South Dakota travel bucket list stop: Spearfish Canyon

Long before the Grand Canyon, Spearfish Canyon was a place of wonder. It’s one of the most captivating places to visit in South Dakota. The canyon stretches between Spearfish, near the South Dakota-Wyoming border, and Cheyenne Crossing.

Driving through it, you can expect to see towering limestone cliffs, Ponderosa pines, spruces, aspens, birches, and many other tree varieties. You might even encounter porcupines, deer, mountain goats, and bobcats.

Some of the major attractions you’ll want to include on your South Dakota travel bucket list are Spearfish Falls, Roughlock Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, a cascading 60-foot waterfall with an observation platform.

We recommend planning your trip sometime between September and October to experience Spearfish Canyon’s lovely fall foliage. Locals always enjoy driving through the canyon. But some say you’ll need to get out of your car and hike if you want to get the whole experience.