September 11, 2023
Color Change: 2% (Very Low)
The leaves in Spearfish Canyon are still very green today. We are at 2% towards the peak color change of the fall season. There is lightning of the birch trees’ green hues on the western side of the road after Long Valley Picnic Area. This cropping of trees may be among the first on the Canyon Byway to transition to autumn golds. Right now, you’ll also notice clusters of wild carrot/Queen Anne’s lace, the tall white flowering plant bordering the road. If you’re able to park for a hike or stroll, you might also see purple asters and white daisies.
Today was also a day for spotting wildlife in the Canyon. If you drive slowly, you can sometimes spot deer grazing in the shadows. The female deer I saw today was seemingly alone enjoying the grasses after Maurice Intake on the eastern side of the road. The second animal I noticed was a chipmunk. Chipmunks are fast! But you can often see them scurrying around the Canyon floors. Here’s a tip if you’re driving through the Canyon: If you see several cars parked on the side of the road, it is typically either a good fly-fishing spot or a mountain goat sighting. Today was the later! Along with several other sightseers, the third animal I spotted today was the Canyon’s mountain goat family of four foraging near Botany Bay. The two little ones were very hungry, quickly crossing the road to find their next feeding spot. The male goat took his time, standing for several minutes in the middle of the road as traffic looked on. It was almost as if he was reminding us that we are all visitors to Spearfish Canyon. Yet for the native wildlife, the Canyon is their home.
Want to locate these spots in Spearfish Canyon to hopefully spy some Canyon wildlife yourself? Download this one-page map of the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway with landmarks noted that are mentioned in these leaf reports.
