Chasing Fall in Spearfish Canyon

Waterfalls, Trails, Good Food and a Little Bribery Along the Way

Article By:

Amber Flint, Owner

Fall in Spearfish Canyon is one of those things I try not to miss. You don’t really need much of a plan. Drive through the canyon when the leaves are changing and you’re probably going to have a pretty good day.

But since I like to turn a simple drive into an entire day, here’s how I’d do it.

Start With The Drive

Head into Spearfish Canyon in the morning and take your time. Stop at the pullouts, enjoy the views and take way too many pictures of yellow trees that somehow all look different.

Hike Spearfish Falls

Park near Latchstring in Savoy and take the short hike down to Spearfish Falls. Just remember, what goes down has to come back up. Luckily, the climb back conveniently makes you feel like you’ve earned lunch.

Head into Latchstring Restaurant and check out their Featured Dish before deciding what to order.

Head to Roughlock Falls

Next up is Roughlock Falls. Hike along Little Spearfish Creek if you’re ready for more walking, or drive up Roughlock Falls Road and walk to the viewing areas. No judgment. You’re still seeing the waterfall.

With the creek, rock walls, evergreens and changing leaves, this is one of my favorite areas of the canyon in fall.

Feeling Ambitious? Try The '76 Trail

The ’76 Trail is short, but don’t confuse short with easy. It’s steep. The payoff is a great view looking down into Spearfish Canyon.

I did this trail when my twin boys were about 4. We made it to the top, but it took a lot of bribing with gummy bears. Looking back, I’m not sure the view was worth the stress for them or me! With younger kids, I’d probably stick with the waterfalls and save this one for another year.

You've Earned a Drink

Stop at the 1909 Bar at Latchstring Restaurant and check out their Featured Drink.

And yes, I’m completely comfortable counting a cocktail stop as part of a hiking itinerary. It’s called balance.

A Little Friendly Competition

On your way back through Spearfish, stop at The Clubhouse of Spearfish. Challenge the kids to a shooting game or, for an adults’ day, play a round of golf.

Finish at Guadalajara's

A day trip to Spearfish isn’t complete without dinner at Guadalajara’s Mexican Restaurant. Check out their Featured Dish while you’re deciding what to order.

These days my boys are teenagers, and gummy bears aren’t going to convince them to climb a mountain with me anymore. But the promise of chips and queso from Guads at the end of the day? That still gives me a little negotiating power.

Waterfalls, fall colors, a couple of hikes and plenty of good food along the way. That’s my kind of fall day in Spearfish.