This is the last Spearfish Canyon Leaf Report for 2024. The fall foliage in Spearfish Canyon was still very colorful this morning with bright red sumac and golden birch. Our weather forecast for this week includes warm, but mild temperatures and no forecasted precipitation. This indicates the first week of October will still be prime leaf-watching time!

Leaf drop is still minimal but some trees around Long Valley Picnic Area and Kissing Rocks have noticeable leaf loss.

It’s peak leaf watching time in Spearfish Canyon! This weekend you will see once-in-a-season foliage. The birch and aspen are golden throughout the Canyon. Dogwood and sumac bushes are mauve, purple, and ruby red. When I drove through the Canyon this morning, I noticed trees I have not seen all season. Even the smallest deciduous trees seem to pop against the dark evergreens and mountain cliffs right now.

Spearfish Canyon is at 85% of its total fall color saturation and is nearing its peak and most vibrant fall colors. Nearly every turn along the byway is bursting with golden hues from birch, aspen, and elms. My favorite areas today were the uppermost elevations near Calamity Gulch as you’re driving into the Canyon from Spearfish and between Botany Bay and Bridal Veil Falls.