September 12, 2025
Color Change: 40% (Moderate)
The colors are beginning to pop at 40% of peak color in Spearfish Canyon. The ash, boxelder, and birch trees along the Scenic Byway’s first few miles look like fall has arrived. Lighter green and golden hues continue but are more sparse as you weave through the forest. The shrubs continue to thrill with red sumac, yellow dogbane, and multi-colored Western poison ivy. A good place to see both sumac and ivy is along the hillside west (across the Byway) from Kissing Rocks. Sumac has thinner leaves with many on a stem. Sumac is generally reaching a deep, bright red right now. Poison ivy has a cluster of three, droopy leaflets and is ranging from green to dark orange in the Canyon.
During last year’s Leaf Reports, we dove into some of the history and ecology of the landmarks of Spearfish Canyon (Split Rock, Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Falls, 76 Trail, & Maurice Intake). You can locate all these landmarks on this Leaf Watching Map.
Today, let’s take a look at Botany Bay. Botany Bay is about 4 miles from the Scenic Byway Information Pull-Off as you’re entering the Canyon from Spearfish. I’ve heard that this area got its name because of the wide variety of flora at this specific spot. This site was formerly a U.S. Forest Service picnic site, but it was decommissioned more than a decade ago.
Looking for a great picnic spot in the Canyon? Here’s my recommendations!
Long Valley Picnic Area. Seven parking spots for vehicles less than 25 ft long. Five picnic tables, some with camping stoves. Primitive restrooms. Long Valley is right next to Spearfish Creek. My family and I picnicked with friends visiting from Texas in this spot this summer.
Roughlock Falls. Five picnic tables and grassy areas for blankets are available just a few steps away from the parking lot. The walk around the Falls is paved, but has some inclines. You can do as much or as little of the path as you like and easily return to your table or vehicle.
