Devil's Bathtub

Updated on December 9, 2023  •  4 minute read  • 662 words

 0.8 mile hike  • 190 feet elevation

Devil’s Bathtub is one of the most popular hikes found in Spearfish Canyon. The hike follows the creek as it works its way down the mountain side. The top of the hike opens to a tub where you can swim and slide down the natural waterfall.

Useful Information

• Parking at the trailhead is free.
• Parking in the old parking lot is forbidden and clearly posted.
• There is no drinking water or bathrooms available on the trail.
• Leashed pets are allowed on the trail.
• The trail is open year-round but is very difficult during the winter months.
• Waterproof shoes are recommended.
• The entire trail is near water and stays cool even during the summer months.

Directions

To reach Devil’s Bathtub, start your journey in Spearfish, South Dakota, and take West Jackson Boulevard (Highway 14A) until you reach the stoplight marking the intersection of US-85 S/N Main St and US-14A E marking the beginning of Spearfish Canyon. Turn onto US-14A E and continue for approximately 15 miles until you reach the parking lot near mile marker 28 on the left side of the road. Devil’s Bathtub is surrounded by private land, so it’s crucial to respect the property owner’s rights and park in designated areas only.

For years the trail to Devil’s Bathtub had limited parking below the land owner’s homes. As the hike became more popular, parking became an issue and led to the shut down of the hike. Thankfully, this was only for a limited time while a much larger and officially supported parking lot was built near a historic power plant that sits next to the creek. The new parking lot is much larger and can accommodate many more vehicles than the old parking lot but you will still want to get there early to ensure you get a spot. Parking on the side of the road is not allowed and you will be ticketed if you do so.

The Trail

From the parking area, embark on a short hike to Devil’s Bathtub. The trailhead is well-marked and easily accessible. The initial section of the trail follows the creek and walks back to the original parking area and the bridge where vehicles can cross the creek. Signs are posted to guide hikers to the beginning of the trail and the first creek crossing. There are three areas to cross the creek. Two of which involve walking through the creek and the third with a bridge to keep your feet dry a little longer.

From here, the trail continues to follow the creek and deviating from it will take you up steep hills away from the trail. The trail is well traveled and easy to navigate. You will need to cross the creek several more times and may be difficult for children or older hikers. Water shoes are recommended as the creek is rocky and can be slippery.

The trail becomes rocky with very little foliage when you are nearing the end. These rocks can be slippery and caution is advised. The trail ends at the Devil’s Bathtub and its small waterfall that is a natural slide and can be used to slide into the pool.

Hiking past the Devil’s Bathtub is not recommended as the trail is less traveled and much more difficult to navigate. It will quickly lead to the private land owner’s property. The land owner has clearly posted signs and has been known to call the police on trespassers.

History

The top of the public trail ends at the waterfall and the Devil’s bathtubs but the history of the trail is further still on the private section of the land. Located here are mining caverns and equipment from when the area was being mined. Some of the caverns have caved in and those that haven’t are still a safety concern as they were built without any kind of supports. Mining equipment can be found in the area leading up to the mines and is a hazard to hikers.