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Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, Northern Black Hills, South Dakota
Photo: Shawn Steinfeger

Drives South Dakota The Black Hills and the Badlands

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway

US 14A · Spearfish → Cheyenne Crossing

Sweeping18 mi40 min1,900 ft climbHigh point ≈ 5,300 ftOne way
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The drive

The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway follows US 14A from Spearfish to Cheyenne Crossing, climbing about 18 miles with a high point near 5,300 feet. The canyon is a deep, narrow gorge carved by Spearfish Creek, and the highway follows an old railroad grade that was abandoned after massive flooding in 1933.

The walls are limestone: the Englewood Limestone is pink to red, and the top layer, the Paha Sapa Limestone, is buff-colored and weathers gray. Mountain goats, introduced to the Black Hills in the 1920s, are commonly seen near Bridal Veil Falls. The Roughlock Falls Nature Area is also in the canyon.

Along the way

  1. Spearfish
  2. Bridal Veil Falls
  3. Savoy
  4. Cheyenne Crossing (US-85)
Elevation
1,900 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 5,300 ft
SpearfishCheyenne Crossing
Curves
Mostly moderate, with three twisty stretches
SpearfishCheyenne Crossing
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Mountain goats are commonly seen near Bridal Veil Falls, so watch the roadside there.
  • Check South Dakota 511 for closures.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check South Dakota 511.

Questions about this drive

How long does Spearfish Canyon take to drive?

Spearfish Canyon on US 14A from Spearfish to Cheyenne Crossing is 18 miles and takes about 40 minutes.

What carved Spearfish Canyon?

Spearfish Creek carved the deep, narrow gorge.

Can you see wildlife in Spearfish Canyon?

Mountain goats are commonly seen in the section of the canyon near Bridal Veil Falls.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, from Spearfish to Cheyenne Crossing