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

5 waterfalls near Rapid City have live flow data today

Updated 9 minutes ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

Wednesday

Mostly Sunny · 60°F

Sat 53°F Mostly Sunny
Sun 45°F Slight Chance Light Snow then Light Rain Likely
Mon 41°F Rain And Snow Likely
Tue 57°F Mostly Sunny
Wed 60°F Mostly Sunny Best
Thu 59°F Mostly Sunny
Fri 58°F Partly Sunny

Flowing best right now near Rapid City

Updated about 4 hours ago

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

  1. 1 Bridal Veil Falls Roaring · 36 cfs 93rd percentile
  2. 2 Grizzly Bear Falls Moderate · 0 cfs 36th percentile
  3. 3 Roughlock Falls Moderate · 12 cfs 32nd percentile
  4. 4 Spearfish Falls Moderate · 12 cfs 32nd percentile

Know when to go.

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Find waterfalls to hike near Rapid City

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🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near Rapid City (4 waterfalls)

Easy access waterfalls are drive-up or short-walk friendly. Perfect for families, casual visitors, or anyone who loves waterfalls but is "so-so" about hiking.

8.8 miles away
South Dakota
Easy
0.3 miles Unknown
43.8 miles away
South Dakota
Easy
1.5 miles Unknown
44.2 miles away
South Dakota
Easy
2.0 miles Unknown
44.8 miles away
South Dakota
Drive Up
Unknown Unknown

All 5 Waterfalls Near Rapid City

8.8 miles away
South Dakota
Easy
0.3 miles Unknown
20.4 miles away
South Dakota
Unknown
3.3 miles Unknown
43.8 miles away
South Dakota
Easy
1.5 miles Unknown
44.2 miles away
South Dakota
Easy
2.0 miles Unknown
44.8 miles away
South Dakota
Drive Up
Unknown Unknown

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 easy waterfall hikes near Rapid City?

There are 4 easy waterfall hikes 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 Grizzly Bear Falls at 0.3 miles round trip.

How tall are the waterfalls near Rapid City?

The tallest waterfall near Rapid City is Bridal Veil Falls at 60 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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