Waterfall Hikes Near Rapid City, SD

87,826 residents
Denver Time Zone
5 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

The Black Hills rise straight west of Rapid City and the falls follow the canyons. Thunderhead Falls is the close one, a quarter mile walk on Rapid Creek. Most of the rest wait in Spearfish Canyon about an hour northwest. Spearfish Falls drops 47 feet after a mile and a half of easy walking, and Roughlock Falls takes an easy two mile round trip nearby, both with dogs welcome. Bridal Veil shows itself from the road shoulder. Grizzly Bear Falls runs 3.3 miles in the central hills. Five falls in range.

Located at 44.0716°N, -103.2204°W

Map of Waterfalls Near Rapid City

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

5 of 5 gauged

3 of 5 waterfalls near Rapid City are flowing strongly today

Updated about 3 hours ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

Tuesday

Sunny · 87°F

Tod 96°F Sunny
Sat 97°F Mostly Sunny
Sun 93°F Mostly Sunny
Lab 93°F Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Sunny
Tue 87°F Sunny Best
Wed 85°F Mostly Sunny
Thu 86°F Mostly Sunny

Flowing best right now near Rapid City

Updated about 2 hours ago

Ranked by live stream-gauge flow versus each waterfall's seasonal normal.

  1. 1 Roughlock Falls Roaring · 23 cfs 92nd percentile
  2. 2 Spearfish Falls Roaring · 23 cfs 92nd percentile
  3. 3 Bridal Veil Falls Strong · 41 cfs 86th percentile
  4. 4 Grizzly Bear Falls Barely Flowing · 0 cfs 0th percentile

Know when to go.

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Find waterfalls to hike near Rapid City

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🐕 Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Around Rapid City (3 waterfalls)

Bring your four-legged friend along! These waterfalls welcome dogs on their trails.

20.9 miles away
South Dakota
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
20.4 miles away
South Dakota
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
21 miles away
South Dakota
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

All 5 Waterfalls Near Rapid City

46.5 miles away
South Dakota
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
43.3 miles away
South Dakota
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
20.9 miles away
South Dakota
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
20.4 miles away
South Dakota
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
21 miles away
South Dakota
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Rapid City

Are there free waterfalls near Rapid City?

There are 3 free waterfalls near Rapid City, including Bridal Veil Falls.

Are there dog friendly waterfalls in Rapid City?

There are 3 dog-friendly waterfalls near Rapid City, including Bridal Veil Falls.

Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near Rapid City?

There are 4 kid-friendly waterfalls near Rapid City, including Bridal Veil Falls.

What is the shortest waterfall hike near Rapid City?

The shortest waterfall hike near Rapid City is Bridal Veil Falls at 2.4 miles round trip.

How tall are the waterfalls near Rapid City?

The tallest waterfall near Rapid City is Spearfish Falls at 47 feet.

Can I camp near the waterfalls around Rapid City?

Yes, 5 waterfalls near Rapid City have nearby campgrounds.

What is the closest waterfall to Rapid City?

The closest waterfall to Rapid City is Thunderhead Falls, approximately 8.8 miles away.

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