About Spearfish Falls
Spearfish Falls is a named waterfall in Lawrence County, South Dakota, located about 8.1 miles west of Lead. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Savoy 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 44°21′10″ N, 103°55′47″ W (44.35283, -103.92970). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Little Spearfish Creek (stream, under 0.1 mi), Breakneck Gulch (valley, 0.4 mi), and Johnson Gulch (valley, 1.1 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Roughlock Falls, 0.7 miles to the west.
What Visitors Mention
Topics that come up most often in Google reviews of Spearfish Falls:
walk to fallstrail to bottompretty waterfallview from bottomeasy walkphoto spotscanyonhikenature walkcrowded
More Photos
553 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Spearfish Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Spearfish Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Denver time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Spearfish Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Spearfish Falls holds a 4.8 average from 174 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Spearfish Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Little Spearfish Creek — stream, under 0.1 mi
- Breakneck Gulch — valley, 0.4 mi
- Johnson Gulch — valley, 1.1 mi
- Timber Gulch — valley, 1.3 mi
- Calamity Gulch — valley, 1.4 mi
- Iron Creek — stream, 1.5 mi
- Red Lake — lake, 1.7 mi
- Ragged Top Mountain — summit, 1.8 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 44.35283, -103.92970. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Spearfish Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Spearfish Falls located?
Spearfish Falls is in Lawrence County, South Dakota, about 8.1 miles west of Lead. Its coordinates are 44.35283, -103.92970 (44°21′10″ N, 103°55′47″ W).
What town is closest to Spearfish Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Lead, SD, about 8.1 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Spearfish Falls?
The closest is Roughlock Falls (0.7 mi west). Others within reach include Bridal Veil Falls (5.0 mi) and Thunderhead Falls (33 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Spearfish Falls?
Spearfish Falls appears on the USGS Savoy 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.