Look, if you just punch "Spearfish SD to Deadwood SD" into your GPS, it’s going to tell you to hop on US-85 North and be done with it in about 20 minutes. It’s efficient. It’s paved. It’s also incredibly boring compared to what’s sitting right next to it.
You’ve got two very different versions of this trip. One is a commute. The other is arguably the best thirty miles of driving in the entire Midwest. Most people visiting the Black Hills for the first time make the mistake of rushing between these two towns, treated as "base camps" for Mount Rushmore or Custer State Park, but honestly? The space between Spearfish and Deadwood is where the real magic happens.
The Interstate vs. The Canyon
There is a massive difference between the "fast" route and the "right" route.
If you take US-85, you’re looking at a 15-mile straight shot. It’s fine. You’ll see some pine trees and maybe a deer or two if you’re driving at dusk. But if you have even an extra hour, you have to take the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway (Highway 14A).
This route turns a 20-minute dash into a winding, cliff-hugging journey through thousand-foot limestone walls. It’s the kind of road that makes you want to roll the windows down even when it’s 40 degrees outside just to hear the creek. Frank Lloyd Wright once called this canyon the "most marvelous" in the West. He wasn't exaggerating.
The canyon road adds about 10 miles to the trip and connects to Deadwood via Highway 85 at Cheyenne Crossing. It’s basically a detour that pays for itself in dopamine.
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Why Spearfish SD to Deadwood SD is a Local Favorite
Locals don’t just drive this to get from A to B; they drive it for the stops.
The Waterfall Trifecta
Most people know about Bridal Veil Falls. It’s right on the side of the road about six miles south of Spearfish. You don't even have to get out of your car if you’re feeling lazy, though there is a nice wooden platform for photos.
But the real gems are further in.
- Spearfish Falls: You have to park at the Latchstring Restaurant in Savoy. The trail is short, maybe 1.5 miles round trip, and drops you right at the base of a 47-foot veil of water. In the winter, this thing freezes into a giant blue ice sculpture.
- Roughlock Falls: This is the one you see on postcards. It’s about a mile west of Savoy on a side road. You can hike it from the Spearfish Canyon Lodge or just drive to the parking lot and walk the boardwalks. It’s multi-tiered, lush, and was actually used for the final scenes of Dances with Wolves.
The History at Cheyenne Crossing
Once you pop out of the south end of the canyon, you hit Cheyenne Crossing. In the 1870s, this was a stagecoach stop for the line running from Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Deadwood.
Today, it’s a general store and cafe. If you don't stop here for an Indian Taco, you’ve fundamentally failed the trip. They make them on frybread that’s about the size of a hubcap. It’s the unofficial fuel of the Northern Hills.
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Winter Hazards and What to Expect
Let’s be real: South Dakota weather is chaotic.
In the summer, this drive is a dream. In the winter, Spearfish Canyon becomes a different beast. Because the canyon walls are so high and the road is so narrow, the sun often doesn't hit the pavement for more than a few hours a day. This means black ice stays black ice.
If there’s a blizzard, US-85 is usually the priority for plows because it's a main transport vein. The canyon road (14A) can get hairy. If you see a "No Travel Advised" warning on the SDDOT site, take it seriously. I’ve seen tourists get stuck in snowbanks near Savoy because they thought their rental car’s "All-Wheel Drive" made them invincible. It doesn't.
The Deadwood Payoff
Coming into Deadwood from the Spearfish side feels more "authentic" than coming in from the Sturgis side. You descend from the high limestone plateaus into the gulch.
Deadwood isn't just a gambling town; it’s a National Historic Landmark. You’re driving into a place where the streets were literally paved with gold ore at one point. When you arrive, head straight for Mount Moriah Cemetery. You’ll see where Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried. It’s a steep climb, but it gives you a view of the town that explains exactly why it was so hard to settle in the first place.
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Logistics: Shuttles and Cabs
Kinda weirdly, public transit between Spearfish and Deadwood is almost non-existent for such a popular route.
There is no "bus" that runs every hour. If you’ve been hitting the casinos in Deadwood and need to get back to a hotel in Spearfish, your options are basically:
- Da Bus: They run shuttles, but they are often focused on events or the Sturgis Rally.
- Taxis: Northern Hills Taxi is the main player. A ride from Deadwood to Spearfish will usually run you $50 or more. It’s a 15-mile trip, but "mountain miles" are priced differently.
- The Deadwood Trolley: This is great for getting around Deadwood for $2, but it won’t take you to Spearfish.
Practical Next Steps for Your Trip
If you're planning to head from Spearfish SD to Deadwood SD tomorrow or next week, here is exactly how to do it for the best experience.
First, check the South Dakota 511 app. If the roads are clear, set your GPS for "Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway" rather than just the town of Deadwood. This ensures you stay on 14A.
Plan to start your drive around 9:30 AM. The sun hits the canyon floor better at that time, and you’ll beat the mid-day rush of tourists coming up from Rapid City.
Stop at the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery in Spearfish before you leave. It’s free, and the underwater viewing windows are cool. Then, hit the canyon, stop for the Indian Taco at Cheyenne Crossing, and spend your afternoon at the Adams Museum in Deadwood. That’s a perfect day. No fluff, just the best the hills have to offer.