Hiking the Community Caves Trail in Spearfish Canyon of the Black Hills, South Dakota
Distance: 0.6 miles / 1.0 km
The Community Caves Trail in Spearfish Canyon, South Dakota is a little-known day hike off Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway that leads hikers up a steep gulch to a number of beautiful hidden caves!
That said, the Community Caves Trail is not a maintained trail, like Spearfish Falls or the 76 Trail, as this really is the definition of what’s often referred to as a 'social trail,' meaning a trail created by hikers over time rather than a managing agency.
I think this is important to mention because, while the Community Caves Trail is very short, I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s easy, given the creek crossing and very steep final ascent required to get to the caves.
However, if you think you’re up for the challenge, the Community Caves are a great place to hang out and escape some of the crowds found in other busy parts of Spearfish Canyon!
Community Caves Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Community Caves Trail is located directly along the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, about 2.7 miles (4.3 km) from the beginning of the highway in Spearfish to the north.
That said, be careful when starting or ending the Community Caves Trail, as cars tend not to slow down as they come around somewhat blind turns from both directions.
Google Maps Directions: Community Caves Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - South Dakota
According to the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) and the U.S. Forest Service, there are Black Bears in South Dakota, but encounters are considerably rare.
That said, here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in South Dakota.
Hiking the Community Caves Trail
The Community Caves Trail begins on the opposite side (east side) of the highway from the parking area, where there are a few different paths leading down to the trail just off the road.
The trail to the left is simply another short path that leads up to the road.
At this split, there’s the option to go either way to continue up the Community Caves Trail, but I chose to go right, cross Spearfish Creek, and continue up the most direct route to the caves.
By going right, the Community Caves Trail heads directly down to Spearfish Creek.
Spearfish Creek
Crossing Spearfish Creek can be one of the most challenging parts of the Community Caves Trail, and it’s one reason some hikers may want to bring poles for the short trail, which can be especially helpful when the water is running higher during the late spring and early summer months, when snowmelt is at its peak.
On the far side of Spearfish Creek, go left to continue up the Community Caves Trail.
This stretch between Spearfish Creek and the gulch can be a little confusing, especially if new trees have fallen.
However, there should be one main path to follow.
This is where the Community Cave’s Trail reaches the base of the gulch and the steep climb up to the caves at the top.
This final steep stretch up the gulch gains roughly 200 ft. (61 m) in just 0.1 miles (0.2 km).
Community Caves
At the very top of the gulch, the trail reaches the Community Caves, a series of limestone caves with a waterfall pouring over the cliff from above!
On a different note, if you look closely at the cliffs when exploring the caves, you might see a few nesting birds hiding in the burrows throughout!
South Dakota
Wyoming
