Spearfish Canyon/National Scenic Byway - 7/29/14

Spearfish Canyon is a state and national forest scenic byway that runs for about 20 miles on highway 14A from Cheyenne Crossing to the town of Spearfish, SD. The unique scenery and natural beauty of the canyon walls and Spearfish Creek are just beautiful.

En route to the scenic byway from Custer, we travelled on Highway 385 North to reach Highway 14A. We stopped at Pactola Lake and Reservoir.  It is one of the recreational areas (camping, boating, fishing, swimming) operated by the Black Hills National Forest. It is the largest reservoir in SD and supplies water to the the Rapid City region.

View of the Reservoir.

Visitor Center exhibits.

We saw several of these wild turkeys (bottom right) during our drive.

Mountain lion.

Views along the scenic highways - Spearfish Creek.

Wildflowers.

Canyon walls.

Bridal Veil Falls.

Although it was overcast and there was some rain, it was a beautiful drive, nonetheless. Upon reaching, the town of Spearfish we visited the D.C. Booth Fish Hatchery and then drove onto Deadwood and finally Sturgis (see posts on these places, if interested).

Website:  www.spearfishcanyon.com