Located in Spearfish Canyon near mile marker 20, 11th Hour Gulch Trail is an unsuspecting gem often overlooked in favor of its more popular counterparts Devil’s Bathtub, Community Caves, and Iron Creek Trail. Many drive by it each day without knowing it exists. It’s hard out there for a cliff. However, this fun short hike provides excellent views of the canyon from above for those in the know.
The Details
Distance: 0.5 mi (0.8 km) out and back
Duration: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Upper end of moderate. This requires scrambling over boulders (some of which are slick from water), using two makeshift ladders, and going up a last short steep portion just before the top.
Elevation Gain: 128 ft (39 m)
Parking: A pull-off on either side of where the trailhead starts. Both with room for around 3 vehicles.
Cost: Free
Coordinates to Parking and Trailhead: Parking is located at 44.39192, -103.91154 (pull-off just South of Kissing Rocks/Dice on the East side of the highway) and 44.39399, -103.91046 (pull-off slightly North of 11th Hour Gulch. This is the closest parking area to it). The start of the trailhead is located at 44.39374, -103.9114.
How to get there
When coming from the Spearfish direction, drive South down Highway 14A to right around mile marker 20. There will be a pull-off on the East side of the highway just before 11th Hour Gulch, or use the other parking just past Kissing Rocks/Dice. If coming from Kissing Rocks/Dice parking, cross the road and walk North. Alternatively, from the parking closer to 11th Hour Gulch, cross the road and walk south. You’ll find a worn path near a white diamond road marker. After going down the trail, you’ll notice parallel rock walls with several boulders in between right in front of you. This is where your journey begins.
Hiking 11th Hour Gulch Trail
The trail begins by scrambling over several boulders. Straight ahead after doing so, there will be a makeshift ladder. Depending on the time of the year, there may be some running and pooled water near the ladder. Several smaller logs are placed near the ladder to prevent stepping in the water. However, plan for the possibility of getting your feet wet.
After scaling the first ladder, make your way to the second. This one goes under a large boulder. If needed, there is a rope to grab on the right side to help with the way up. From here, walk to the top and go left.
Walk towards the cliff area, and you’ll be greeted with a great view as you watch the cars below go by. If you’re looking for a hike far less crowded than the others in the canyon, give this one a try.
You can view the recording of my hike here.
Looking for other trails in Spearfish Canyon? Check out these:
