Home › South Dakota › Lead › Spearfish Canyon Nature Area
Spearfish Canyon Nature Area
4.9 ★★★★★ 864 Google reviews · Running trail in Lead, South Dakota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Spearfish Canyon Nature Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular scenic route for biking and driving, featuring canyon walls, waterfalls and trails.
What runners say about Spearfish Canyon Nature Area
“And I just did a engagement photo shoot here, and the pictures turned out absolutely beautiful!”
We were totally overwhelmed by the beauty of this incredible canyon. The waterfalls may not have been the biggest we've ever seen. However, their location in these soaring canyon walls made this winding road a pure joy! The weather was spectacular and the blue sky simply made each pic a keeper.
Loved this place. Enjoyed hiking with my son and his girlfriend. I love God's beautiful nature he gives us.
Crazy beautiful here . Awesome drive for car or bike. Keep in mind some drivers drive way to fast in this area so be alert. It’s crazy to know the mountain goats are decedents from escaped zoo animals. I’m from Alaska and haven’t seen mountain goats since leaving Alaska . So was quite a beautiful site to see .
Errehh ladies and gents! Spearfish is such a beautiful oasis to visit and embrace! I went during the winter months and even though it was a little cold, we still loved it and enjoyed the natural sounds and surroundings.
Trail conditions & character
“My family loves a drive through spearfish canyon and the waterfall at the visitor center/restaurant.”
“Beautiful area, bring a walking stick if you walk to the falls it gets a little steep.”
Plan your run at Spearfish Canyon Nature Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- Websitegfp.sd.gov
- Phone(605) 584-3896
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–11 PM |
Running trails near Lead
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Spearfish Canyon Floor Nature Hiking Trail
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews
Little Spearfish Falls Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 75 reviews
Well-maintained trail to a beautiful waterfall with clear water and wildlife sightings.
Spearfish Canyon Nature Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 382 reviews
State park featuring picnic areas, trails, and multiple waterfalls.
Bridal Veil Falls
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,833 reviews
Popular cascade on the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, offering a platform, a deck and parking.
Community Cave Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 64 reviews
Visitors hike to the top of a waterfall at this park, which features a cave.