Spearfish Canyon is a rugged and scenic landscape located along the western edge of the majestic Black Hills of South Dakota. It's an area long appreciated by students of geology, outdoor enthusiasts, and local inhabitants as one of America's great geologic treasures. So, in an attempt to further promote the geologic story of Spearfish Canyon and to encourage the visitation thereof, we have prepared a series of self-guided geology field explorations centered around points of special interest along highway 14A between the City of Spearfish and the small hamlet of Savoy. Our hope is that by engaging you actively in the learning activity, the true magnificence of the Canyon will unfold for you in a more personally meaningful way. As former geology teachers, we are keenly aware that knowledge has the ability to enhance one’s life so it is our ultimate hope that you too realize the same sense of joy that our students displayed when learning new and fantastic information about Spearfish Canyon.

At the LESSON RESOURCES link you’ll find the following documents that will enhance your geologic explorations; It is suggested that you print out these documents and take them with you into the field along with each of the lesson pdf's for the sites you wish to visit. 

(1) Roadmaps with the roadside lesson site locations marked. 

(2) Comprehensive Roadlog that provides the coordinates of every roadside feature as well as their geologic significance.

(3) Bibliography of Black Hills Geology including entries for each canyon formation, intrusives, and important geologic maps. 

(4) Geologic Time Scale showing the major divisions of time with accompany age estimates in millions of years.

(5) Stratigraphic Column displaying the major geologic formations in the canyon.

(6) Fossil Identification Guides for the Mississippian and Ordovician time periods.

In order to find each lesson site's location simply refer to the mileage posted at the top of each lesson web page and coordinating lesson pdf document. All you have to do is watch your odometer as you travel up the canyon. If you prefer a more technically-oriented method of navigating you might consider employing your auto Nav System, portable GPS or cell phone in finding each site. The GPS coordinates of every site can also found on each lesson web page and accompanying pdf document.  All posted mileages are from the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway (U.S. Alternate 14A) near the Spearfish Canyon Country Club. 

For simplicity, each lesson is posted in the menu sidebar under a unique title. You can certainly read the lessons online or access them from your portable device but they are the most useful and effective if you print them out and take them with you to the sites you choose to visit since they are interactive in nature. Be advised that web/cell service may not be available at some locations in the canyon. Because the lessons are designed to engage you directly in a "hands on – minds on" geologic investigation, be prepared to depart your vehicle, get your hands dirty, and take some geologic photographs. For testing purposes a rock hammer is a handy tool to have in the field along with protective goggles – if you are so geologically inclined, but please be advised that no collecting of rocks or fossils is permitted within the Black Hills National Forest.

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Because the highway through Spearfish Canyon is quite twisty it’s possible that you may arrive at your destination before you've been able positively identify it. For this reason we urge you to first initiate a “drive-by” while taking note of your parking options. Follow this by returning to the site with parking safety foremost in mind. If that additional back-and-forth driving messes up your mileage calculations, just refer to the Comprehensive Roadlog (Lesson Resources Page) from which you can easily calculate the distance to your next site of interest. Many of the sites are located close to parking “pullouts” so we’ll point these out in each pdf lesson document. For some sites, safe parking may be a short distance away and will necessitate a “walk-back.” When the site is opposite your parking location we urge extra vigilance when crossing the highway, especially if accompanied by children. Also, please exercise  “Leave No Trace” outdoor etiquette. 

You're on your way to becoming a geologist. Send comments to: partial.melting@gmail.com

Safe Travels Rockhounds!

All photos property of Steve Fogarty. All right reserved.