Devil’s Bathtub – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 279 – Devils Bathtub, Spearfish Falls, Roughlock Falls & Roubaix Lake (10-11-21)

10:13 AM, 56ºF – A gorgeous morning, comfortably cool and clear as a bell! Lupe paused on the Cleopatra Place bridge for a look at Spearfish Creek. SPHP was surprised by how much water there was even after a summer of drought. Squaw Creek, a tributary joining in immediately upstream of the bridge, was another matter. Squaw Creek did look low. Not a bad thing, since it would have to be rock-hopped a bunch of times on the way to the Devils Bathtub.

**Spearfish Creek** from the Cleopatra Place bridge. **Squaw Creek** visible at lower L.

The Carolina Dog had attempted to visit the Devils Bathtub a couple of times in recent years, but had never made it all the way there. The first time, SPHP thought she had, and didn’t figure out until later that the Devils Bathtub actually must have been farther up Squaw Creek. The second time, ice and snow had made the rock-hopping so treacherous that SPHP had given up on it. Lupe wound up climbing Spearfish Peak (5,800 ft.) and Little Crow Peak (5,885 ft.) instead.

Third time a charm? Hopefully! Lupe continued on across the Cleopatra Place bridge. The Devils Bathtub trail, which goes up the Squaw Creek canyon, started just off to the R. The Carolina Dog quickly arrived at the first and only bridge over the little creek.

On the first (and last) bridge over Squaw Creek.

Although the Devils Bathtub trail would cross Squaw Creek numerous times, right after the bridge it stayed on the SW side of the creek for a while. Even here near the start, the canyon Lupe was venturing into was fairly narrow and steep-sided. The entire canyon was full of trees and bushes sporting fall colors. Loop enjoyed prowling among dead leaves and mossy stones looking for squirrels.

It didn’t take too long to get to the first stream ford, a crossing forced by a pinch point where Squaw Creek flowed right next to a wall of rock. With the water so low this time of year, the ford was an easy rock-hop for SPHP. Lupe didn’t bother rock-hopping, she just waded on through.

As Loop continued up the canyon, the cliffs forcing many of the stream crossings became taller and more impressive. In some places the trail was braided, with viable paths on both sides of Squaw Creek. None of the frequent fords presented any real difficulties. Slick, damp stones were the biggest worry for SPHP. Lupe didn’t worry at all.

The rock walls forcing the stream crossings kept getting taller.

Father upstream at another ford. One of many.

Less than a mile from the start, the canyon narrowed some more. Lupe reached a spot where Squaw Creek flowed over bedrock at the base of a long cliff. Hugging the cliff, the Devils Bathtub trail went over shelves of solid rock right next to the stream.

Approaching the start of the continuous rock wall on the NE side of Squaw Creek.

The Devils Bathtub trail goes over these shelves of bedrock along the base of the cliff.

Lupe soon came to a series of waterfalls plunging into pools several feet deep. Between these pools Squaw Creek raced through narrow chutes carved into the bedrock. The overall effect was very beautiful. In lots of places Lupe could leap over Squaw Creek in a single bound. Even SPHP could just step across.

It didn’t take long to reach the large pool SPHP had mistakenly taken for the Devils Bathtub during Lupe’s first attempt to find it 2 years ago.

As far as Lupe had made it on her first attempt to find the Devils Bathtub back in 2019. She’d turned around here when SPHP mistook this pool for the real deal.

A little bit of scrambling around on the rocks had been required shortly before reaching this point. Somewhat more challenging scrambling was required to go any further. Nothing too daunting, but Lupe did have to traverse short stretches on narrow ledges 15 or 20 feet above the creek.

Up on a ledge above the **Fake Devils Bathtub** (L). Photo looks downstream.

Continuing past **Fake Devils Bathtub** (R).

Just past the **Fake Devils Bathtub** near the small waterfall that pours into it.

As it turned out, Lupe had almost made it to the real Devils Bathtub two years ago. Only a few hundred feet upstream of the Fake Devils Bathtub, there it was!

On the ledges approaching the real Devils Bathtub, the upper pool seen here.

Trotting along narrow ledges with complete confidence, Lupe arrived in jig time. SPHP, on the other paw, crept cautiously along the skinniest parts, but even that delayed arrival only momentarily.

Congratulations, Loopster, you made it!

So this is the Devils Bathtub, SPHP? The real one?

Yes, the official one! No doubt about it this time.

I’m not seeing any devils. Can’t sniff them, either. Are they invisible?

Hmm. Well, I’m not sure, maybe so? Or maybe it isn’t bath time? I hear they like to play dirty tricks, so they probably don’t bathe very often. Maybe just on Saturday nights?

Saturday night doesn’t make much sense to me, SPHP. I doubt the devils dress up and go to church on Sunday morning!

Good point, Looper. I really don’t know. Anyway, this is a beautiful spot, isn’t it? Let’s have a look around.

The Devils Bathtub wasn’t very big, so the “tour” didn’t take long at all.

Except close to the waterfall that raced down a slippery chute shaped like a waterslide into the Devils Bathtub, most of the pool wasn’t all that deep, just a few feet. That was plenty deep for a Carolina Dog, though. Lupe was not inclined to take a bath. She waded along the edge of the shallow downstream outlet getting her paws wet, but otherwise did not go in. SPHP avoided the water completely. July or August was really the time to be here.

The water was cold and clear. SPHP looked for fish, but they seemed to be just as scarce as devils.

Not all that much to the Devils Bathtub, is there, SPHP?

No, but it’s a scenic spot at the end of a nice hike, and quite a popular place to cool off in the summer.

I suppose its more exciting when the dirty devils show up. Want to go up by the waterfall, SPHP?

Sure!

To get to the waterfall meant scrambling up on another narrow ledge, but it was no big deal and gave a different perspective.

On the ledge leading to the waterfall that feeds the **Devils Bathtub**.

Neither Lupe nor SPHP was inclined to test the waterslide concept. Might not be as smooth and as slippery a ride as it looked, and it was October, after all. Would have been an exceedingly brisk experience.

Are we going any farther up the canyon, SPHP? Looks like we could!

No, think this is it, Loop. I went up there once a long time ago, before you were even around. Don’t really remember too much about it. There was a big old mine high on a steep hillside, the Cleopatra Mine, if memory serves, but the structure was crumbling away and dangerous even back then. From what I can remember, the Devils Bathtub is the last of these scenic larger pools along Squaw Creek.

If we aren’t going any farther then, SPHP, why don’t we relax right here for a while? Maybe we’ll get to see a devil!

Fine with me, but do you actually want to see a devil? They’re evil you know. Might be pretty dangerous if one comes along.

Oh, don’t worry about that, SPHP! I’ll bite any devils that try to give us a hard time.

That’s why I always travel with a Carolina Dog! You’re the best, Loopster!

A chocolate coconut bar, the American Dingo’s portion instantly inhaled, was shared at a sunny spot overlooking the Devils Bathtub. Sadly, not a single devil turned up for Lupe to do battle with before it was time to start back down the canyon.

At the outlet from the **Devils Bathtub**, ready to head back to the RAV4.

12:10 PM, 61ºF, Devils Bathtub trailhead along Hwy 14A, Spearfish Canyon – The return trek was just as gorgeous as the journey to the Devils Bathtub had been, but seemed to go even faster. It was barely even lunchtime when Lupe arrived back at the RAV4.

What now, SPHP? We aren’t done for the day already are we?

Oh, no! Want to visit Spearfish Falls and Roughlock Falls while we’re in the area? The trailheads aren’t that far away, just a few miles up Spearfish Canyon at Savoy.

The American Dingo was fine with that. SPHP was soon parking the RAV4 at the Latchstring Restaurant. The restaurant grounds bordered Spearfish Falls, but to actually get a good look, it was necessary to take a short trail down to the bottom of Spearfish Canyon.

A huge bald eagle was sitting on a stump out in front of the restaurant. Before hitting the trail, Lupe went over to take a look at it.

Checking out the bald eagle in front of the Latchstring Restaurant in **Spearfish Canyon**.

Although a handsome specimen, the eagle proved none too lively, sitting completely motionless on its stump. The action-oriented Carolina Dog quickly lost interest. Heading over to the Spearfish Falls trail, she started the short journey down to the canyon floor.

The Spearfish Falls trail leaves the Latchstring Restaurant grounds just ahead on the L.

View from a bench along the descent to the canyon floor.

The sign posted at the trailhead claimed that the Spearfish Falls trail was moderate difficulty and 1.5 miles round trip. Both were exaggerations. The wide, well-beaten path was mighty easy for Lupe, and it hardly seemed possible that it could have been 0.75 mile one way to the falls. Once down to the canyon floor, a short trek brought Lupe to a bridge over Spearfish Creek. The falls were only a little farther.

**Spearfish Falls** is on Little Spearfish Creek, which joins Spearfish Creek at the base of the falls. Got that?

Spearfish Falls may well be the tallest and most impressive waterfall in the entire Black Hills region. Certainly worth the minor effort required to go see it! Even at SPHP’s relaxed pace, the round trip took just a half an hour.

Next up was Roughlock Falls, only a mile away on USFS Road No. 222, which took off from Hwy 14A over by the Latchstring Inn across from the restaurant. The Carolina Dog still had plenty of time left in the day, though. Instead of driving all the way, SPHP merely moved the RAV4 over to the Roughlock Falls trailhead just past the inn.

The Roughlock Falls trail was broad and smooth. Most of it was flat, or nearly so. Super easy! It went up the scenic side canyon carved by Little Spearfish Creek. The trail generally wasn’t all that close to the creek, but shortly after Lupe set out, there was an opportunity to head down to it.

Little Spearfish Creek was cold, clear, and several feet deep. Below the surface, dark green plants swayed in a swift current. Small trout darted from one hiding spot to the next.

By **Little Spearfish Creek**. Photo looks upstream.

Same spot, looking toward the limestone cliffs across the creek. Photo looks N.

A mile went by fast. Loop was soon standing on the boardwalk next to the cascades below Roughlock Falls. From down here there was a great view of the cascades, but only a glimpse of the main waterfall could be seen at the far end of a narrow gorge.

On the lower boardwalk with a view of the **cascades below Roughlock Falls**.

For the best views of Roughlock Falls itself, Looper needed to get to the upper viewing platforms. Crossing a nice bridge over Little Spearfish Creek, a short stroll along a sidewalk quickly brought her to the first of the upper viewpoints.

Looking downstream from the bridge over **Little Spearfish Creek**.

**Roughlock Falls** from the first upper viewpoint.

To get to the final viewpoint, Lupe crossed another bridge just upstream of the falls. This viewpoint overlooked the brink of the falls.

Crossing Little Spearfish Creek again, this time just upstream of the falls.

After enjoying Roughlock Falls from all these different vantage points, Loopster completed her tour by wandering through the picnic ground immediately upstream.

**Little Spearfish Creek** from the Roughlock Falls picnic area.

It was mid-afternoon when Lupe got back to the RAV4. The sky had been clouding up on the way to Roughlock Falls, but it was getting sunnier again now. The Carolina Dog had completed everything planned in the Spearfish Canyon area for today, so what now? Tomorrow snow was in the forecast. It would be a shame to just go home instead of enjoying what remained of this beautiful day.

This Black Hills Expedition seemed to be all about water. Since Lupe had never been to Roubaix Lake before, SPHP decided a relaxing drive through the central hills to go see it might be just the ticket.

On the way, a stop was made up on Minnesota Ridge (6,240 ft.). Lupe enjoyed a short romp looking for squirrels while SPHP had a look at the fall colors.

Then it was on to Roubaix Lake!

Roubaix Lake wasn’t very big, sort of a glorified pond, but it did feature a campground with a sandy beach, plus a trail that went about halfway around the lake.

Arriving at **Roubaix Lake**, which is just a mile off Hwy 385 in the central Black Hills.

The trail started at a bridge over the outlet for Middle Box Elder Creek. After crossing both the bridge and the dam, the trail headed SW right along the shoreline.

On the bridge over the outlet for Middle Box Elder Creek. Photo looks SE.

Along the SE shore after crossing the dam. Photo looks W.

Getting a drink not far from the dam. Photo looks N.

Middle Box Elder Creek enters Roubaix Lake over at the far SW end. The trail began to fade away as Lupe drew near. This part of the lake looked very shallow, full of mud and thick stands of tall reeds. Late afternoon sunlight highlighted the reeds’ colors, making them glow.

By the colorful, glowing reeds. Photo looks SW.

**SW end of Roubaix Lake**. Photo looks W.

The trail went on, but appeared destined to disappear entirely. Probably about time to call it a day by now, anyway. A squirrel provided several minutes of excitement on the way back to the RAV4.

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 279 had been a success! Getting all the way to the Devils Bathtub for time ever had been the main objective, and Lupe had made it. Third time had been a charm! Really hadn’t been hard at all. Spearfish Falls, Roughlock Falls, and Roubaix Lake were all just icing on the cake.

A lovely Black Hills autumn day, but tomorrow, a first taste of winter!

**Roubaix Lake**, Black Hills, SD 10-11-21

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 251 – Bridal Veil Falls, the Devils Bathtub trail, Spearfish Falls & Roughlock Falls (10-17-19)

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 251 – Bridal Veil Falls, the Devil’s Bathtub trail, Spearfish Falls & Roughlock Falls (10-17-19)

Should have had a plan B! Yesterday evening a landowner had refused Lupe permission to cross their property this morning to access a mountain that would have been a fun trek. SPHP was welcome, but no pesky Dingoes allowed! Heh. No dice! If the Dingo couldn’t, SPHP wouldn’t.

Hence the sudden need for a Plan B. Plenty of options to choose from in the Black Hills, perhaps too many. None seemed to stand out as the thing to do. Better decide soon, though. The morning was shooting by. Lupe wasn’t going to be happy if SPHP let indecisiveness waste away this beautiful day for her first Black Hills Expedition of the fall season.

Under the circumstances, maybe something quick and easy was called for? Lupe didn’t always have to climb a mountain, did she? How about a scenic drive up Spearfish Canyon? Loopster had never been to the Devil’s Bathtub, a lovely remote swimming hole beneath a waterfall hidden up a side canyon. SPHP had thought about taking her there many times, but it was best visited in the hot summer months when the cool, clear water would be refreshing, not frigid.

The Devil’s Bathtub would still be a beautiful short trek, though, and the Carolina Dog wasn’t much into swimming, anyway. Lupe would have plenty of time to visit the 3 best waterfalls in Spearfish Canyon today, too. Why not? SPHP felt kind of lazy. So be it! Lupe was in for an easy day touring the watery wonders of Spearfish Canyon. She was all for it, desperately eager to get going right this very minute!

Coming up Spearfish Canyon on Hwy 14A, Lupe’s first stop was at Bridal Veil Falls. (11:41 AM, 55ºF) Bridal Veil Falls was conveniently right next to the highway. Maybe a bit too conveniently? SPHP was surprised by the number of people milling about. Lupe had to wait for a turn on the viewing platform.

At **Bridal Veil Falls** just off Hwy 14A in Spearfish Canyon.

Bridal Veil Falls was lovely, but the American Dingo was soon ready for more action than simply hanging around a viewing platform next to the highway provided. Only a couple miles farther up Spearfish Canyon was a turn onto Cleopatra Place, which used to be where to park to get to the Devil’s Bathtub. However, Lupe arrived to find that parking along Cleopatra Place was now prohibited.

No problem! 0.25 mile farther up Spearfish Canyon a new parking area right along Hwy 14A now serves as the Devil’s Bathtub trailhead. The new parking lot was on the L (E) just before the old Homestake Mining Company Hydroelectric Plant No. 2. Since the historic old building was so close by, Lupe went to see it.

Loop by Spearfish Creek near Hydroelectric Plant No. 2.

Homestake Mining Company Hydroelectric Plant No. 2 is just upstream of the new parking lot serving as the Devil’s Bathtub trailhead.

It doesn’t take an American Dingo long to look at an old building, either! Not overly impressed, Lupe returned to the trailhead, then followed a muddy path near Spearfish Creek down to the Cleopatra Place bridge.

*There’s the Cleopatra Place bridge now! It’s not far from the new trailhead at all.*

*SPHP says you used to be able to park right here, but not any more!* Loop about to cross the Cleopatra Place bridge.

**Spearfish Creek**. Photo looks upstream from the Cleopatra Place bridge.

Once over the Cleopatra Place bridge, Lupe followed a broad trail near Squaw Creek, a small stream that joins Spearfish Creek just upstream of the bridge. This was the start of the unmaintained trail that goes to the Devil’s Bathtub. The trail quickly led to a ford of Squaw Creek.

Ordinarily Squaw Creek wouldn’t have much flow this late in the year, but 2019 has been unusually wet in the Black Hills. Squaw Creek was looking surprisingly healthy. With snow still lingering from a recent early snowstorm, SPHP wasn’t eager to get cold, wet feet fording the stream. That might easily have been the end of Looper’s Devil’s Bathtub aspirations right then and there, but glancing upstream from the ford, a footbridge was in sight.

The primitive trail to the Devil’s Bathtub quickly led to this ford of **Squaw Creek**. Fortunately, a footbridge is in sight a little farther upstream.

Beyond the footbridge, a braided trail led through the forest up Squaw Creek canyon. Lupe had a great time sniffing and exploring! However, the canyon wasn’t terribly wide. Squaw Creek meandered from side to side, forcing additional stream crossings at frequent intervals. No more footbridges, either – the first one was the only one.

For SPHP all the stream crossings were rock hops. With the water level as high as it was, they were trickier than expected. Many rocks were wet and slippery. Snow or ice clung to some. SPHP had forgotten the trekking poles back at the G6, and was soon wishing they had been brought along. In summer, fording the little stream would have been simply refreshing and not an issue. Now it was a bigger deal.

Of course, Lupe had no problems crossing Squaw Creek. She bounded over rocks, or splashed through shallow spots as she pleased.

Squaw Creek crossing No. 2. Plenty of big rocks in the stream made this one easy.

Even though it was a warm day for mid-October, in some places a fair amount of snow was on or near the trail.

Logs formed a crude bridge at crossing No. 3. The logs were slick, but still served the purpose.

The 6th crossing of Squaw Creek was more problematic than any of the prior ones. Initially it didn’t appear possible without resorting to simply fording the stream. Still hoping not to get wet feet, SPHP scrambled up a steep, snowy slope following footprints left by others in an attempt to avoid this ford completely.

The path dead-ended well above stream level. Well, phooey! SPHP was forced to retreat. However, during the slippery descent it turned out to be possible to get at least a little farther upstream.

It was enough. The creek was easier to cross here.

Loop close to where she managed to cross Squaw Creek for a 6th time.

Lupe had now reached the base of a dramatic horizontally-layered cliff. She stood on a ledge of bedrock next to Squaw Creek. The overall effect was very cool. What a scenic spot!

Between Squaw Creek and the towering horizontally-layered cliff.

Not much farther to the Devil’s Bathtub now, Looper!

How do you know that, SPHP?

I’ve been there, years before you were even born, sweet Dingo! All we have to do now is follow along the base of this cliff. Somewhere not too far past it we’ll come to the Devil’s Bathtub. Don’t remember exactly how much farther it is. Not too far, though. I’ll know it when I see it. We’ll take a break when we get there.

Sounds great! This place is awesome! Let’s keep going!

Lupe continued upstream following shelves of bedrock along the base of the cliff. Once or twice when Squaw Creek came right up against the cliff, she briefly leapt over to the other side in a single bound. This whole stretch was gorgeous and fun!

Temporarily forced over to the R side of Squaw Creek. Photo looks upstream.

Another look downstream from slightly farther on.

The trek along the base of the cliff wasn’t long. A couple hundred yards, maybe? After rounding a corner, Lupe could see a series of pools in Squaw Creek ahead. The largest pool with a small waterfall plunging into it was hidden beyond a big snow-covered boulder at the upper end. The Devil’s Bathtub!

The waterfall and large pool beyond the boulder.

Or was it?

Above the little waterfall, Squaw Creek spilled from a shallow pool down a channel worn smooth – a natural waterslide. SPHP joined Lupe above the waterfall for a look around. Beyond the waterslide and upper pool Squaw Creek came down a straight, narrow valley strewn with rocks. No more stunning cliffs in sight or big pools of water. No trail evident, and all the tracks in the snow seemed to stop here.

Huh.

Huh, what? Is this it, SPHP? Have we reached the Devil’s Bathtub?

I’m not sure Loop. Maybe.

I thought you said you’d been here before, and would recognize it?

Yeah, I thought I would.

So, what’s the problem?

Well, this Devil’s Bathtub doesn’t look quite right to me – at least not the way I remember it. Everything else seems fine, but the waterfall isn’t as high or steep as I recall. Not that it was all that high to begin with, it wasn’t. The bathtub below the falls seems to be shaped differently, too.

Maybe it has changed over the years?

I suppose, but isn’t that rather unlikely? It’s carved into bedrock! More likely my memory is faulty. Sometimes things get built up in one’s mind over time beyond what they ever really were. I’ve had that happen before. I don’t remember the Devil’s Bathtub being too far past the awesome cliffs. From what we can see, it doesn’t look like there is anything promising nearby upstream from here. Judging from the tracks in the snow, no one else has been venturing any farther than this in the past few days, either. Maybe this really is the Devil’s Bathtub?

So what now? Want to keep going farther, just to be sure? I’m game!

Hah! I knew you would be, Loopster! Makes sense, but I don’t know. If I’m wrong, we won’t find anything no matter how far we go. Then you might not have time to visit Spearfish Falls and Roughlock Falls today. This is a gorgeous spot! Let’s ponder the situation while we take a break.

Lupe was fine with that.

At the upper end of the chute above the waterfall.

Overlooking the Devil’s Bathtub candidate from the break area.

Closeup from the brink of the waterfall.

Voices! No sooner had the break begun than a family of five appeared downstream. Lupe and SPHP relaxed listening to the soothing sound of the water while watching them scramble by up past the falls. They went on past the waterslide, disappearing beyond the upper pool, but were soon back. After a few minutes, SPHP asked the wife if this was really the Devil’s Bathtub, or not? We were going to ask you, came the reply! They’d never been here before, but thought that it was.

A bit later, another group of 7 or 8 people came along. They didn’t go any farther than Lupe had, either. Everyone thought this beautiful spot was the Devil’s Bathtub, but no one was completely certain. A pleasant half hour shot by.

This has been fun, but it’s decision time, Loop. Keep going or return to the G6?

Lupe didn’t say. As usual, the Carolina Dog was ready for anything.

Alrighty then, Loopster. Tell ya what. I’m feeling a bit lazy. Mind if we just go back to the G6 to continue your Spearfish Canyon waterfall tour? This might well be the Devil’s Bathtub. If not, it’s been a very similar experience to the one I dimly remember. Promise I’ll try to research it online after we get home. Should have done that to begin with, but I thought I knew what I was doing. If it turns out this isn’t really it, we’ll come back someday. The old Cleopatra mine is on a steep hillside farther up this canyon. Maybe we can check it out, too, then?

Seems silly to leave without knowing for certain if we made it to the Devil’s Bathtub or not SPHP, but if you promise to bring me back again sometime if we didn’t, that’s fine.

It’s a deal! Onward! Puppy, ho!

The trek back to the G6 went faster than going up Squaw Creek had. SPHP was better at the rock hop crossings, and staying on the most direct route. Lupe explored and sniffed as she had earlier, still enjoying this most natural and remote trail of the day. However, she made it back to the G6 so fast (2:20 PM, 70ºF), that it again raised doubts in SPHP’s mind whether Looper had actually made it to the Devil’s Bathtub.

No time to worry about that now, though! The American Dingo was already on to the next great thing! Spearfish Falls was next up. Five miles farther up Spearfish Canyon, SPHP parked the G6 at the Latchstring Inn Restaurant. (2:30 PM, 69ºF) Spearfish Falls was down in the lower canyon the restaurant overlooked. In fact, Lupe could look down on the falls from an observation deck at the S end of the restaurant grounds.

Out in front of the Latchstring Inn Restaurant at Savoy in Spearfish Canyon.

Looking down from the brink of Spearfish Falls (R).

The view from above was nice, but the falls were better seen from down below. The Spearfish Falls trail used to make a loop down to the falls from either end of the restaurant grounds. That had changed. Now the trail is only accessible from the opposite N end of the Latchstring Inn Restaurant property.

This close up of the posted trail map was taken near the S falls overlook. The trail to the falls starts from N of the restaurant as shown, not at the red “You are Here” star.

At the start of the Spearfish Falls Trail just N of the Latchstring Inn Restaurant.

The Spearfish Falls trail started out as a broad path which switch-backed down to the lower canyon floor. Once it leveled out, the trail meandered a bit before quickly leading to a sturdy footbridge over Spearfish Creek.

A few minutes going down gentle switchbacks brought Lupe to the lower canyon floor.

The excellent footbridge over Spearfish Creek.

Looking up **Spearfish Creek** from the bridge.

Beyond the bridge was a short stroll through a park-like forest. A terrific view of Spearfish Falls was just ahead.

Spearfish Falls was impressive! The beautiful falls had excellent flow, and had to be one of the very tallest in the entire Black Hills. A large viewing deck provided a fantastic look at it.

*Wow, Spearfish Falls is really worth seeing isn’t it? So easy to get to, too!*

*Look up above and you can see the roof of the Latchstring Inn Restaurant. It’s just that close!*

After spending a little time appreciating Spearfish Falls, Lupe headed back along the trail. This time she saw several deer along the way. Soon, though, she was back at the start.

On the way back, Lupe was excited to see several deer just around this bend.

One more waterfall to go! Roughlock Falls was only a mile away up the side canyon of Little Spearfish Creek, the same creek that Spearfish Falls was on.

SPHP could have driven USFS Road No. 222 to the Roughlock Falls picnic ground which was practically right at the falls. However, a scenic trail also went to Roughlock Falls from the Spearfish Canyon Lodge located right across Hwy 14A from the Latchstring Inn Restaurant. More fun to do that!

The Spearfish Canyon Lodge is right across Hwy 14A from the Latchstring Inn Restaurant.

After crossing the highway, Lupe went past the Spearfish Canyon Lodge then through a large parking lot to a smaller one. She picked up the trail here at a short bridge over Little Spearfish Creek. Once over the creek, the Roughlock Falls trail followed it upstream. A trail map showed that Lupe could have accessed the trail from right in front of the Spearfish Canyon Lodge. Oh, well!

The popular trail was sort of icy, but otherwise easy. By now, the sun was getting low. Most of the trail was shady, but S facing canyon walls were still in brilliant sunshine.

The Roughlock Falls trail was a bit icy.

The trail went past this pond created by a small dam on Little Spearfish Creek.

Loop a bit off trail next to **Little Spearfish Creek**.

Little Spearfish Creek canyon. USFS Road No. 222 is on the R. The Roughlock Falls trail on the L.

One measly mile didn’t take long. Soon Lupe was on the boardwalk leading to the lower Roughlock Falls observation deck.

Looking back from the boardwalk leading to the lower falls observation point.

**Roughlock Falls** from the lower observation deck.

After seeing Roughlock Falls from down here, Lupe continued on up to the picnic area above the falls.

Little Spearfish Creek up at the Roughlock Falls picnic area.

*Hey, isn’t this where I gave my famous **Lupeo & Xochiet** performance some years back? … Yes, it is Loop!*

The Roughlock Falls picnic area is one of the prettiest in the Black Hills.

Upon completing her quick tour of the picnic area, Lupe checked out the views from the upper observation decks overlooking Roughlock Falls.

The upper observation decks next to the picnic ground are as close to Roughlock Falls as it’s possible to get these days. Wading up Little Spearfish Creek right into the falls is no longer permitted.

Looking down on the lower cascade. The lower observation deck is in sight, too.

*Hard to say which I like better, Roughlock Falls or Spearfish Falls. They are both wonderful!*

Lupe had about seen what there was to see at Roughlock Falls. Time to head back. The American Dingo returned to the lower observation deck for a final look before departing.

Final look at Roughlock Falls from the lower observation deck.

All that remained to complete the day was the pleasant, easy trek back to the G6. Lupe enjoyed every minute of it.

*Well, that’s about it for Expedition No. 251! No mountains climbed, but hope you enjoyed this watery tour of Spearfish Canyon. I sure did!*

10-17-19, 5:13 PM – A happy Carolina Dog arrived at the G6 ready to go home. Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 251 had been a complete success! Or had it?

10 days later, SPHP searched online for images of the Devil’s Bathtub. Plenty of photos of the spot Lupe had reached appeared. Then, Bingo! SPHP recognized it in an instant. The Devil’s Bathtub! There it was, just as SPHP remembered it. The American Dingo hadn’t gone far enough on Expedition No. 251 to reach the true Devil’s Bathtub after all.

How much farther was it? Only 10 minutes according to one account. So Lupe will be going back to the Devil’s Bathtub trail again someday. After all, SPHP promised. But that’s another expedition and adventure!

Devil’s Bathtub trail, Black Hills of South Dakota, 10-17-19

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 171 – Little Crow Peak & Spearfish Peak (5-7-16)

The patio was damp, but that was all. It must have sprinkled overnight. Plenty of clouds were still around. Normally, even a little rain would help clear the air. Not this time. It was hazy. Very, very hazy. Otherwise it was a beautiful day in early May. SPHP hoped the haze would burn off before too long. Lupe didn’t care whether it did or not. She was charged up and ready to roll!

A couple miles before reaching the starting place for her peakbagging efforts, Lupe and SPHP made a quick stop to see Bridal Veil Falls in Spearfish Canyon. Later in the season Bridal Veil Falls often slows to a trickle, but the falls were beautiful this morning.

Bridal Veil Falls was looking great! The falls were probably near maximum springtime flow, barring a thunderstorm. Only 6 days ago on Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 170, Lupe had found several inches of snow up on Kirk Hill (5,345 ft.) and Tetro Rock (5,562 ft.). The weather had really warmed up since then, especially the last 3 days which were near 80°F. Lupe loves the snow, but she wasn’t likely to find any remaining today. Bridal Veil Falls wasn’t going to get any more of a boost from melting snow, either.

After admiring the falls, Lupe and SPHP continued S on Hwy 14A going up Spearfish Canyon. SPHP was looking for USFS Road No. 186.2A, but doubted it would be marked as such. A little less than 2 miles from Bridal Veil Falls, there was a road to the E with a street sign that said Cleopatra. Right away, SPHP knew this was it! The little parking area close to Spearfish Creek was full, but SPHP found another place to park nearby (10:50 AM, 61°F).

SPHP knew this place. Lupe was at the confluence of Spearfish and Squaw Creeks. (“Maurice” on the Peakbagger.com topo map.) A trail goes up Squaw Creek perhaps a mile from here to the Devil’s Bathtub, a pool of water fed by a small waterfall. A hiking trail to the Devil’s Bathtub is popular with local residents, but is not marked and not well known to tourists.

Lupe wasn’t going to the Devil’s Bathtub today, however. Instead she was heading for Little Crow Peak (5,885 ft.), a nearby peak along the E rim of Spearfish Canyon. At least, that was the plan. SPHP had to find USFS Road No. 186.2 first. The Peakbagger.com topo map showed No. 186.2 winding E up out of Spearfish Canyon from somewhere above Squaw Creek.

Lupe and SPHP crossed the bridge below the confluence of Spearfish and Squaw Creeks. Lupe then started out on the low road leading to the Devil’s Bathtub trail. After just a few hundred feet, the trail left the road to cross Squaw Creek for the first time. Lupe didn’t cross the creek. If USFS Road No. 186.2 was still in existence, it would be somewhere higher up on this side of the canyon.

SPHP scanned the forest above to the E. It did look like there might be some terrain a short distance higher up that could be level enough for a road. Lupe was just past the last private cabin near Squaw Creek. Time to find out if USFS Road No. 186.2 was actually still up there somewhere or not, and if so, what kind of condition it was in. Lupe and SPHP started climbing up the steep forested slope.

Lupe didn’t have to climb far at all! She popped out of the forest onto a very nice little road. The road was rocky and narrow. Heading SE, it climbed steadily up the side of the canyon. There was no marker, but that wasn’t surprising. This almost had to be USFS Road No. 186.2. Lupe and SPHP started following it up.

Lupe on USFS Road No. 186.2 on her way to Little Crow Peak.

No. 186.2 wound around some, but generally worked its way E for more than a mile. It was a rather steep climb the entire way. Lupe came to several grassy side roads, but she always stayed on the main road. The rocky road went relentlessly up and up. Lupe followed at SPHP’s heels much of the time. Lupe found the road a bit dull.

The map showed a power line crossing the road, but Lupe didn’t come to one. After Lupe had gone more than 0.75 mile, SPHP looked back down to the W. A swath of the forest had been cut in a straight line leading to the road. The old power line must have been here at one time. By now, Lupe was high enough to see a high forested hill off to the NW. That had to be Little Crow Peak (5,885 ft.)!

Lupe and SPHP stayed on No. 186.2 until it finally quit gaining elevation. As soon as the road leveled out, Lupe left it heading N into the forest. As Lupe reached the top of a broad forested ridge, she came to another road. The road was faint, but its existence was good news. It was going WNW toward Little Crow Peak.

The faint road didn’t go all the way up Little Crow Peak, but it did bring Lupe to a point just E of the final rise. The climb through the forest was pretty easy. As Lupe got higher up on the mountain, she encountered quite a bit of deadfall timber, but by then Lupe didn’t have much farther to go.

Fairly large rock outcroppings started appearing about the time the terrain began leveling out. Lupe was getting close to the summit of Little Crow Peak. Suddenly, SPHP spotted a cairn up on some high rocks a short distance ahead. Lupe was almost there!

Lupe up on a rock outcropping on Little Crow Peak featuring a cairn. The true summit was still another 150 feet farther W. Photo looks S.

Lupe scrambled up onto the rocks next to the cairn. Initially, SPHP thought this might well be the summit of Little Crow Peak. Peering to the W through the forest, though, it looked like there might well be a higher point not too much farther away.

The true summit proved to be roughly 150 feet W of the cairn. Lupe climbed up a larger rock formation there to claim her Little Crow Peak peakbagging success!

Lupe at the true summit of Little Crow Peak. Photo looks W.

Another look at Lupe on the summit. This photo looks N.

A Carolina Dog surveys the situation from her vantage point at the E end of the summit rock formation. Photo looks W.

Forest hid the views in almost every direction. It hardly mattered. The entire sky remained very hazy. If the air had been clear, there was quite a nice view toward Terry Peak (7,064 ft.) to the SSE. As it was, the camera could barely detect Terry Peak in the haze, although it was visible to the naked eye. Lupe and SPHP took a rest break up on Little Crow Peak before continuing on.

When it was time to leave, Lupe went back E down the mountain, a little S of the way she had come up. This route avoided some of the deadfall timber, and brought Lupe to more interesting rock formations. It proved to be a somewhat easier way back to the faint road.

These plants with little yellow flowers were common on Little Crow Peak.

Forest blocked the views in most directions from Little Crow Peak. Lupe did find this one hazy glimpse of Spearfish Peak (5,800 ft.) on her way down the mountain. Spearfish Peak was Lupe's next peakbagging goal. Photo looks NE. — Forest blocked the views in most directions from Little Crow Peak. Lupe did find this one hazy glimpse of **Spearfish Peak (5,800 ft.)** on her way down the mountain. Spearfish Peak was Lupe’s next peakbagging goal. Photo looks NE. Taken with the telephoto lens.

Near rock formations Lupe passed by on her way down the E side of Little Crow Peak. Photo looks S.

Lupe and SPHP followed the faint road ESE all the way until it reached USFS Road No. 186.2 some distance E of where Lupe had left it to climb Little Crow Peak. At least SPHP thought Lupe was back at No. 186.2, but she really wasn’t.

Lupe’s next peakbagging goal was Spearfish Peak (5,800 ft.). The original plan was to follow No. 186.2 E and then SE from Little Crow Peak. The Peakbagger.com topo map showed that No. 186.2 would reach an intersection with another road that wound its way several miles N along the top of a long ridge. That road would bring Lupe to a point close to Spearfish Peak where she should be able to climb it easily enough from the SE.

As Lupe and SPHP headed ENE along No. 186.2, it didn’t take too long for SPHP to realize something was wrong. The road should have gone almost due E just S of a slightly higher ridge to the N, but it didn’t. Lupe passed several side roads, but they didn’t look as well traveled as the road Lupe was on. They didn’t seem right either, and SPHP was reluctant to take them.

Lupe reached an intersection with a grassy road that continued NE. An ancient small bus was rusting away next to this side road. The main road turned E and started climbing again. SPHP pondered for only a moment. Lupe took the main road E.

The ancient decaying bus about 0.67 mile ESE of Little Crow Peak. Lupe thought this was a stupendous Lupe Treasure, but SPHP was too weak to cart it back to the G6 to secure her prize. This photo was taken later in the day on Lupe's return from Spearfish Peak. Photo looks NW. — The ancient decaying bus about 0.67 mile ESE of Little Crow Peak. Lupe thought this was a stupendous Lupe Treasure, but SPHP was too weak to cart it back to the G6 to secure her prize. This photo was taken later in the day on Lupe’s return from Spearfish Peak. Photo looks NW.

The main road Lupe was following E led up onto some high ground. SPHP soon realized Lupe was on the ridge N of USFS Road No. 186.2. She was traveling the section line between Sections 10 & 15. There was supposed to be a power line here, according to the map, but none was present. The road was level at times, and at other times went up and down steep ravines.

As Lupe reached the E end of the high ground along the ridge, she came to a misspelled sign for the Carbonate Camp Cemetery. Lupe found 5 old gravesites here. Each grave was marked with a ring of small stones. There were no headstones, only a wooden board sticking up at the head of each grave. The boards were so old and weathered, any information that might have been on them about the deceased had long ago worn away.

This misspelled Carbonate Camp Cemetery sign was near 5 graves. Online research later revealed that these graves would all have dated back to the late 1800's. — This misspelled Carbonate Camp Cemetery sign was near 5 graves. Online research later revealed that these graves would all have dated back to the late 1800’s.

E of Carbonate Camp Cemetery, the road soon wound steeply down into the upper reaches of Rubicon Gulch. Continuing E, the road went up and down over several steep hills. Lupe was delighted and SPHP was amazed, when she found several patches of snow still melting on the road.

Lupe found several patches of snow on the road in the upper reaches of Rubicon Gulch. This one was the largest of all. Photo looks E.

At the final low point on the E side of Rubicon Gulch, a small stream flowed out to the NW from a culvert under the road. This stream eventually goes over Bridal Veil Falls, but it was much smaller up here. On the S side of the road was a slough, which SPHP naturally dubbed Rubicon Slough. The surface of Rubicon Slough was almost entirely thickly covered with gray-green duckweed. The water’s surface was scarcely visible.

A little SE of Rubicon Slough was a metal building, and a fence with a No Trespassing sign. The land to the S was likely part of the Richmond Hill mining operations. It was now clear that if Lupe had actually returned to No. 186.2 after leaving Little Crow Peak, it would have taken her into that private property. It was a good thing Lupe came the way she did. This route was a shortcut, too! Lupe had saved more than a mile coming via Carbonate Camp Cemetery and Rubicon Slough.

From Rubicon Slough, a very rocky road went NE up a ridge. Lupe and SPHP followed it. Near a power line at the top of the ridge, another road came in from the SSE. This was the road that would wind N following the long ridge to Spearfish Peak. It intersected the road from Rubicon Slough just S of a small private cabin.

Near the little cabin on the ridge NNE of Rubicon Slough. Photo looks E.

A couple of Private Property signs near the little cabin had been spray painted over with black paint for some reason. Lupe continued N on the road, which SPHP now believed was USFS Road No. 220, although Lupe and SPHP never saw any marker for it. The road went past some other private property. At a fork in the road, Lupe stayed to the NW. She passed by some land for sale.

From the land for sale, the road went downhill and passed beneath the power line again. Spearfish Peak was now visible to the N. Lupe had come clear around the upper end of Rubicon Gulch, and was finally getting closer.

Spearfish Peak is in view to the N. The power line really helped SPHP stay oriented so Lupe was able to remain on the correct road instead of wandering off on one of the possible side roads on the way to Spearfish Peak, which often was not in view until Lupe got close. — Spearfish Peak is in view to the N. The power line really helped SPHP stay oriented so Lupe was able to remain on the correct road instead of wandering off on one of the possible side roads on the way to Spearfish Peak, which often was not in view.

USFS Road No. 220 wound around to the W of the power line, but generally headed N toward Spearfish Peak. The road stayed up on the ridge. Sometimes Lupe could see Little Crow Peak to the SW. Eventually Spearfish Peak came into view. It wasn’t much farther N now!

Beautiful new light green aspen leaves were sprouting.

USFS Road No. 220 eventually crossed under to the E side of the power line again, but Lupe did not. Instead, she followed a road going N beneath the power line for a little way. When a side road turned NW toward Spearfish Peak, Lupe took that one. It soon ended at the edge of the forest. A faint single track trail went up the SE ridge of Spearfish Peak. Lupe was able to follow it all the way to the top.

Lupe on the highest rock on Spearfish Peak. Photo looks WNW.

Lupe's paw next to the survey benchmark on Spearfish Peak. — Lupe’s paw next to the survey benchmark on Spearfish Peak.

The rock formation at the top of Spearfish Peak was only a few feet high. Lupe immediately claimed her second peakbagging success of the day! Lupe found a survey benchmark right next to the highest rock.

Like Little Crow Peak, Spearfish Peak was heavily forested. Once again, the only open views were to the S. Unfortunately, the haze hadn’t dissipated at all yet.

A very hazy view of Bald Mountain (6,617 ft.) and Terry Peak (7,064 ft.) from Spearfish Peak. Photo looks S. — A very hazy view of **Bald Mountain (6,617 ft.)** (L) and **Terry Peak (7,064 ft.)** (R) from Spearfish Peak. Photo looks S using the telephoto lens.

Little Crow Peak from Spearfish Peak. Photo looks SW. — Little Crow Peak from Spearfish Peak using the telephoto lens. Photo looks SW.

It seemed like it had taken a long time to get to Spearfish Peak from Little Crow Peak. Lupe and SPHP were both ready for another break. SPHP ate the last apple. Lupe had Taste of the Wild. Water was the only other available provision. Lupe curled up to rest at SPHP’s feet.

Apparently, this haze was going to hang around all day. Strange, and a little frustrating. Approaching Spearfish Peak, there had been some big views evident off to the NE, but it had been impossible to actually see much. It was too bad, but there was nothing to be done about it.

When the rest break was over, Lupe posed for a few more summit photos. Then it was time to go.

On the way down again, the faint trail up the SE ridge was so faint that SPHP lost it entirely. It turned out Lupe was coming down well to the N of the trail. Lupe finally reached it again, not too far from the road.

The same type of flower common on Little Crow Peak was flourishing on Spearfish Peak, too.

Once Lupe was back on the road, all she had to do was retrace her earlier route back to Little Crow Peak. The return trip seemed to go considerably faster. SPHP didn’t have to keep stopping to check the maps anymore.

Lupe and SPHP were taking another break in the forest near the start of the faint road to Little Crow Peak when an ATV roared up the main road from the W. Surprisingly, the ATV stopped at the intersection. The driver spotted Lupe and SPHP right away and waved. SPHP waved back. Lupe growled. Within a minute, another ATV roared up and stopped. The two drivers got on their cell phones.

The first driver got off his ATV and came to talk to SPHP. Did SPHP know where the road to the Cleopatra Mine was? Not really, although the Cleopatra Mine was somewhere up Squaw Creek beyond the Devil’s Bathtub. The ATV’s weren’t that close to it here. The Cleopatra Mine was on a hillside, but a lot lower down than this.

SPHP mentioned how hazy it was. The ATV driver said the haze was smoke from the huge wildfire going on up near Ft. McMurray in Canada. SPHP was surprised, but it made some sense. That would explain why the haze hadn’t dissipated all day long. On the other hand, Ft. McMurray was an extremely long way N, way up in northern Alberta.

The ATV’s roared off. Lupe smiled. It was evening now. American Dingoes like this time of day. There was still time to go back up Little Crow Peak one more time. So, Lupe did. The cool evening air energized her. She raced through the forest sniffing. She found a few squirrels to bark at. She heard wild turkeys gobble in the woods. She climbed Little Crow Peak again.

Lupe returns to the summit of Little Crow Peak. Photo looks W.

Lupe and SPHP lingered on Little Crow Peak. It was cooler out now, and getting a little chilly. Finally, SPHP was ready. Lupe headed back down the mountain. SPHP had been collecting Lupe Treasures since leaving Spearfish Peak. SPHP resumed collecting along No. 186.2 on the way back to the G6. Lupe stayed on the alert for squirrels.

The way down seemed very long, steep, and rocky. No wonder it had been tough going up in the morning! Lupe stayed on No. 186.2 all the way down. At the bottom, SPHP wanted to see where No. 186.2 joined Cleopatra Road. It came out between private cabins just N (downstream) of the bridge over Spearfish Creek.

It had been a pretty long day. The light was fading. Someday Lupe would have to return to go see the Devil’s Bathtub. It was way too late to do that now. Time to go home (8:37 PM, 52°F).

For miles, Lupe rode in the G6 with her head out the window. She was hoping to see a deer, but there weren’t any down in Spearfish Canyon. Finally, Lupe gave up. She pulled her head back inside, curled up on the seat, and heaved a great sigh before falling asleep. At least there would be Alpo at home!

Crow Peak (5,787 ft.) in the evening as seen through the haze and branches of trees on Little Crow Peak. Photo looks NW. — **Crow Peak (5,787 ft.)** in the evening as seen through the haze and branches of trees on Little Crow Peak. Photo looks NW.

Lupe Treasures collected: 4 glass bottles, 4 plastic bottles, 30 aluminum cans.

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 258 – Spearfish Peak & Little Crow Peak (11-19-20)

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