Devil's Bathtub Trailhead

Devil's Bathtub is one of the most exciting and talked-about outdoor experiences in the Black Hills, a short but thrilling hike tucked into the towering limestone walls of Spearfish Canyon along Highway 14A, about nine miles south of Spearfish, South Dakota. The 1.6-mile out-and-back trail follows a lively creek through a shaded, rock-walled canyon canopied by pines and aspens, requiring hikers to cross the stream roughly seven to ten times along the way, making water shoes an essential piece of gear and the adventure half the fun. The payoff at trail's end is genuinely spectacular: a deep, cold mountain pool fed by a smooth natural rock waterslide, carved over centuries by the flowing water into the canyon stone. On warm summer days, visitors of all ages take turns sliding into the pool, making it one of the most joyful and memorable stops in the entire Black Hills region. The trail gains only about 190 feet in elevation, making it accessible to most hikers, though slippery rocks and unmarked sections give it a moderate challenge rating. Leashed dogs are welcome.