Spearfish Cycle Path

The Spearfish Cycle Path, particularly the in-city Recreational Trail, offers multiple access points. You can find parking near city parks, residential areas, and commercial zones it passes through. For access to the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, you can start from the mouth of the canyon, which connects directly from the city trail.

The in-city Spearfish Recreational Trail is generally dog-friendly, allowing leashed dogs. When cycling the connected Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, ensure your dog is well-behaved and leashed, especially given the presence of vehicle traffic and wildlife. Always practice Leave No Trace principles.

The best time to cycle this path, especially the scenic byway section, is typically between April and October. During these months, you'll avoid winter snows and experience pleasant weather. Fall offers particularly vibrant colors in Spearfish Canyon.

No, there are no specific permits or fees required to access and cycle the Spearfish Cycle Path or the connected Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway.

The path offers varied terrain. The in-city Spearfish Recreational Trail is mostly a paved, relatively flat cement path, suitable for all skill levels. It follows Spearfish Creek and has some slight downhill sections. The connected Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, however, is a paved road with a gradual but consistent incline, climbing nearly 2,000 feet. It features winding sections but generally smooth road surfaces.

The in-city Spearfish Recreational Trail is considered easy and suitable for all skill levels, including beginners and families, due to its flat, paved nature. The connected Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, with its significant elevation gain, is a moderate to hard ride, requiring good to very good fitness, and may be challenging for absolute beginners.

Along the in-city recreational trail, you'll follow Spearfish Creek, pass through peaceful city parks, and can access local attractions like the D.C. Booth Historic Fish Hatchery. The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway offers breathtaking natural beauty, including towering limestone cliffs, granite formations, and majestic waterfalls like Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Falls, and Roughlock Falls. You'll also see dense forests with Ponderosa pine, spruce, firs, aspen, and birch.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Spearfish Cycle Path, Beginner Loop, Skills Park, and Little Ripper Trail.

Yes, the in-city Spearfish Recreational Trail passes through commercial zones and residential areas, providing easy access to cafes, pubs, and accommodation within Spearfish. For the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, options become more limited as you venture deeper into the canyon, so it's best to plan accordingly or utilize amenities in Spearfish before or after your ride.

The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway involves a continuous gradual incline when heading up the canyon towards Cheyenne Crossing, and a gradual decline on the return trip. For a more rewarding downhill experience, many cyclists prefer to start their ride at the higher elevation (e.g., Cheyenne Crossing) and cycle downhill towards Spearfish, or be prepared for a consistent climb if starting from Spearfish.

While the byway has designated 4-foot shoulders for much of its 13-mile section from Spearfish to Savoy, the road narrows with no shoulders between Savoy and Cheyenne Crossing. Cyclists should be mindful of vehicle traffic, which includes cars and motorcycles (especially during events like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally), and adhere to the 35 MPH speed limit for safety.