Devil's Bathtub Spearfish Canyon
Discover the Devil's Bathtub in Spearfish Canyon, a natural wonder with thrilling rock slides and refreshing pools.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Devil's Bathtub Spearfish Canyon
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the Devil's Bathtub in Spearfish Canyon, a natural wonder with thrilling rock slides and refreshing pools.
"The water was frigid but it was so worth it! The natural slides are a blast."
🥾 Wear Water Shoes!
Essential for slippery rocks & creek crossings. Many find wading is easier than balancing!
⏰ Arrive Early to Avoid Crowds
This popular spot gets busy. Beat the rush for a more peaceful experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Devil's Bathtub
Spearfish Canyon
A unique natural rock formation with cascading waterfalls that act as slides into cool, inviting pools.
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Drive
Spearfish Canyon
A breathtaking drive through a glacial-carved canyon with towering limestone cliffs and lush vegetation.
Natural Rock Slides
Devil's Bathtub area
Experience the thrill of sliding down smooth, water-worn rocks into refreshing pools below.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Watery Trail
Beat the Crowds to the Bathtub
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Water Shoes!
Essential for slippery rocks & creek crossings. Many find wading is easier than balancing!
⏰ Arrive Early to Avoid Crowds
This popular spot gets busy. Beat the rush for a more peaceful experience.
➡️ Follow the Creek Bed
The trail isn't always marked; the creek is your guide.
🥶 Water is Frigid!
Be prepared for the shock of cold water, especially on the slides.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Water Shoes!
Essential for slippery rocks & creek crossings. Many find wading is easier than balancing!
⏰ Arrive Early to Avoid Crowds
This popular spot gets busy. Beat the rush for a more peaceful experience.
➡️ Follow the Creek Bed
The trail isn't always marked; the creek is your guide.
🥶 Water is Frigid!
Be prepared for the shock of cold water, especially on the slides.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Spearfish Canyon offers stunning views beyond the Bathtub itself.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique beauty of Devil's Bathtub and the scenic Spearfish Canyon hike. The natural rock slides and refreshing pools are a major draw, offering a fun and memorable experience. While the hike involves numerous creek crossings and can be slippery, most find it manageable and enjoyable, especially for families. Some note the slide is smaller than anticipated, but the overall natural wonder is highly praised.
"A beautiful hike back to Devils bathtub. You cross the creek a few times. It is possible to keep your feet dry but it requires you cross the creek balancing on rocks. The trail back is not marked but it’s not hard to keep on the trail. When you reach the bathtub it is a beautiful sight. The natural rock slide is a lot smaller in person. It shows online to be bigger. I hiked this trail with 3 of my children ages 13,9, and 3. They had no issues doing it without assistance"
Megan Wilke
"This is an easy hike with little to no elevation changes there are some points where you will be climbing through rocks and crossing over water paths that are no deeper than ankle deep. We hiked this as a family with about 12 of us and two babies in the group less than 2 years old and were able to get through without any problems."
Natalie Chavez
"Devils bathtub in Spearfish Canyon, South Dakota is just incredible! It’s a pretty easy hike to get to the devil’s bathtub. You will have beautiful scenery, and lots of river crossing if you’re good you won’t get your feet wet. The cliffs the canyon is just freaking incredible. It’s something that you should see. And if you’re brave enough, you’ll go down the slide into the devil’s bathtub it is freezing cold though, but worth the bragging rights"
Dawn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Devil's Bathtub is located within Spearfish Canyon. The most common approach is via the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway (Highway 14A). From the highway, you'll need to access the trailhead, which involves some creek crossings. Many visitors park and then follow the creek bed to find the main attraction.
Parking can be limited, especially during peak season. It's advisable to arrive early to secure a spot. Some visitors mention parking along the scenic highway and then walking to the trailhead.
No, you cannot drive directly to Devil's Bathtub. It requires a hike from the nearest accessible point along the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. The hike itself involves navigating the creek.
The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is a beautiful drive with numerous pull-offs for photos. For hiking to Devil's Bathtub, be prepared for creek crossings and uneven terrain.
Currently, there are no official shuttle services specifically for Devil's Bathtub. Visitors typically drive their own vehicles or use ride-sharing services if available in the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee or ticket required to visit Devil's Bathtub. It is a natural attraction within the national forest.
Devil's Bathtub is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, access may be limited in winter due to snow and ice.
While technically accessible, visiting Devil's Bathtub in winter can be challenging due to snow, ice, and potentially hazardous trail conditions. Summer and fall are the most popular times to visit.
No reservations are needed for Devil's Bathtub. It's a first-come, first-served natural attraction. Arriving early is recommended to avoid crowds.
There is no entrance fee for Spearfish Canyon itself. The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is a public road. The Devil's Bathtub hike is also free to access.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is generally considered easy to moderate, about 2 miles round trip. It involves numerous creek crossings and some rock scrambling. The water can be shallow, but be prepared to get your feet wet. +1
The hike to Devil's Bathtub is typically around 2 miles round trip. Some reviews mention it feeling longer due to the creek crossings and terrain.
The natural slide is generally considered safe and fun, though it's smaller than it may appear in photos. The water at the bottom is cold but usually not deep enough to cause injury.
Wear sturdy, quick-drying shoes or water shoes that can handle getting wet. Comfortable hiking attire is recommended. Bringing a towel is also a good idea.
Yes, many families with young children have successfully hiked to Devil's Bathtub. The hike is relatively short, and the water features are enjoyable for kids. Parental supervision is always advised.
📸 📸 Photography
Spearfish Canyon offers numerous scenic overlooks and waterfalls. The area around Devil's Bathtub itself provides unique shots of the rock formations and water. Don't miss the various waterfalls along the scenic highway.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the canyon's grandeur. If you plan on getting close to the water, consider a waterproof camera or protective casing for your phone.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows. However, the unique water features can be photogenic at any time.
Drone usage is subject to regulations within national forests. It's best to check with the U.S. Forest Service for specific rules regarding drone operation in Spearfish Canyon.
Experiment with different angles, perhaps from the side or slightly below the slide, to capture the motion of the water. Be mindful of your footing and protect your equipment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a change of clothes and a towel for after the hike. The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway also offers stunning views and easy stops for picnics, making it a great day trip for the whole family.
🏞️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
+1Explore beyond the Bathtub by driving the scenic byway and stopping at other trailheads or viewpoints. The diverse flora and fauna, along with the dramatic geological formations, make this area a prime destination for exploration.
📸 Photographers
+1Bring a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the canyon and consider a waterproof camera or phone case for close-ups of the Bathtub and its slides. The drive itself offers numerous pull-offs for capturing scenic vistas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Spearfish Canyon
+1Beyond the Devil's Bathtub, the canyon is dotted with several beautiful waterfalls, including Roughlock Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, which are easily accessible from the scenic drive. These natural wonders, combined with the rugged beauty of the Black Hills, make Spearfish Canyon a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The area is also rich in history, with evidence of early Native American settlements and later mining operations.
Navigating the Devil's Bathtub Hike
The 'bathtub' itself is a series of natural pools and rock formations, with the highlight being the smooth, water-worn rock that acts as a natural slide. While the slide is a major draw, it's important to manage expectations, as it's often smaller in person than it appears in viral videos. The water temperature is consistently cold, even in summer, adding to the exhilarating experience for those brave enough to slide down.
Families with children often find this hike particularly enjoyable. The relatively short distance and the fun water features make it an engaging outing. However, as with any outdoor activity, adult supervision is crucial, especially around the water and slippery rocks.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit