Tower Trail is a good family friendly hike that will get you right up next to Devils Tower. Got a…read moregood laugh that the NPS posted a sign that the trail is not ADA compliant. Somebody must have not had enough common sense and complained about a trail not being accessible.

Tower Trail is the trail you'll want to do to get as close as possible to Devils Tower. it is a…read moreloop around Devils Tower. this loop is the most popular thing to do in the park. This trail is pretty easy and gives you some great views of the tower. If you want to truly be quick and not hike the whole 1.3-mile paved trail, then you will want to start off the loop going LEFT when you are starting from the visitor center. (There is a spot once you start the trail where there are seemingly 2 ways to go, straight and to the left.) Then soon you will see the massive Devil's Tower in front of you. but I would recommend doing the whole tower trail (just 1.3 miles) it will give you different angles of Devils Tower. it is the only trail that is paved. However, do remember that climbing on the rocks isn't allowed without a permit so stay off of the boulders.

We started down Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway and stopped at Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Falls,…read moreand Roughlock Falls. Roughlock Falls was our last stop. If you drive pass the trailhead parking lot and keep going down to the end, after you pass the "Roughlock Falls" sign, you will see a parking lot that will lead you closer to the falls. It's 1.5miles from the trailhead but this location only took us a total of 35mins with photos in between. Not difficult, just a few zig zags. We had youngest of 4 to 70s and we all made it. These falls are described as low cascading falls. It's not up high.

Driving through Spearfish Canyon we knew we had to hutches waterfalls. Roughlock is one of the most…read morepicturesque I've seen. There are two ways to get to the falls. 1) park at the trail head and make your way up ~1 mile or 2) drive up above the falls where there is a short accessible path with lookout. The view from the top aren't great but at that location you can walk down a paved path (although steep and not accessible) to the bottom of the falls. This is the view you want! The falls aren't the highest but at the pool they then separate out in multiple paths over moss covered rocks. The stream is completely clear and you can easily see fish which is great for little ones to look for. This is a must do for anyone driving through spearfish.

This is such a pretty drive and worth checking out, even if you're not planning on doing any hikes…read more The canyon walls look so steep and during the sunset they get pink-tinged. I saw a bunch of mountain goats right next to the highway, and it was my first time seeing them since they're supposed to be shy! Be sure to drive slow so you can catch the wildlife and also not hit any of them. Some turkeys were there and they did not have any street smarts, if you know what I mean. Bridal Veil Falls is right off the highway, and very accessible. I also checked out Devil's Bathtub, although I didn't get in since it was freezing cold! Be aware that there are about 7 or so river crossings (you basically follow the stream up) so either be good at balancing on the rocks or be prepared to get wet.

I'll always rate it 5 stars. I've been coming here my whole life. On this trip, One day we spent…read moreexploring the rocks under bridal veil falls and hiked the nature hike to roughlock falls and back. The next day we did Devils bathtub hike (about 1.6 miles round trip). Bring water shoes and be prepared to navigate a bit as the trail crosses the steam many times. We saw the lovely transplanted mountain goats that have been in the canyon for years now. Always a pleasure to see them. We were fortunate enough to come in June and got some cool weather to enjoy it all. Note: devils bathtub is not hot springs. lol. The canyon is super clean and facilities are all in great shape EXCEPT the vault toilets at Roughlock. They were the worst smelling things I have ever experienced. Please figure out something different. I wish I would have peed in a bush instead of going in there. Yuck!

Gorgeous trail that is pretty easy and leads to the falls. Only downside is that there were human…read morefeaces laying around it was so gross people shitting on a hiking path even I pick up after my dog

Don't let the short distance fool you, that incline is a beast... at least it was for me! The…read moreuphill really worked the muscles after the falls trails "warm up" - the walk back to the Savoy trailhead was a great way to cool down. Located across the street from the lodge, watch for the sign... trailhead doesn't have a parking area- park in 1 of the lots across the street, or at Savoy trailhead, if you want to add a mile ea way of easy walking on a sunny, paved trail. The view from the top is lovely but, for me, this one was all about the climb & the sendory fulfillment the trail brought with it. The scent of pine, the warm air with a slight breeze & plenty of shade to protect you from direct sunlight. It wasn't heavily populated. There are ample rest areas and signs to warn you what you're in for. I've only included pictures from the 76 Trail. Ss mentioned, it's next to the falls trails as well (See Savoy Trailhead & Roughlock Falls) - if knocking of the 76 Trail, I suggest a trek to 1 set of falls pre and the other post - these trails are located to the left of the restaurant and behind the lodge, over the foot bridge. Each is in the -mile range.

This is a quick trail with a slight increase in elevation and an accessible tower, as well as a…read morelarge deck overlook & some wonderful views! There is a large parking lot with toilets, plenty of seating areas and picnic tables to enjoy. Note: it is a well-used trail, despite notations of low use on trail info sites.

The views at the top of Black Elk Peak are so beautiful! The trail leading up to the peak is a…read moresteady incline with one short stretch where it goes downhill. Due to the incline, I recommend wearing a water pack to make sure you stay hydrated. It's the highest point in South Dakota and you will want to spend some time at the top taking in the views! There are also plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Make sure to wear good hiking shoes and enjoy soaking in the views!

It took me and my pals 3hrs and 15mins to come up and down this peak (fast paced group but took…read moreshort breaks). I'm an athlete and my hips were very stiff by the end. This one's not for the weak !! We were in the clouds by the time we got up there (about 4:40p) but it was still so beautiful. Lots of photo ops along the way.

If you're driving through Spearfish Canyon and don't stop at Bridal Veil Falls, what are you even…read moredoing? This is hands down one of the easiest--and most rewarding--waterfalls you'll ever visit. The falls drop about 60 feet straight down a dramatic canyon wall, and the best part? You can literally park right next to it. No hike, no sweating, no "is this worth it?" moment halfway in--just instant payoff. What makes this spot hit even harder is the setting. Spearfish Canyon is already unreal, with towering limestone cliffs, winding roads, and dense forest. Then you turn a corner and boom--waterfall just casually existing like it's no big deal. We loved how accessible it is, but it still feels wild and natural. You can walk right up to the base, feel the mist, and take it all in without dealing with huge crowds (depending on timing). Pro tip: if you can, hit this spot in the fall or winter. Fall brings insane colors, and winter turns the waterfall into this massive frozen ice wall that looks straight up fake. Quick stop, huge payoff. Easily one of the best roadside attractions in South Dakota. Follow us for more hidden gems on our socials @reessroots

Driving on spearfish canyon scenic highway on the way to Spearfish falls and noticed cars parked in…read morea small lot. Parked and Walked across the highway to a deck and there was the Bridal Veil Falls. No hike needed for those that are not hikers. Nature has so much to offer. Worth a stop!!! If you're lucky, you might see animals near by.

Loved this area and enjoyed the solitude, the hike, the lake and the trails. Definitely recommend.read more

Fabulous! Great little store inside, and some history too. Books and a few gift items available…read more Be respectful and do not take pictures of their holy items. Kind people running it. Answered a question I had about snakes. I love learning and they teach you what you need to learn. God bless.

There's a whole hidden world under the prairie. The Garden of Eden Tour took us deep underground…read morethrough narrow passageways and into rooms full of rare boxwork formations and delicate honeycomb patterns that make this cave so special. Down there, everything feels slower. It's quiet, cool, and feels almost untouched. Then you step back outside and it's a complete contrast. Open skies, rolling hills, and bison grazing in the distance like something straight out of a movie. Two totally different worlds in one park.

It's getting really depressing to be on a National Parks road trip through the US during a…read moregovernment shutdown. Wind Cave National park was really nice and convenient and had a few interesting things to see. Unfortunately the visitors center and all the restrooms were closed even though there was a park ranger sitting in his running truck in the parking lot trying to avoid the visitors that walked up to him. I can't blame the park for the shutdown and I did really like the ease of navigating the simple beauty here. We caught a glimpsenof a buffalo and saw some prairie dogs (I love prairie dogs!) but I doubt I will ever be back to see it when it is fully operational.