September 27, 2022

Elm Trees in Spearfish Canyon

Color Change: 75% (High)

Leaf Drop: Low

The colors in the Canyon are now the most vibrant I have seen yet this season. From the golden yellows of aspen and birch popping out of the highest points of the Canyon walls, to the glowing red of sumac along the roadway, your senses are in for a treat! Leaf drop remains low, despite a windy end to last week. Yesterday, the mountain goats were showing off their climbing skills near Bridal Veil Falls.

Areas near Spearfish Canyon Lodge are at 90% of peak color change. At the entrance to the Canyon up until Devil’s Bathtub, we will continue to see progression towards peak color this week, most noticeably in the trees that border the byway.

It amazes me how different the Canyon looks while driving in from Spearfish going south and then back out on the same road heading north. Especially with the peak color we are seeing near Savoy, it is worth your time to make a longer loop and enjoy the sights. You will get a completely new vista seeing the Canyon walls and rocks from a different direction on the way back towards Spearfish. The way the sun hits the trees is distinctive, and the panorama of the colorful foliage along the creek changes.

Drive through the Canyon with me in this video: https://youtu.be/bKBXEHObg6k