Origin
Deadwood, SD
Evening in Deadwood on Sunday
Local time
7:31 PM
MDT
Current temp
38°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Deadwood, SD to Spearfish, SD
Drive Time
19m
Distance
15.3 mi
25 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$2
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 18m
★
6 AM
0h 20m
8 AM
0h 23m
10 AM
0h 21m
12 PM
0h 21m
3 PM
0h 21m
5 PM
0h 23m
8 PM
0h 19m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Deadwood, SD
Alfo Medeiros
Spearfish, SD
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Traveling between Deadwood and Spearfish, South Dakota, is a quick 15.3-mile trip that typically takes about 19 minutes. Because of the short distance, this drive is perfectly suited as a simple day trip, requiring no overnight stops. You will primarily navigate US Highway 85 and Main Street, keeping the journey straightforward and efficient. With a fuel cost estimate of just $2, it is a budget-friendly way to move between these two Great Plains locations. Whether you are heading out for a quick errand or transitioning to your next destination, this route offers a reliable connection without the need for complex planning.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
7.7 miles from Deadwood, SD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 9m into the drive .
Drive Character
This highway-focused drive keeps you on the move with 85% of your travel occurring on major thoroughfares. You will experience a longest uninterrupted stretch of 7.5 miles while cruising along US Highway 85. Expect a consistent pace as you transition from the local charm of Deadwood onto the faster highway segments. The route maintains a functional personality, prioritizing speed and directness over technical maneuvers or winding backroads. Being behind the wheel here feels predictable, allowing you to settle into a steady rhythm for the duration of your 19-minute trip.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 11 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US Highway 85 is the longest continuous segment at about 7.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 85 and US 85. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Main Street.
Route Complexity
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 19m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (Deadwood Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.4 miles (US 85 / US Highway 85): Navigation decision point.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 7 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Main Street
Turn left onto Main Street
Navigation decision point
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Deadwood Street
Turn left onto Deadwood Street
Navigation decision point
4
1.4 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
US 85 / US Highway 85
Turn left onto US 85 / US Highway 85
Navigation decision point
5
8.9 mi into trip
|
~11m in
|
US 85
Turn left onto US 85 toward I 90 West, US 14 West, US 85 North
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 90 West, US 14 West, US 85 North
5
14.4 mi into trip
|
~17m in
Take the exit toward Jackson Boulevard, Black Hills State University
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Jackson Boulevard, Black Hills State Uni...
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Deadwood, SD to Spearfish, SD, road signs begin pointing toward Black Hills State University along the way.
Black Hills State University
14.4 mi in
|
~17m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US Highway 85 | 7.5 mi | 8m |
| US 85 | 5.5 mi | 5m |
| Main Street | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| East Jackson Boulevard | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Pioneer Way | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| Deadwood Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| Lee Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| North Main Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US Highway 85
— 7.5 mi, about 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Deadwood, SD and Spearfish, SD.
1
Start on Lee Street
184 ft
·
13 sec
·
Lee Street
2
Turn left onto Main Street
344 ft
·
16 sec
·
Main Street
3
Turn left onto Deadwood Street
219 ft
·
12 sec
·
Deadwood Street
4
Turn left onto US 14A; US 85
0.4 mi
·
32 sec
·
Pioneer Way
5
Continue on US 14A; US 85
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
6
Turn left onto US 85
7.5 mi
·
8 min
·
US Highway 85
7
Turn left onto US 85
5.5 mi
·
5 min
·
US 85
Toward I 90 West, US 14 West, US 85 North
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Toward Jackson Boulevard, Black Hills State University
9
Turn left onto East Jackson Boulevard
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East Jackson Boulevard
10
Turn left onto I 90 Business
149 ft
·
14 sec
·
North Main Street
11
Arrive at destination
I 90 Business
Trip Plan
Since this is such a brief 15.3-mile excursion, you have significant flexibility regarding your departure time. You won't need to worry about planning for multiple stops, as the drive is short enough to complete in one easy push. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before leaving, though your total cost for the trip should remain around $2. Because the route relies heavily on US Highway 85, stay alert for typical highway traffic patterns during peak hours. Use the short duration to your advantage by keeping your schedule open, as you can easily make this trip on a whim without needing to block out an entire day.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 7.7 miles from Deadwood, SD, or about 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 7.5 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 15.3 miles or 19m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 7.7 miles or 9m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 15m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Spearfish, SD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Deadwood, SD so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Deadwood, SD
This is one driving day of about 15.3 miles and 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Deadwood, SD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on US Highway 85 for about 7.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 7.7 mi from Deadwood, SD · 9m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
8 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 15.3 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 7.7 miles from Deadwood, SD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Spearfish, SD
The final approach into Spearfish, SD usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Spearfish, SD.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$2.32 one way
$4.65 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
5 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $2.56 | $5.12 |
| premium | $4.80 | $2.89 | $5.78 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $3.40 | $6.80 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$27–$52
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 5.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 60% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 4.6 | 0 | $1.61 | $0.73 |
| Efficient EV | 3.8 | 0 | $1.34 | $0.61 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 6.1 | 0 | $2.14 | $0.98 |
Gas CO2
5 kg
EV CO2
2 kg (60% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Spearfish, SD
Evening in Spearfish on Sunday
Local time
7:31 PM
MDT
Current temp
40°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
42°F
Sturgis, SD
8 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
2 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
19m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Deadwood, SD to Spearfish, SD covers 15.3 miles and takes about 19m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US Highway 85, US 85, Main Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 7.7 miles from Deadwood, SD. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $2.32 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a straightforward 19m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (Deadwood Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.4 miles (US 85 / US Highway 85): Navigation decision point.
On the drive from Deadwood, SD to Spearfish, SD, road signs begin pointing toward Black Hills State University along the way.
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