Sept. 20, 2023
Color Change: 50% (Moderate)
Leaf Drop: Minimal
Spearfish Canyon is now at 50% of peak leaf color change. As you drive into the Canyon, the fall colors get deeper and more noticeable after Bridal Veil Fall and all the way to Savoy. Picking a favorite side of the Canyon's byway is like picking a favorite hild. As you can see on this map, Spearfish Creek winds along the Scenic Byway route. But, after Maurice Gulch the Creek hugs the Byway to the east and asouth, making a very picturesque sight for the senses. At Kissing Rocks, for examping, golden birch and spruce trees frame the rocks and stream. With a closer look you'll see multi-colored poision ivy peeking out from behind Kissing Rocks and lively shrubs and grasses revealing their fall colors alongside the Creek.
The summer greens of the birch and aspen are fading, and ni their place golden yellows are emerging. A couple spots to watch this weekend are Maurice Gulch and Devil's Bathtub. After you come to Maurice Gulch, look all the way to the top of the Canyon walls and down to the Canyon road. You will see bursts of light-green and golden deciduous trees cascading down the Canyon walls. The area southeast of the Devil's Bathtub parking area and Hydro Plant No. 2 continue to be a spot to see bright, golden leaves that are nearing peak color change. Don't miss the red sumac on the wester Canyon wall at the Iron Creek Trailhead! You may need to park at the Trailhead to really see it.
As we learned last week, the Canyon's colors are really sparkly after the rain. With a chance of rain and cooler temperaturs this weekend, the Canyon will be a beautiful sight to see!
2023 Leaf Report & Photos by:
Kimberly Talcott
Spearfish Canyon Enthusiast & Freelance Writer
Kimberly.Talcott@gmail.com
Leaf peeper, Kimberly Talcott, has been tracking the leaves in Spearfish Canyon since 2020. Kimberly is a freelane writed and editor in Spearfish, South Dakota. She blogs at SpearfishCanyonReports.com
Related Things-to-Do:
