Anyone who has ever taken an American history or geography class knows all there is to know about the jaw-dropping Grand Canyon. Still, not many realize that other states have must-see canyons of their own that are often overlooked. Case in point: the beautiful Spearfish Canyon in South Dakota, which looks even more spectacular in the winter.
Located near — you guessed it — Spearfish, Spearfish Canyon is home to a deep and narrow ravine surrounded by massive, jaw-dropping walls of pink, gray, and brown.
Created some 30 to 60 million years ago, the unique Spearfish Canyon was the result of subsiding seawater, which once covered the area but pulled back to reveal landmasses like this famous Mount Rushmore State ravine.
What is there to do in the area? Surrounded by charming towns like Spearfish and Deadwood, Spearfish Canyon also boasts several natural sites, including Bridal Veil, Spearfish, and Roughlock Falls.
Do you think you have to visit the area when it is thawed to appreciate it truly? We beg to differ, as Spearfish Canyon is still just as lovely in the dead of winter, thanks to the pristine surroundings and blankets of snow.
To fully appreciate this unique area during the cold months, we recommend driving the breathtaking Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, which spans 22 miles and connects the towns of Spearfish and Lead via winding roads, mature trees, and rocky cliffs.