One of the most well known and popular hikes in Spearfish Canyon is the trek to Devil’s Bathtub. This 1.5 mile out and back jaunt to a rock slide ends in a chilly and thrilling plunge. The entire experience was one of the highlights of our time in South Dakota.
The hike is moderate, not due to length or elevation gain but due to the dozen or more creek crossings hikers must navigate. Each step should be carefully selected as the rocks are very slippery as well as shifty. On the way to the bathtub, I wore hiking shoes and opted to move from rock to rock trying to keep my feet dry.
After we’d slid down the slide and were submerged in the plunge pool, I tromped through the creek on the hike back. I was already dripping wet. It is super helpful to have at least one hiking pole or stick to steady yourself on the journey.
Not the bathtub. Don’t be fooled.
Devil’s Bathtub
Just before the bathtub is a secondary set of smaller falls. Do not be fouled. This is not Devil’s Bathtub. They look enticing but I did not see anyone attempting to slide these. When we did reach the actual slide, people were taking turns scaling the cliff side and taking the plunge.
No. It did not hurt. Yes, it was cold. Not extremely cold but a bit shocking. If the rock slide is intimidating, do not worry. There were several people who simply waded into the plunge pool. The water was only about five and half feet deep in late July. Check out my awesome video at Devil’s Bathtub.
Devil’s Bathtub 
Slide!
For more hiking in the Black Hills and Badlands, see our posts on Roughlock Falls, Sunday Gulch, and Notch Trail as well as a visit to Mount Rushmore.
Happy Adventuring, Rochelle
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