{"id":35024,"date":"2021-10-29T08:10:52","date_gmt":"2021-10-29T14:10:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=35024"},"modified":"2021-11-28T19:00:09","modified_gmt":"2021-11-29T02:00:09","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-279-devils-bathtub-spearfish-falls-roughlock-falls-roubaix-lake-10-11-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=35024","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 279 – Devils Bathtub, Spearfish Falls, Roughlock Falls & Roubaix Lake (10-11-21)"},"content":{"rendered":"

10:13 AM, 56\u00baF –<\/em> A gorgeous morning, comfortably cool and clear as a bell!\u00a0 Lupe paused on the Cleopatra Place bridge for a look at Spearfish Creek.\u00a0 SPHP was surprised by how much water there was even after a summer of drought.\u00a0 Squaw Creek, a tributary joining in immediately upstream of the bridge, was another matter.\u00a0 Squaw Creek did look low.\u00a0 Not a bad thing, since it would have to be rock-hopped a bunch of times on the way to the Devils Bathtub.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Spearfish Creek<\/strong> from the Cleopatra Place bridge. Squaw Creek<\/strong> visible at lower L.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Carolina Dog had attempted to visit the Devils Bathtub a couple of times in recent years, but had never made it all the way there.\u00a0 The first time, SPHP thought she had, and didn’t figure out until later that the Devils Bathtub actually must have been farther up Squaw Creek.\u00a0 The second time, ice and snow had made the rock-hopping so treacherous that SPHP had given up on it.\u00a0 Lupe wound up climbing Spearfish Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,800 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Little Crow Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,885 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> instead.<\/p>\n

Third time a charm?\u00a0 Hopefully!\u00a0 Lupe continued on across the Cleopatra Place bridge.\u00a0 The Devils Bathtub trail, which goes up the Squaw Creek canyon, started just off to the R.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog quickly arrived at the first and only bridge over the little creek.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the first (and last) bridge over Squaw Creek<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although the Devils Bathtub trail would cross Squaw Creek numerous times, right after the bridge it stayed on the SW side of the creek for a while.\u00a0 Even here near the start, the canyon Lupe was venturing into was fairly narrow and steep-sided.\u00a0 The entire canyon was full of trees and bushes sporting fall colors.\u00a0 Loop enjoyed prowling among dead leaves and mossy stones looking for squirrels.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Among the leaves and mossy stones.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It didn’t take too long to get to the first stream ford, a crossing forced by a pinch point where Squaw Creek flowed right next to a wall of rock.\u00a0 With the water so low this time of year, the ford was an easy rock-hop for SPHP.\u00a0 Lupe didn’t bother rock-hopping, she just waded on through.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the first ford.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Loop continued up the canyon, the cliffs forcing many of the stream crossings became taller and more impressive.\u00a0 In some places the trail was braided, with viable paths on both sides of Squaw Creek.\u00a0 None of the frequent fords presented any real difficulties.\u00a0 Slick, damp stones were the biggest worry for SPHP.\u00a0 Lupe didn’t worry at all.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The rock walls forcing the stream crossings kept getting taller.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Father upstream at another ford. One of many.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Less than a mile from the start, the canyon narrowed some more.\u00a0 Lupe reached a spot where Squaw Creek flowed over bedrock at the base of a long cliff.\u00a0 Hugging the cliff, the Devils Bathtub trail went over shelves of solid rock right next to the stream.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the start of the continuous rock wall on the NE side of Squaw Creek.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Devils Bathtub trail goes over these shelves of bedrock along the base of the cliff.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe soon came to a series of waterfalls plunging into pools several feet deep.\u00a0 Between these pools Squaw Creek raced through narrow chutes carved into the bedrock.\u00a0 The overall effect was very beautiful.\u00a0 In lots of places Lupe could leap over Squaw Creek in a single bound.\u00a0 Even SPHP could just step across.<\/p>\n

It didn’t take long to reach the large pool SPHP had mistakenly taken for the Devils Bathtub during Lupe’s first attempt to find it 2 years ago.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Continuing upstream along the cliffs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On a midstream rock.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking downstream.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
As far as Lupe had made it on her first attempt to find the Devils Bathtub back in 2019. She’d turned around here when SPHP mistook this pool for the real deal.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A little bit of scrambling around on the rocks had been required shortly before reaching this point.\u00a0 Somewhat more challenging scrambling was required to go any further.\u00a0 Nothing too daunting, but Lupe did have to traverse short stretches on narrow ledges 15 or 20 feet above the creek.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Up on a ledge above the Fake Devils Bathtub<\/strong> (L). Photo looks downstream.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Continuing past Fake Devils Bathtub<\/strong> (R).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Just past the Fake Devils Bathtub<\/strong> near the small waterfall that pours into it.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As it turned out, Lupe had almost made it to the real Devils Bathtub two years ago.\u00a0 Only a few hundred feet upstream of the Fake Devils Bathtub, there it was!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the ledges approaching the real Devils Bathtub, the upper pool seen here.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Trotting along narrow ledges with complete confidence, Lupe arrived in jig time.\u00a0 SPHP, on the other paw, crept cautiously along the skinniest parts, but even that delayed arrival only momentarily.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the Devils Bathtub<\/strong>. The official one!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Congratulations, Loopster, you made it!<\/em><\/p>\n

So this is the Devils Bathtub, SPHP?\u00a0 The real one?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, the official one!\u00a0 No doubt about it this time.<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m not seeing any devils.\u00a0 Can’t sniff them, either.\u00a0 Are they invisible?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 Well, I’m not sure, maybe so?\u00a0 Or maybe it isn’t bath time?\u00a0 I hear they like to play dirty tricks, so they probably don’t bathe very often.\u00a0 Maybe just on Saturday nights?<\/em><\/p>\n

Saturday night doesn’t make much sense to me, SPHP.\u00a0 I doubt the devils dress up and go to church on Sunday morning!<\/em><\/p>\n

Good point, Looper.\u00a0 I really don’t know.\u00a0 Anyway, this is a beautiful spot, isn’t it?\u00a0 Let’s have a look around.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Devils Bathtub wasn’t very big, so the “tour” didn’t take long at all.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Except close to the waterfall that raced down a slippery chute shaped like a waterslide into the Devils Bathtub, most of the pool wasn’t all that deep, just a few feet.\u00a0 That was plenty deep for a Carolina Dog, though.\u00a0 Lupe was not inclined to take a bath.\u00a0 She waded along the edge of the shallow downstream outlet getting her paws wet, but otherwise did not go in.\u00a0 SPHP avoided the water completely.\u00a0 July or August was really the time to be here.<\/p>\n

The water was cold and clear.\u00a0 SPHP looked for fish, but they seemed to be just as scarce as devils.<\/p>\n

Not all that much to the Devils Bathtub, is there, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

No, but it’s a scenic spot at the end of a nice hike, and quite a popular place to cool off in the summer.<\/em><\/p>\n

I suppose its more exciting when the dirty devils show up.\u00a0 Want to go up by the waterfall, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure!<\/em><\/p>\n

To get to the waterfall meant scrambling up on another narrow ledge, but it was no big deal and gave a different perspective.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the ledge leading to the waterfall that feeds the Devils Bathtub<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking down the waterslide chute.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Neither Lupe nor SPHP was inclined to test the waterslide concept.\u00a0 Might not be as smooth and as slippery a ride as it looked, and it was<\/em> October, after all.\u00a0 Would have been an exceedingly brisk experience.<\/p>\n

Are we going any farther up the canyon, SPHP?\u00a0 Looks like we could!<\/em><\/p>\n

No, think this is it, Loop.\u00a0 I went up there once a long time ago, before you were even around.\u00a0 Don’t really remember too much about it.\u00a0 There was a big old mine high on a steep hillside, the Cleopatra Mine, if memory serves, but the structure was crumbling away and dangerous even back then.\u00a0 From what I can remember, the Devils Bathtub is the last of these scenic larger pools along Squaw Creek.<\/em><\/p>\n

If we aren’t going any farther then, SPHP, why don’t we relax right here for a while?\u00a0 Maybe we’ll get to see a devil!<\/em><\/p>\n

Fine with me, but do you actually want to see a devil?\u00a0 They’re evil you know.\u00a0 Might be pretty dangerous if one comes along.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, don’t worry about that, SPHP!\u00a0 I’ll bite any devils that try to give us a hard time.<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s why I always travel with a Carolina Dog!\u00a0 You’re the best, Loopster!<\/em><\/p>\n

A chocolate coconut bar, the American Dingo’s portion instantly inhaled, was shared at a sunny spot overlooking the Devils Bathtub.\u00a0 Sadly, not a single devil turned up for Lupe to do battle with before it was time to start back down the canyon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the outlet from the Devils Bathtub<\/strong>, ready to head back to the RAV4.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

12:10 PM, 61\u00baF, Devils Bathtub trailhead along Hwy 14A, Spearfish Canyon –<\/em>\u00a0 The return trek was just as gorgeous as the journey to the Devils Bathtub had been, but seemed to go even faster.\u00a0 It was barely even lunchtime when Lupe arrived back at the RAV4.<\/p>\n

What now, SPHP?\u00a0 We aren’t done for the day already are we?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, no!\u00a0 Want to visit Spearfish Falls and Roughlock Falls while we’re in the area?\u00a0 The trailheads aren’t that far away, just a few miles up Spearfish Canyon at Savoy.<\/em><\/p>\n

The American Dingo was fine with that.\u00a0 SPHP was soon parking the RAV4 at the Latchstring Restaurant.\u00a0 The restaurant grounds bordered Spearfish Falls, but to actually get a good look, it was necessary to take a short trail down to the bottom of Spearfish Canyon.<\/p>\n

A huge bald eagle was sitting on a stump out in front of the restaurant.\u00a0 Before hitting the trail, Lupe went over to take a look at it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Checking out the bald eagle in front of the Latchstring Restaurant in Spearfish Canyon<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although a handsome specimen, the eagle proved none too lively, sitting completely motionless on its stump.\u00a0 The action-oriented Carolina Dog quickly lost interest.\u00a0 Heading over to the Spearfish Falls trail, she started the short journey down to the canyon floor.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Spearfish Falls trail leaves the Latchstring Restaurant grounds just ahead on the L.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sign at the trailhead.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
View from a bench along the descent to the canyon floor.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The sign posted at the trailhead claimed that the Spearfish Falls trail was moderate difficulty and 1.5 miles round trip.\u00a0 Both were exaggerations.\u00a0 The wide, well-beaten path was mighty easy for Lupe, and it hardly seemed possible that it could have been 0.75 mile one way to the falls.\u00a0 Once down to the canyon floor, a short trek brought Lupe to a bridge over Spearfish Creek.\u00a0 The falls were only a little farther.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Spearfish Falls<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Spearfish Falls<\/strong> is on Little Spearfish Creek, which joins Spearfish Creek at the base of the falls. Got that?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Spearfish Falls may well be the tallest and most impressive waterfall in the entire Black Hills region.\u00a0 Certainly worth the minor effort required to go see it!\u00a0 Even at SPHP’s relaxed pace, the round trip took just a half an hour.<\/p>\n

Next up was Roughlock Falls, only a mile away on USFS Road No. 222, which took off from Hwy 14A over by the Latchstring Inn across from the restaurant.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog still had plenty of time left in the day, though.\u00a0 Instead of driving all the way, SPHP merely moved the RAV4 over to the Roughlock Falls trailhead just past the inn.<\/p>\n

The Roughlock Falls trail was broad and smooth.\u00a0 Most of it was flat, or nearly so.\u00a0 Super easy!\u00a0 It went up the scenic side canyon carved by Little Spearfish Creek.\u00a0 The trail generally wasn’t all that close to the creek, but shortly after Lupe set out, there was an opportunity to head down to it.<\/p>\n

Little Spearfish Creek was cold, clear, and several feet deep.\u00a0 Below the surface, dark green plants swayed in a swift current.\u00a0 Small trout darted from one hiding spot to the next.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By Little Spearfish Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks upstream.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Same spot, looking toward the limestone cliffs across the creek. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A mile went by fast.\u00a0 Loop was soon standing on the boardwalk next to the cascades below Roughlock Falls.\u00a0 From down here there was a great view of the cascades, but only a glimpse of the main waterfall could be seen at the far end of a narrow gorge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the lower boardwalk with a view of the cascades below Roughlock Falls<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For the best views of Roughlock Falls itself, Looper needed to get to the upper viewing platforms.\u00a0 Crossing a nice bridge over Little Spearfish Creek, a short stroll along a sidewalk quickly brought her to the first of the upper viewpoints.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking downstream from the bridge over Little Spearfish Creek<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Roughlock Falls<\/strong> from the first upper viewpoint.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To get to the final viewpoint, Lupe crossed another bridge just upstream of the falls.\u00a0 This viewpoint overlooked the brink of the falls.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing Little Spearfish Creek<\/strong> again, this time just upstream of the falls.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the brink.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After enjoying Roughlock Falls from all these different vantage points, Loopster completed her tour by wandering through the picnic ground immediately upstream.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Little Spearfish Creek<\/strong> from the Roughlock Falls picnic area.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was mid-afternoon when Lupe got back to the RAV4.\u00a0 The sky had been clouding up on the way to Roughlock Falls, but it was getting sunnier again now.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog had completed everything planned in the Spearfish Canyon area for today, so what now?\u00a0 Tomorrow snow was in the forecast.\u00a0 It would be a shame to just go home instead of enjoying what remained of this beautiful day.<\/p>\n

This Black Hills Expedition seemed to be all about water.\u00a0 Since Lupe had never been to Roubaix Lake before, SPHP decided a relaxing drive through the central hills to go see it might be just the ticket.<\/p>\n

On the way, a stop was made up on Minnesota Ridge<\/span><\/a> (6,240 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Lupe enjoyed a short romp looking for squirrels while SPHP had a look at the fall colors.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Enjoying a romp on Minnesota Ridge<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Fall colors.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Then it was on to Roubaix Lake!<\/p>\n

Roubaix Lake wasn’t very big, sort of a glorified pond, but it did feature a campground with a sandy beach, plus a trail that went about halfway around the lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Arriving at Roubaix Lake<\/strong>, which is just a mile off Hwy 385 in the central Black Hills.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail started at a bridge over the outlet for Middle Box Elder Creek.\u00a0 After crossing both the bridge and the dam, the trail headed SW right along the shoreline.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the bridge over the outlet for Middle Box Elder Creek. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Along the SE shore after crossing the dam. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting a drink not far from the dam. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Middle Box Elder Creek enters Roubaix Lake over at the far SW end.\u00a0 The trail began to fade away as Lupe drew near.\u00a0 This part of the lake looked very shallow, full of mud and thick stands of tall reeds.\u00a0 Late afternoon sunlight highlighted the reeds’ colors, making them glow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the colorful, glowing reeds. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
SW end of Roubaix Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail went on, but appeared destined to disappear entirely.\u00a0 Probably about time to call it a day by now, anyway.\u00a0 A squirrel provided several minutes of excitement on the way back to the RAV4.<\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 279 had been a success!\u00a0 Getting all the way to the Devils Bathtub for time ever had been the main objective, and Lupe had made it.\u00a0 Third time had been a charm!\u00a0 Really hadn’t been hard at all.\u00a0 Spearfish Falls, Roughlock Falls, and Roubaix Lake were all just icing on the cake.<\/p>\n

A lovely Black Hills autumn day, but tomorrow, a first taste of winter!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Roubaix Lake<\/strong>, Black Hills, SD 10-11-21<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Next Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Prior Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 251 – Bridal Veil Falls, the Devils Bathtub trail, Spearfish Falls & Roughlock Falls (10-17-19)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0 Check out Lupe’s Black Hills, SD & WY\u00a0Expeditions\u00a0Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>, <\/em>Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/a>, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures<\/span><\/strong><\/a>!<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

10:13 AM, 56\u00baF – A gorgeous morning, comfortably cool and clear as a bell!\u00a0 Lupe paused on the Cleopatra Place bridge for a look at Spearfish Creek.\u00a0 SPHP was surprised by how much water there was even after a summer of drought.\u00a0 Squaw Creek, a tributary joining in immediately upstream of the bridge, was another … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 279 – Devils Bathtub, Spearfish Falls, Roughlock Falls & Roubaix Lake (10-11-21)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":34984,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[105,9,106,639,104,1458,478,304,476,1179],"class_list":["post-35024","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-american-dingo","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-carolina-dog","tag-devils-bathtub","tag-lupe","tag-roubaix-lake","tag-roughlock-falls","tag-south-dakota","tag-spearfish-canyon","tag-spearfish-falls"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_2944.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35024","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=35024"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35024\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35668,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35024\/revisions\/35668"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/34984"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=35024"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=35024"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=35024"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}