Spearfish Canyon is currently at 45% of total fall foliage color change. The most noticeable areas of change in the deciduous trees are at the beginning of the byway and towards the end. Watch for trees taking on a golden hue on the western side of the Canyon near Split Rock and in the higher elevations at Savoy. Reds are emerging in sumac around Maurice Intake and in the ivy after Victoria.

Today is hotter in temperature than normal for this time of year. The hot and dry summer we’ve had made me wonder what we can expect for weather the rest of September. My thanks to David Stradling, Chief Meteorologist with KOTA Territory News, who shared some weather statistics and fall predictions I’m now sharing with you.

As the second week of September comes to a close, the leaves in Spearfish Canyon are reaching 40% of their total color change. Birch, aspen, and boxelder trees throughout the Canyon are becoming more spotted with yellow leaves. This is especially noticeable in the first half of the Canyon drive from Spearfish. Besides the emerging yellows, many deciduous trees are noticeably lighter in their green color, which is a sign they are getting ready to turn to their autumn hues.

Spearfish Canyon foliage colors are at 22% towards peak color change. While deciduous trees are still mostly green, a drive through the Canyon this week will reveal hints of a forest making its fall transition. Birch, aspen, and willow trees have small areas of yellow throughout the Canyon. Dogbane is still the predominant yellow you will see near the forest floor.