Spearfish Canyon Backcountry
Spearfish Canyon Backcountry is a easy 30+ miles off-road trail near Spearfish, SD. It requires a stock high-clearance 4WD with all-terrain tires and is best run May - October. Stock Jeep Wranglers, 4Runners, and Tacomas can complete it without modifications.
Trail Conditions
No reports yet
A dramatic limestone canyon in the northern Black Hills with forest roads branching to hidden waterfalls, historic mining claims, and panoramic rim overlooks. The 1,000-foot canyon walls glow golden in fall when aspens and birch turn color.
Fun Facts
Scenes from Dances with Wolves were filmed in Spearfish Canyon.
The canyon's limestone walls are 60 million years old.
Spearfish Canyon has been called the 'most beautiful canyon in the United States' by Frank Lloyd Wright.
🛞 Tires
Closest campgrounds to Spearfish Canyon Backcountry:
- Thunder Basin Campground · Sundance · 26 mi
- Belle Fourche River Campground · Devils Tower · 43 mi
- Bison Range Campground · Custer · 49 mi
- Ponderosa Peak Campground · Custer · 49 mi
Where to Camp
GPS Coordinates
Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin
Map of Spearfish, SD
5-Day Forecast
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Stock rigs can usually run this trail, but the right tire size and fitment make it more enjoyable.
Tire Size Calculator
Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.
Verify your stock tires meet minimum clearance for this trail.
Gear Ratio Calculator
Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.
Re-gear after a tire upgrade to restore trail torque and MPG.
Wheel Fitment Calculator
Calculate backspacing and offset so wider wheels clear your suspension.
Ensure any wheel upgrade clears your factory suspension.