September 28, 2026
September 28, 2026
Color Change: 100% (High to Peak Color)
Leaf Drop: Moderate
Spearfish Canyon has reached peak fall colors with brilliant displays of golden, auburn, and burgundy leaves throughout Scenic Byway 14A. The eastern Canyon slopes from Rim Rock Lodge to Bridal Veil Falls are bursting with rich, neon yellows from the ash trees. As you approach the Bridal Veil Falls parking area from Spearfish, look up to the southeast ridge. You will see golden deciduous trees reaching toward a sky that does not seem all that far away from the high Canyon cliffs.
The Spearfish area experienced thunderstorms both Sunday and Monday evenings. As you drive along the roadway, you will notice quaking aspen with some leaf drop in their delicate leaves. Keep reading, though! I have a suggestion for a spot where you can still see aspens in their full splendor this week.
Trees surrounding Homestake Hydro Plant No. 2 are at their peak colors. Watch for bronze trees sprouting out from the dense conifers southeast of the Devil’s Bathtub parking area. More leaf drop is noticeable in the large cottonwoods and box elders as you near Iron Creek Trailhead.
If you’re searching out those shimmering golden aspens, keep driving southeast on Scenic Byway 14A past Spearfish Canyon Lodge and even past Old Spearfish Creek Dam and Nature Area. This stretch of the byway showcases several aspen bunches in peak color emerging from the dark evergreens.
