Iron Creek Trail in Spearfish Canyon (not to be confused with the other Iron Creek Trail near Lakota Lake) offers incredible scenery such as ponderosa pine, oak, birch, aspen, wildflowers, and large limestone cliffs. The trail is a mixture of dirt, gravel, and protruding rocks. Nearly the entire way, you’ll be walking alongside Iron Creek and cliffs on both sides.
The Details
Hike Distance: 2.77 mi (4.45 km) out and back
Hike Duration: Allow 1-2 hours, depending on your pace. I completed it in a little under an hour.
Hike Difficulty: Easy. There isn’t much for elevation gain.
Hike Elevation Gain: 331 ft (101 m)
Parking: There is a gravel lot located off of Highway 14A. If you’re heading South, it’s on the right just before driving over Iron Creek. There is a house across the road from the lot. Most days, there is enough parking space; however, finding a spot might be difficult if you go mid-day on a weekend during tourist season.
Cost: Free
Coordinates to Parking and Trailhead: Typing in Iron Creek Trail and Spearfish will take you where you need to go.
How to get there
If coming from Spearfish, drive South on Highway 14A. Keep going until you get just past mile marker 22. You’ll see the parking area on your right before crossing Iron Creek. It’s just past a curve, so it can be easy to fly by if you aren’t paying attention. If you find yourself near Latchstring restaurant or Spearfish Canyon Lodge, you’ve gone too far.
Hiking Iron Creek Trail
The trail begins west of the lot near two large boulders. While there isn’t an official trail marker, you’ll spot a brown sign with bike trails posted to it. Continue straight ahead to follow the path. Again, there aren’t any markers along the way, but the trail is obvious.
Near the end of the trail, there is a barbed-wire fence. However, there is a bridge that you can cross over. Upon doing so, continue walking straight until you see several large boulders. You can sit, take a break, admire the views before returning, or take some of the other trails that branch off of Iron Creek.
This trail is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a reasonably easy walk out in nature. If you’re looking for a bit more adventure, there are other things to be found off the path, such as Iron Creek Arch.
You can view the recording of my hike here.
Check out these other trails near Iron Creek:
