Deadwood and Spearfish Canyon

 9.5.2023

Deadwood and Spearfish Canyon, SD

Mileage: I really should have kept the truck mileage also!

Late in the morning we took off towards Deadwood.  The drive was very smoky with lots of wind as the front from yesterday continued to blow through.  Deadwood is about an hour from Rapid City straight across I90.

Once in Deadwood we went to the Visitor's Center to get the lay of the land then walked into town.

There were cool chainsaw carvings on main street.

There were several folks in character wandering around.  We saw a short presentation of the murder of Wild Bill Hickock.  His grave is also in town, but the cemetery is up a hill and we weren't that interested.  While interesting, the town really wasn't our thing.  So, we got back in the truck and took off toward Spearfish Canyon.

Ah, beautiful nature!  Much more our speed.  We took a short hike down to the bottom of Spearfish Falls.

(sorry I named the falls incorrectly, should be Rough Lock Falls)

We then drove about a mile up a fire road to Rough Lock Falls.  This area is named Rough Lock as when early settlers were making their way into the canyon they would lock the wheels of the wagon so the wheels would skid down, not roll.  Sounds terrifying to me.

We continued up the canyon and camp upon these adorable Mountain Goats, a sweet mama and two babies.  Seeing them was one of Kenny's goal for the trip.  They were really adorable and right by the road!

Bridal Veil Falls was right by the road, so no hiking to this one.

We made it to Spearfish!  The dining scene was kinda sparse here so we decided to go back to Rapid City to Delmonico's to eat.

Kenny got a Cauliflower Steak.

I got the real McCoy and it was delicious!  Honestly, all of both of our meals was super.

Our boy was super excited to see us when we got home!