We recently wrote about the beauty of Spearfish Canyon, and were reminded about a little group of caves that many South Dakotans don’t know about. Every winter, this place turns into a winter wonderland, but most people never see them because reaching them is a treacherous hike.
You’ll find Spearfish Canyon in the northern part of the Black Hills, and it’s absolutely beautiful year-round.
Jordan Wilms/flickr
You’ll find the trailhead for the Community Caves hike about 2.5 miles from the mouth of the canyon.
Trent Mayer/Youtube Cross the stream and head up the mountain. The trail to the caves is very short - just a third of a mile - but it’s very, very steep.
You might feel a bit like a mountain goat on this path.
Trent Mayer/Youtube Take extreme care on this trail. It’s almost straight up the mountain, and it’s covered with loose dirt, rocks and, in the winter months, ice.
It’s a long way down.
Trent Mayer/Youtube But the view is pretty incredible.
There’s a tiny waterfall that cascades down the rock above these caves.
Trent Mayer/Youtube In the winter, the water freezes and creates huge sheets of ice and long icicles.
The caves are fun to explore, and with the ice hanging overhead, are even more secluded.
JAckie D/Tripadvisor
You’ll feel as though you’re in a winter wonderland as you make your way around this area.
Trent Mayer/Youtube Be careful going back down!
To get an idea of how treacherous this little trail can be, take a look at this short video posted by Trent Mayer on Youtube.com:
Jordan Wilms/flickr
Trent Mayer/Youtube
Cross the stream and head up the mountain. The trail to the caves is very short - just a third of a mile - but it’s very, very steep.
Take extreme care on this trail. It’s almost straight up the mountain, and it’s covered with loose dirt, rocks and, in the winter months, ice.
But the view is pretty incredible.
In the winter, the water freezes and creates huge sheets of ice and long icicles.
JAckie D/Tripadvisor
Be careful going back down!
Have you ever hiked to Community Caves? Tell us about your adventure!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
