Outdoor Activities in Keystone, SD

Hiking in Spearfish Canyon, located in the northern Black Hills of South Dakota, is a truly unforgettable experience. With its towering limestone cliffs, lush vegetation, and cascading waterfalls, the canyon offers a mix of scenic beauty, accessibility, and serenity that sets it apart from other hiking destinations in the United States. Spearfish Canyon is one of the oldest natural canyons in North America—older than the Grand Canyon—and was carved by water over millions of years. Today, its vertical limestone cliffs rise up to 1,200 feet, surrounding hikers with dramatic, enclosed scenery that creates a sense of awe at every turn. Because of its narrow shape and elevation, the canyon has a unique cool, moist microclimate. This supports an unusually diverse range of plant life—over 1,200 species, including mosses, orchids, ferns, and wildflowers. In fall, the canyon bursts into brilliant hues of red, orange, and gold, rivaling famous leaf-peeping destinations.