September 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 Falls and all the way to Savoy. Picking a favorite side of the Canyon’s byway is like picking a favorite child. 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 south, making a very picturesque sight for the senses. At Kissing Rocks, for example, golden birch and spruce trees frame the rocks and stream. With a closer look you’ll see multi-colored poison 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 in 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 western 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 really sparkle after the rain. With a chance of rain and cooler temperatures this weekend, the Canyon will be a beautiful sight to see!
