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Hike to the Community Caves

Spearfish Community Caves, South Dakota

4.5/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

1 miles

Elevation Gain

300 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Isaac Parsons

Explore the captivating Community Caves, just outside Spearfish! Great to visit anytime: on a hot summer day, you can stand under the trickling cold water, falling from the cliff...or on a cold winter day, you can embrace your adventurous side and climb the frozen pillars!

Community Caves is located in the scenic Spearfish Canyon, on Highway 14A, about 2.7 miles from Spearfish (once you turn off of Colorado Blvd).  There is a large pull-off area on the right (west) side of the road and then the trail, which is not marked at all, is on the opposite side of the pull-off. 

The trail starts very mildly. In the winter, it is easy to follow as everyone's footprints mark a path in the snow; summer usually has a pretty well worn path. You will cross the creek, then it will climb gradually slowly getting steeper. A steady stream of water flows down the trail/path year-round. In the winter, it can be frozen and very slippery so use caution; summer can be wet and slippery at times too so don't let down your guard. As you get closer to the caves, the ice is much more prominent, and crampons or yaktrax are extremely helpful. You can do without them in the winter but makes it more challenging.  There is no doubt you will know you are at the community caves when you see them: it is one gigantic, overhang cave, with multiple little "rooms" tucked back into the wall. 

People enjoy exploring this special spot and enjoy the caves throughout all seasons, but it is definitely one of the most popular ice climbing spots in the Black Hills.

Use your discretion on the ice and practice Leave No Trace ethics . . . and always keep the Earth clean.

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Features

Rock Climbing
Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Forest
Scenic
Waterfall

Hike to the Community Caves Reviews

Very steep climb with rocks and boulders and fallen trees. If you go up above the waterfalls and climb to the top of the canyon you can see the road from there

We really enjoy this hike. We made it to the cave in approximately 20 minutes.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Explore the Frozen Waterfalls of Spearfish Canyon

Hike around Lookout Mountain

Hike to Devil's Bathtub, Black Hills National Forest

Cross-Country Ski the Big Hill Trails

Hike to Mt. Roosevelt Tower

Spearfish Falls

Go Great Places in South Dakota

In the Mount Rushmore state, travels to South Dakota are full of one-of-a-kind adventure with wide-open spaces as endless as the horizons. Between legendary landscapes and scenic drives, you can always find space that shifts life into park. When you’re ready, go great places.

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