Ready for the challenge.
We rode Spearfish Canyon last weekend and it was a lot harder than I remember when I did it 10 years ago. The climb out of Spearfish and to Savoy is about 10 miles uphill. Although it is paved, and you have a nice shoulder to ride on, it is still a lot of work. It is fun to navigate your whereabouts by all the different sights you can see along the way. The mountain goats along the road are a fun distraction. Stopping at the Long Valley picnic area is a perfect place for a snack, but that is about 8 miles in. At Savoy you have different options to take a break - either at the Latchstring Restaurant or the Spearfish Lodge. The ride back down is amazing. You are right next to the river and you seldom have to peddle. It is definitely something you should do at least once in your lifetime if able.
It is not recommended that you bike past Savoy since the road is very narrow and there is no shoulder. Another option is to keep biking to Tinton Road on Roughlock Falls Road from Savoy if you have the energy and then turn around from there. That road though is closed in winter for snowmobilers so just be aware of that.
Starting in the parking lot just south of Spearfish on Spearfish Canyon Road.
Entering the Black Hills National Forest.
Will be seeing signs like this throughout the canyon.
Cliffs beginning to appear.
This to me is where the canyon really begins.
Can you see the man climbing?
First time seeing the river along the road.
Warning sign for animals near or on the road - usually mountain goats.
Always wanted to stay in this cabin overlooking the canyon.
Following the river - very pretty.
Bridal Veil Falls - can stop here for a break - pretty anytime of the year.
Mountain goats near the road.
Still look happy, but pretty tired.
Coming up on the cool hike for Devil’s Bathtub - usually pretty crowded during the mid day.
Pretty old building for Homestake Mine.
Neat cave on the north side of the road and the sun is beginning to come out.
Two rocks in the river near 11th Hour Gulch.
Bad rock slide that closed down the road for a bit. Shoulder on the road is narrow so use caution.
Going around the curves seem to always go uphill more.
Coming up on Long Valley Picnic Area where we are going to take a much needed break.
Gorgeous place to sit for a bit and have a snack. They have picnic tables, a pot toilet, and benches near the river.
Ready to hit the road again - 2 miles left.
Passing the Iron Creek Trail - one of my favorite trails.
So close. This is where we will stop, take a break, and then turn around to go back.
Made it - at the Latchstring Restaurant in Savoy where you can rest, have a meal, or a beer. I’m just going to sit in these chairs for a bit.
So much prettier and easier going back and all downhill.
Now near the river which is so refreshing.
Ran into more mountain goats.
Bridal Veil Falls.
This mountain goat is cheering me on.
Made it back to our destination and parking lot.