Devil's Bathtub is a 1.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Spearfish, South Dakota that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Pretty hike with lots of water crossings that can be a little tricky at times, it's not very steep but is very technical. You will have to cross the Creek and towards the top, there are areas of boulder-crawling and some steep scrambles. Please note that this trail is more difficult in the spring when there is more water flowing. It is marked with orange ribbons to help you stay on the trail.
April 11, 2021So fun! We were the only ones on the trail!
March 5, 2021I went with a 5,7,9,and12 yo. Everyone did great! Lots of creek crossing.
October 31, 2020Some river crossings. Not the greatest marked.
October 14, 2020Had a hard time finding trailhead, but once we did it was a very enjoyable in and out hike. In a canyon alongside a creek which you cross back and forth, back and forth across rock “steps” at least 10 times each way. Beautiful inside the canyon with fallen trees and rock formations. Loved hearing the sound of the creek.
October 14, 2020Super fun trail! Park in lot designated by brown P signs about .2 miles away from trailhead. The parking lot also serves as a "Limited Harvest Fishing Area". Follow trail alongside creek to get to trailhead (when facing the stream it is to your left). Definitely faced my lack-of-balance fears crossing the creek over and over again, but there are helpful stones and logs in place to step on. Easy hike elevation-wise; it's relatively flat. There is some rock scrambling towards the end, also quite fun!
October 12, 2020felt way longer than 1.1 miles Gorgeous... but would caution people with balance or agility issues- it was alot of crossing the creek on stones or scaling stuff.
October 9, 2020Nice trail to get into the canyon. I wouldn't recommend a canine companion because of the creek crossings and rocky terrain.
October 8, 2020Nice trail. Felt a lot longer than 1.1 miles due to all the crossing back and forth over the creek. I used my walking poles and they were definitely beneficial for trail. I did see a couple with a dog.
October 8, 2020After visiting the Badlands, Tetons, Yellowstone and Custer, THIS was my children's favorite hike. Bring watershoes, as there are multiple creek crossings, or as my kids discovered, you can just hike up the creek in the water. Hikers are rewarded at the end with waterfalls and pools. While not necessary, it's worth it to bring swimsuits.
October 7, 2020This is the most enjoyment you can get out of 2 hours/roughly 2 miles. You zig zag back and forth across the stream about 12 times before reaching and third and final of 3 pools: Devil’s Bathtub. There is a natural water slide at the end that was so appealing...only the freezing cold water kept me out, and then only barely. Parking is NOT at the trailhead, FYI. Continue past the sign for the trailhead and you will see clearly marked parking about 1/4 mile behind the trailhead. There is a path right along the water that will lead you to the trailhead. This is a must do if in the area. Enjoy!
October 6, 2020Went later in the afternoon so not a lot of people hiking, definitely an amazing trail where you choose the best route. Lots of climbing, jumping, and crossing streams. Really rewarding in the end!
October 4, 2020Amazing trail! Definitely a more challenging trail with several stream crossings and scaling some rocks. Was quite busy today with a lot of families hiking the trail. Definitely a must do but be mindful this isn’t an easy trail.
October 2, 2020Super fun hike, lots of trails to follow along side either side of the water (almost a choose your own adventure). Crossing the water can get difficult at times and the last 0.2 miles were more difficult than the rest. I don't recommend bringing a dog unless they are an experienced hiker themselves!
September 28, 2020Great little out and back. Beautiful as leaves are starting to change. Water is low. Not much rain in SD lately. Yes, there are lots of stream crossings, but not bad since streams are not full. Go. Do. Take pictures, it’s gorgeous!
September 28, 2020Beautiful trail! Workout this app I’m not sure I would have found such an amazing trail and view!
September 26, 2020September 22, 2020Awesome!
September 19, 2020One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been - and did not expect to find in South Dakota! While not steep, it can be difficult at times. My friend and I each brought our two dogs, so we had 4 dogs total. The smallest of which is 50lbs and the largest about 80lbs. I wouldn’t call this trail dog friendly, luckily we’re both dog trainers and our dogs are well trained and physically fit and conditioned. Even with the dogs doing an amazing job it was hard to balance ourselves while holding leashes and there were several spots one of had to climb up and the other would have to lift the dogs one at a time for the other to grab and pull up, and then lift down on the way back. If you aren’t ready to go a little slower and do some heavy lifting it’s probably best to leave the big dogs at home.
September 17, 2020After a few crossings of the creek it’s sometimes tough to figure out which is the best way to go but just follow the creek and you will find it. The water is icy cold but once our sandal-clad feet were wet it was sometimes easier to just walk in the creek. It took us 1 hour and 15 minutes. Glad we did it.
September 16, 2020Four of us started the trail about 4:15 pm and finished around 5:45. We made 18 crossings and shared a special bond helping one another thru the rocks, stream and poison ivy on this awesome trail. BTW, the youngest in our foresome is 62.
September 16, 2020Fun trail! We arrived at 7:00am and had the entire trail to ourselves. We crossed the river on some rocks in several spots along the way. The trail isn’t marked well in some areas. We brought our breakfast, ate at the end of the trail, soaked in the sounds of the river, the birds chirping and the crisp fresh air.
September 15, 2020Incredible trail. Wear shoes and pants you don’t mind getting wet - sometimes it’s easier to just wade the creek versus risking hopping the slippery rocks. Our favorite trail in ages.
