Written Directions
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway in Spearfish, SD which you can get to off of I-90. The scenic byway starts at the intersection of E Colorado Blvd and US Alt Highway 14 ... the Spearfish Country Club is at the southeast corner of this intersection. You can pick up some printed information about the ride and the scenic views you will see at the Spearfish Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center. The cruise will end at the intersection of Highway 85 when you reach Cheyenne Crossing, SD.
Scenery
This road has excellent scenery no matter what time of year you travel, but nothing beats the colorful leaves of fall. Everywhere you turn you will see vibrant reds, outstanding golds and other autumn colors in all the foliage surrounding the roadside. On top of that, the geology is out of this world and you can take in some of the most spectacular rock formations lining the twists and turns all up and down the byway.
This majestic route will expand your mind as you check out the Northern Great Plains Grasslands and then ride further to see picturesque waterfalls, fresh water fisheries, pine forests, and miles of hiking trails where you can stop of the day and take advantage of the great things nature has waiting just for you.
Bikers often pack a picnic lunch for the ride and stop midway through at Iron Creek or at Roughlock Falls Picnic Area to enjoy the peaceful serenity of the views. Architect Frank.
Lloyd Wright called this section of road, 'the most marvelous canyon of the west' and during the ride throughout the twisting and turning route, it isn't difficult at all to understand why.
Drive Enjoyment
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is roughly 22 miles of the most winding road that many bikers will ever venture down. The road surface is smooth and there are no major dips or potholes along the route. You may want to stay off the shoulder as there are a few spots along the way that do drop off steeply. The elevation changes a dramatic 2000 feet from one end to the other, so be prepared for weather changes before you reach the end.
The posted speed limit is only 35 MPH along the byway and with the twists and turns, it is highly advisable to adhere to the limits, or even slower due to others checking out the scenery, when riding.
Tourism Opportunities
You can stop in at Cheyenne Crossing Store when you reach the end to refuel with a good meal and an ice-cold drink before heading back up the byway. But overall, roadside amenities are plentiful all up and down this route. Starting at the top you'll find prairie land with photo op opportunities to capture birds and other wildlife as well as some great shots of the grasslands and surrounding nature shots. Around midway down the road you can stop at Maurice Hydro Pullout which houses a hydro building that was built in 1917 to divert water from Savoy and even further down you will find Spearfish Falls Pullout where you can hike to Spearfish falls and spend an afternoon lounging by the water or splashing in the water at the falls.
Many riders enjoy stopping at Roughlock Falls or hiking on Rimrock Trail. The movie, Dances with Wolves starring acting legend Kevin Costner was filmed between the two and there is a great little campground for taking a day or two to camp out and get to know the area better. Just down from Roughlock Falls, you'll find Spearfish Canyon Lodge where you can book a romantic weekend getaway, rent UTV's or even go sightseeing in the Black Hills to spots like Mount Rushmore and others. Latchspring Inn at Spearfish offers exquisite dining and creative chefs who prepare traditional meals for a reasonable cost.
While you can simply ride down Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, you can also stop along the way to take in a game of golf, go snowmobiling in the winter, take some nature pictures or even stop over at a luxurious lodge for night or two of total relaxation before heading back to Sturgis.
Motorcycle Road Additional info
While there are many roads leading to and from Sturgis, Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is one that all riders should try to check out at least once during their time at the rally. For many people, the byway itself is a great getaway and while the route is 19 miles in total, it would be difficult to find a road with more amazing things to do in such a short ride.
This great motorcycle road description was provided courtesy of Chris Ward, the owner of "A-1 Auto Transport." If you are looking to get a motorcycle shipped give Chris' company a try by clicking here for a free quote.
