October 5, 2026
October 5, 2026
Color Change: Past Peak, Retaining 85% of Peak Color
Leaf Drop: High
This is the last Spearfish Canyon Leaf Report for 2026. Fall foliage in Spearfish Canyon is past peak colors. Leaf drop is moderate to high overall. Yet, the autumn hues that remain are still showing strong at 85% of full peak color.
Mid-Canyon is having a moment. By “Mid-Canyon” I mean Bridal Veil Falls through Devil’s Bathtub. This stretch of the Canyon is the best place to see bright green and golden trees right now. The area around Bridal Veil is just reaching peak colors in the American hophornbeam, cottonwood, and birch trees surrounding the falls. Bright yellows in this area are bursting against the opaque volcanic rock. Be sure to look at the southern slopes of the Canyon as you turn into the Bridal Veil Falls parking area. We continue to see golden bunches of deciduous trees emerging at the highest elevations.
To see vibrant reds and purples, look to the undergrowth from Iron Creek Trailhead to Calamity Gulch. This area has radiant chokecherry and dogwood bordering Spearfish Creek. With the warm weather forecast this week, park your car for a bit and feel the cool air coming off the creek.
Oak trees around Victoria Tower and Kissing Rocks are turning a tawny brown. From Long Valley to Savoy, watch for picturesque vistas where copper and burnt orange leaves seem to arch over the byway like an autumn postcard.
You will notice leaf drop from the quaking aspen as you approach Savoy. Take a moment, though, to also notice the slender, white trunks of the aspen that have lost their leaves along the roadway. The trunks are often grouped together and exude beauty in their stark solidarity.
The drive along Scenic Byway 14A is still worth the trip, leaf peepers! You will be greeted by warm weather forecast for the remainder of the week and into the weekend.
