September 21, 2026
September 21, 2026
Color Change: 73% (High)
Leaf Drop: Low
Spearfish Canyon is presently at 73% of its peak fall colors. The Canyon is embracing its autumnal splendor in full force, just as the first official day of fall arrives.
As you enter the Canyon on 14A from Spearfish, look southeast to a patch of bright green and yellow leaves cascading down the hillside across the parking lot from the Scenic Byway Information area. Keep driving and you will notice ruby sumac reaching peak colors around Split Rock. Also look for vibrant red Virigina Creeper before you arrive at the Rim Rock Lodge road.
Two areas took my breath away with their beauty today. First, the cliffs right after you pass Bridal Veil Falls to the southeast, and second, the vicinity of Maurice Gulch, about six miles into the Canyon from Spearfish. Both areas are nearing peak colors with significant changes to the deciduous trees at the higher elevations. Seeing those golden trees at the tiptop of the peaks makes you realize just how high the limestone cliffs reach in Spearfish Canyon, some as tall as 1,000 feet above the creek bed.
I am still hoping for a little more color “punch” from the Bowl at Savoy in the coming days. Many trees in the Savoy area are at peak colors, but many are still quite green. Warmer, drier weather is forecasted for the week ahead. As long as the wind says calm, we can expect another picturesque week for leaf peeping in Spearfish Canyon.
