September 30, 2024
Color Change: Post Peak Colors (but still at 95% of total color saturation)
Leaf Drop: Minimal
This is the last Spearfish Canyon Leaf Report for 2024. I have a surprise for my fellow leaf lovers! Check out this video https://youtu.be/NBusk3fRmYc to see the fall progression of one of the Canyon’s best leaf viewing spots.
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. Yet, there are some trees that will still transition to their peak color over the next week or two. When I determine percentages for color change, I take into account vegetation up and down the Canyon. Some trees fit into the broader changes in the Canyon, but some trees always progress into fall on their own mysterious timeline.
Thanks for reading and exploring along with me this year!
