Spearfish to Hill City – 104 Miles

Immediately after leaving Spearfish, get ready for one of the best stretches of pavement in the country. Spearfish Canyon Road twists and turns as it meanders along the creek amidst towering cliffs and waterfalls, and is particularly scenic in the fall. Stop at Spearfish Canyon Lodge for fuel and a bite to eat, hike to the waterfalls, or extend your first day and stay here for the night.

Back on the dirt, this next section passes through towering canyon walls, famously known as the filming location for the final scene in Dances With Wolves, and features a scenic stop at Roughlock Falls. After making your way through the canyon amidst endless aspen forests, take the scenic climb up to Cement Ridge lookout tower; welcome to Wyoming! After admiring the view, the route takes you back down the hill through expansive pine forest before swinging by the Trailshead Lodge, another great stop for food, fuel or even a place to stay.

You’ll quickly get back on the dirt heading south through flowing gravel, then an optional advanced section features a short rocky downhill through Whitetail Peak Road followed by an area prone to deep ruts that are particularly challenging when wet. Take a quick detour to the Rochford Mall for a sarsaparilla before continuing through a fantastic road alongside the creek, past the Castle Creek campground and the nearby ghost town of Mystic.

The final stretch is full of beautiful forest roads and endless scenery along creeks and lakes. Be sure to take a side trip to the viewpoint overlook before descending into Hill City.