September 21, 2021

Colorful leaves in Spearfish Canyon

Color Change: 65% (Moderate)

Look on up! My earlier leaf reports mentioned looking low in Spearfish Canyon to see the color transitions in the grasses and shrubs. Now it’s time to peer up into the highest points of the Canyon rim and cliffs for a cascade of color from the top down.

 The higher elevation leaf color changes are most noticeable at mile marker 21, before you reach the Long Valley Picnic area, and at the Iron Creek trailhead parking area.

 If you’re trying to capture the Canyon’s fall beauty on camera, here are a few tips from former Canyon Leaf Reporter Jerry J. Boyer. Try to photograph after 10 a.m. and take photos in the north/south direction because of sun glare. Rainy or cloudy days are ideal for Canyon photos because they diffuse the bright light.