Cruise the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway

Spearfish Canyon is one of the oldest and most magnificent canyons in the west. Located in the northern portion of the Black Hills National Forest, the canyon spans 20 miles along a State and National Scenic Byway. And at less than a mile wide, the canyon feels close and cozy.

Many riders begin their day in Spearfish, about 50 miles northwest of Rapid City—famous for Mount Rushmore. This area is popular among motorcyclists because it’s close to Sturgis, home to the legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

You’ll start your ride at Exit 10 off Interstate 90 in Spearfish and wind through a quaint business district along 14A before descending into the canyon at the Spearfish Canyon Golf Club. From there, you’ll cruise upward for 19 miles of natural beauty, ending at Cheyenne Crossing at the intersection of Highway 85.

Take your time soaking in the majestic beauty of the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. At 19 miles in length, this route is easy to traverse multiple times in a day! But set some time aside to visit cascading waterfalls, perfect picnic stops, and Wild West towns that welcome motorcyclists. Use this interactive map to help make the most of your Spearfish Canyon experience.

Weather conditions in the canyon may vary with the elevations—the Scenic Byway climbs nearly 2,000 feet between Spearfish and Cheyenne Crossing. And, with around 31 inches of snow each winter, the best time to ride this byway is between April and October.

To help you plan for the weather, here’s a quick guide to the average temperatures in Spearfish, South Dakota.

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway may bring in riders from across the country, but it’s also a functioning commercial highway. Follow these motorcycle riding safety tips to help fully enjoy this unique canyon ride:

• Always pull completely off the road when stopping, and be mindful of traffic when crossing.

• Stick to the 35 MPH speed limit, and stay alert for joggers, walkers, cyclists, and wildlife such as deer or wild turkeys.

• During peak fall season, expect heavier traffic as visitors flock to see the changing leaves.

• The route winds past more than 150 privately-owned cabins—please respect private property.

Though the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is a shorter ride, it’s packed with amazing side stops to explore that could add another level of adventure to your plans!

Known for its Wild West heritage, Deadwood offers a glimpse into the past with its preserved historic streets, saloons, and landmarks like Mount Moriah Cemetery, where figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried. The town's winding roads and surrounding Black Hills scenery make the ride there as thrilling as the destination itself.

A short one-mile trail will take you to Roughlock Falls in the heart of Spearfish Canyon Nature Area. It’s the perfect stop for a leisurely picnic with amazing views, wildlife spotting, and trout fishing opportunities. Two other nearby waterfalls worth visiting are:

• Bridal Veil Falls

• Spearfish Falls

Iron Creek Lake is a 20-minute excursion south of Spearfish on a well-maintained gravel road. The lake has a swimming beach, a store, and a campground. Here, you can relax and enjoy a less-traveled, untouched area of the Black Hills.

Just 20 miles from Spearfish, Sturgis is a must for any motorcycle enthusiast. Even if the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally isn’t in full swing, you’ll find plenty of eclectic attractions in this popular city, like:

• Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame

• Prairie Emporium—a treasure trove of antique and collectibles

• Iron Horse Saloon—a massive 25,000 square feet of entertainment space

Before embarking on your Spearfish Canyon adventure, make sure you’re well-prepared. Pack all essential gear, review your motorcycle’s maintenance checklist, and confirm your insurance coverage is adequate for your trip.

At Dairyland®, a brand of the Sentry Insurance Group, we’ve been helping motorcyclists like you find the right insurance since 1966. We offer:

• Customizable coverage options

• Money-saving discounts

• Exceptional customer service

If you have questions about your coverage, contact us today to review your options.