couldn’t feel from the ground.
This is where I do my best thinking, or maybe where I stop thinking altogether. Either way, I sat there for nearly an hour, watching the light change on the canyon walls.
The Mandatory Stop
You can’t write about Spearfish Canyon without mentioning Bridal Veil Falls. It’s the postcard shot, the one everyone takes. Sixty feet of water dropping straight down, visible from the highway, impossible to miss.
I almost skipped it—I’d been there before, and honestly, the crowds can be a bit much. But as I was driving out, I saw an elderly man with a walker making his slow way down the short path to the viewing area. His wife was beside him, steadying his arm, and something about their careful progress made me pull over.
I hung back and watched them reach the falls. He stood there for a long time, not taking photos, just looking. When they finally turned to leave, I heard him say to his wife, “Still gets me every time.”
Me too, I thought. Me too.
Gear That Actually Made a Difference
Day Pack:
- Osprey Talon 22 – Perfect size for day hikes like these. I’ve had mine for three years and it still looks new. The hip belt actually helps on longer walks, and the side pockets fit water bottles that you can actually reach.
Footwear:
- Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes – Not boots, just shoes. For trails like Roughlock Falls, you don’t need ankle support, just good grip on wet rocks. These dry fast if you decide to cool your feet in the creek.
- Darn Tough Vermont Socks – I know, $20 for socks sounds crazy. But after dealing with blisters for years, these are worth every penny. Lifetime warranty too.
Hydration & Snacks:
- Nalgene Wide Mouth 32oz – Boring but bulletproof. Fits in car cup holders, easy to clean, and you can see how much water you have left.
- CLIF Bar Variety Pack – Better than gas station snacks, easier than making trail mix. The chocolate chip ones actually taste good.
Navigation & Safety:
- Garmin inReach Mini 2 – For solo hikers especially. Two-way satellite messaging when your phone becomes a paperweight.
Photography:
- Peak Design Capture Clip – Keeps your camera accessible without the neck strap bouncing around. Game-changer for those spontaneous shots.
The Honest Take
I only recommend stuff I actually use. That Osprey pack? It’s been to 15 states with me. Those Merrell shoes? On their second pair because I wore the first ones out completely.
The gear that matters most for Spearfish Canyon specifically: good traction (wet rocks are slippery), layers (canyon microclimates are real), and something to carry water. Everything else is nice to have, not need to have.
Pro tip: Start with the basics. Buy the expensive stuff after you know you’ll stick with hiking. Too many people drop $500 on gear for a hobby they try twice.
Why This Place Matters
I’ve hiked in Colorado, Utah, Montana—places with bigger names and higher peaks. But there’s something about Spearfish Canyon that keeps drawing me back. Maybe it’s the way it doesn’t try too hard to impress you. The trails are well-maintained but not over-engineered. The scenery is stunning but not overwhelming. It’s accessible without being sanitized.
Or maybe it’s simpler than that. Maybe it’s just a place where I consistently have good days.
If you’re thinking about visiting, here’s what I’d tell you: don’t overthink it. Bring water, wear decent shoes, and leave the agenda at home. The canyon will show you what it wants to show you.
And if you’re lucky, you’ll understand why I keep coming back.
Have a favorite spot in the Black Hills I should check out? I’m always looking for new places to explore.
Want more honest trail stories and hidden gems? Follow along as I explore the Midwest’s best-kept hiking secrets on our X, Instagram, Youtube or Pinterest. You’ll find me sharing real trail experiences (good days and bad), gear that actually works, and those quiet spots that don’t make it into the guidebooks.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links – if you buy something, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I’ve actually tested on trails like these.
