About Grizzly Bear Falls
Grizzly Bear Falls is a named waterfall in Pennington County, South Dakota, located about 9.5 miles northeast of Custer. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Iron Mountain 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 43°51′49″ N, 103°27′49″ W (43.86356, -103.46348). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Doane Mountain (summit, 0.9 mi), Mount Rushmore (summit, 1.2 mi), and Iron Mountain (summit, 1.5 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Thunderhead Falls, 14 miles to the north.
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Weather at Grizzly Bear Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Grizzly Bear Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Denver time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Grizzly Bear Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Grizzly Bear Falls holds a 2.7 average from 3 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Grizzly Bear Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Doane Mountain — summit, 0.9 mi
- Mount Rushmore — summit, 1.2 mi
- Iron Mountain — summit, 1.5 mi
- Old Baldy Mountain — summit, 1.9 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 43.86356, -103.46348. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Grizzly Bear Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Grizzly Bear Falls located?
Grizzly Bear Falls is in Pennington County, South Dakota, about 9.5 miles northeast of Custer. Its coordinates are 43.86356, -103.46348 (43°51′49″ N, 103°27′49″ W).
What town is closest to Grizzly Bear Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Custer, SD, about 9.5 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Grizzly Bear Falls?
The closest is Thunderhead Falls (14 mi north). Others within reach include Cascade Falls (38 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Grizzly Bear Falls?
Grizzly Bear Falls appears on the USGS Iron Mountain 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.