Community Caves Winter Falls
Discover hidden ice caves and stunning canyon views on a challenging, unmarked trail in Spearfish Canyon.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less ice, clearer paths
Community Caves Winter Falls
Best Time
Less ice, clearer paths
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover hidden ice caves and stunning canyon views on a challenging, unmarked trail in Spearfish Canyon.
"The caves are great no doubt, but our young family enjoyed the challenge of getting there more!"
🎯 Trail Navigation
Trail is unmarked! After crossing the river, turn sharp right and follow loose rocks. Look for running water.
👟 Traction is Key
Microspikes or good hiking boots with grip are essential for icy and loose rock sections.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 84 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ice Caves
Top of the climb
Discover hidden ice formations and a unique cave system, a true reward after a challenging trek.
Spearfish Canyon Views
Point above the caves
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Spearfish Canyon from a scenic overlook.
Waterfall Encounter
Along the ascent
Follow the path of a running stream, which can turn into a beautiful icy cascade in winter.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Winter Trail Conditions
Family Adventure Prep
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Trail Navigation
Trail is unmarked! After crossing the river, turn sharp right and follow loose rocks. Look for running water. +1
👟 Traction is Key
Microspikes or good hiking boots with grip are essential for icy and loose rock sections.
💧 Water Source
You can drink from the waterfall if you have a filter bottle. Stay hydrated!
🚶♀️ Walking Stick Recommended
A walking stick helps immensely with balance on the steep, loose terrain.
Help finding a cave in Spearfish Canyon
Hey, I'm planning a trip to the Badlands and Black hills this May, and I was curious if anyone knows where the 420 cave is? I've seen a video but it doesn't tell how far up the canyon it is. Also any recommendations on neat lesser known areas would be great! I don't wanna miss…
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Trail Navigation
Trail is unmarked! After crossing the river, turn sharp right and follow loose rocks. Look for running water. +1
👟 Traction is Key
Microspikes or good hiking boots with grip are essential for icy and loose rock sections.
💧 Water Source
You can drink from the waterfall if you have a filter bottle. Stay hydrated!
🚶♀️ Walking Stick Recommended
A walking stick helps immensely with balance on the steep, loose terrain.
🐶 Pet Considerations
Dogs may need to be unleashed to navigate the challenging climb and descent.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the unique beauty of the ice caves and the stunning views of Spearfish Canyon, calling it a worthwhile adventure. However, many note the trail is extremely challenging due to being unmarked, steep, and covered in loose rocks, which can be hazardous. The lack of clear signage is a recurring point of contention, though some find it adds to the thrill.
"We had a blast navigating to the caves. It was a challenge as the trail is not marked and the paths are not cleared at all. A tip for future climbers, once you cross the river, make a sharp right and go across the large loose rocks. Keep going until you find the running water from the waterfall (granted that the water is flowing!). Our 7, 6 and 4 year old made this hike with us but it was the hardest hike we've ever done. Coming down was equally difficult as it's so incredibly steep. The caves are great no doubt, but our young family enjoyed the challenge of getting there more! Was such a fun family adventure!"
Carmon Swisher
"Was a fun and adventurous hike up to the caves. LOTS of loose rocks the last half of the climb. Took our time navigating the canyon up. Took us about an hour. Wife did great climbing even though she has a total knee replacement and finally getting over Covid. Once you get up there take the little trail to the right to go out to the point and you can see in both directions up and down Spearfish canyon. Down seemed scary with all the loose rocks but only took 40 minutes to get down. Trail is not marked like everyone else says. Once you find a place to cross creek it’s not too hard to find. Hope you run into someone else and they can point you the right way. We got lucky with that. Very cool place to see. Take some water with. We took a water filter bottle and just drank from the waterfall. Very steep climb up and down. It was worth it. 5 stars if trail was marked but that was half the fun."
Eric Nygaard
"Steep but fun trail in Spearfish Canyon. Park in pull off right after mile marker 3. Cross the road to begin. Find a place to cross stream, then hike right up the stream bed. This year its was a slow stream, but depends on the time of the year you go. Very helpful to have walking stick as there is lots of loose rock."
Sandy Fried
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is not clearly marked. Park at the pull-off right after mile marker 3 in Spearfish Canyon. Cross the road and walk left to find a stream crossing point. +1
Yes, there's a pull-off area for parking. Be prepared to walk a bit to find the actual stream crossing point.
Once you cross the stream, head right and follow the loose rocks. Look for running water from the waterfall as a guide. +1
The trail itself is for hiking only. You'll need to park your car and proceed on foot.
No, the trail is notoriously unmarked, which adds to the adventure but requires careful navigation. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the caves themselves are free to explore, some sources mention a small entrance fee for Rifle Mountain Park, where the ice caves are located.
The caves are generally accessible during daylight hours, but there are no official operating hours posted.
No advance booking is required. It's a natural attraction, so you can visit anytime.
A park pass or day pass might be required for Rifle Falls State Park, which is near the ice caves.
The caves are best experienced in winter for ice formations, but the trail can be challenging due to ice and snow.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is considered very challenging due to steepness, loose rocks, and unmarked trails. It's a strenuous climb. +2
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip, layers of clothing, and consider bringing microspikes for icy conditions.
It can take about an hour to reach the caves, depending on your pace and how much you stop to navigate.
Restroom facilities are not typically mentioned for this specific trail, so plan accordingly.
You'll find ice caves, a waterfall (depending on the season), and a scenic overlook of Spearfish Canyon. +1
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Capture the dramatic ice formations within the caves, the cascading waterfall, and the expansive views of Spearfish Canyon.
Be extremely cautious when taking photos, especially on steep and loose sections. Prioritize safety over a shot.
A wide-angle lens is great for the canyon views, and a sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions inside the caves.
Yes, modern smartphone cameras can capture great shots, but ensure you have a secure grip.
The point above the caves offers a fantastic vantage point for panoramic shots of the canyon.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit