October 3, 2025
October 3, 2025
Color Change: Past-peak at 90% of full color
Leaf Drop: Moderate
This is the final Spearfish Canyon Leaf Report of 2025. Spearfish Canyon displayed peak levels of fall colors earlier this week. Fall foliage is currently at 90% of its greatest color saturation. Breezy conditions this week have contributed to heavy leaf drop at the mouth of the Canyon and south of Devil’s Bathtub.
There are still many spots in the Canyon to enjoy the fall season. Look for lime green grapevine turning yellow as it climbs from Split Rock through Bridal Veil Falls. Ash and elder in this area will continue to golden throughout the next week. Also watch for the deep purple berries from Virigina creeper vines.
My favorite spots in the Canyon right now are south of Rim Rock Lodge and south of 11th Hour. Shimmering aspens are in their prime around Devil’s Bathtub, across the Scenic Byway from the parking area. As you approach Savoy on the Byway, look west to the tip-top of the cliffs for clusters of golden birch.
Last year I shared a video of the “Savoy Bowl” of deciduous trees changing throughout the month of September: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBusk3fRmYc
This year, I captured the leaves changing at another of my favorite leaf-watching spots, Long Valley: https://youtu.be/2B-NRZ0CXhA
In the Long Valley video, you will first notice the shrubs changing from greens and yellows into reds and burgundies. Next, look along the Canyon walls, where deciduous trees change into their golden hues. Finally, along the roadway the birch and aspen pop out behind the evergreens and line the Scenic Byway.
Long Valley showcases the Canyon’s diverse flora. But what makes this area extra special is the beautiful display of limestone as a backdrop to the fall foliage. I talked with a local geologist who shared that the top tier of Long Valley is Paha Sapa limestone that is 600 feet thick. Lower down we see lavender-colored Englewood limestone.
Your Leaf Reporter is signing off for 2025; enjoy fall in Spearfish Canyon!
