Thank you to our 2026 Season Sponsors
Thank you to our 2026 Season Sponsors
September 28, 2021
The Canyon is at its peak of fall color, meaning the majority of leaves are at their boldest and brightest now before their winter shed.
Full color in Spearfish Canyon, near Kissing Rocks
Color Change: 95% (High - Peak Color)
Leaf Drop: Minimal
The Canyon is at its peak of fall color, meaning the majority of leaves are at their boldest and brightest now before their winter shed.
Brisk wind this morning made the Quaking Aspen shimmer in the breeze. If you listen, you’ll see why they live up to their name.
Leaf drop is still minimal. The lack of storms and above-freezing forecasted temperatures mean the leaves should hold strong for several more days.
In addition to the gorgeous 76 Trail and Roughlock Falls areas, other places to notice this week include the southeast Canyon wall after Rim Rock Lodge and Devil’s Bathtub parking area. See the vivid Canyon colors close up after Rim Rock Lodge as the Aspen’s sprinkle the hills with their gold nugget leaves. Devil’s Bathtub is abundant in color from the ground shrubs to the trees. Throughout the Canyon Scenic Byway, watch for radiant red, leafy vines climbing the trees searching for autumn sunlight.
September 24, 2021
It is officially the fall season and the Canyon trees are flourishing in their fall color. Taking a Canyon cruise this weekend, you will know it is fall right away as you enter the Scenic Byway. The trees at the mouth of the Canyon are reaching full color.
Spearfish Creek near Spearfish Canyon Lodge
Color Change: 75% (High)
Leaf Drop: Minimal
It is officially the fall season and the Canyon trees are flourishing in their fall color. Taking a Canyon cruise this weekend, you will know it is fall right away as you enter the Scenic Byway. The trees at the mouth of the Canyon are reaching full color.
Keep cruising (slowly, the deer are enjoying the roadways, too) and watch for the Long Valley Picnic Area. Nearly every bend in the road after Long Valley will provide spectacular fall sights. The bowl of trees before Savoy is abundant with lime green trees ready to turn along with many goldens hues. Take advantage of the pull-off near Savoy to take it all in. The Canyon walls adjacent to the Spearfish Canyon Lodge main entrance are also sprouting with color right now.
For the first time this season I saw leaves floating in the breeze across the roadway. Leaf drop is minimal. Tap into all your senses when visiting the Canyon this weekend – see the leaves, feel the cool Canyon breeze, smell the fresh forest air, listen to the creek. You are in for a treat!
September 21, 2021
Look on up! My earlier leaf reports mentioned looking low in Spearfish Canyon to see the color transitions in the grasses and shrubs. Now it’s time to peer up into the highest points of the Canyon rim and cliffs for a cascade of color from the top down.
Colorful leaves in Spearfish Canyon
Color Change: 65% (Moderate)
Look on up! My earlier leaf reports mentioned looking low in Spearfish Canyon to see the color transitions in the grasses and shrubs. Now it’s time to peer up into the highest points of the Canyon rim and cliffs for a cascade of color from the top down.
The higher elevation leaf color changes are most noticeable at mile marker 21, before you reach the Long Valley Picnic area, and at the Iron Creek trailhead parking area.
If you’re trying to capture the Canyon’s fall beauty on camera, here are a few tips from former Canyon Leaf Reporter Jerry J. Boyer. Try to photograph after 10 a.m. and take photos in the north/south direction because of sun glare. Rainy or cloudy days are ideal for Canyon photos because they diffuse the bright light.