September 9, 2024
Color Change: 22% (Low)
Spearfish Canyon foliage colors are at 22% towards peak color change. While deciduous trees are still mostly green, a drive through the Canyon this week will reveal hints of a forest making its fall transition. Birch, aspen, and willow trees have small areas of yellow throughout the Canyon. Dogbane is still the predominant yellow you will see near the forest floor. Today I noticed dwarf raspberry south of the Devil’s Bathtub parking area before you get to Victoria mountain. Dwarf raspberry has three leaves like poison ivy and is showing us its deep pink and lime green leaves at the present.
The weather reports are for a warm and dry week in Spearfish. Cooler evening temperatures and the very gradual change of how the earth tilts towards the sun are the signals the leaves are waiting for to show us their fall colors.
Overall, 2024 has been warmer and drier than last year. Each year, moisture levels affect Bridal Veil Falls. Bridal Veil Falls is located around 4.5 from the mouth of the Canyon. The falls are on the eastern side of the byway. The Burlington Railroad that chugged through the Canyon from 1893-1933 stopped below Bridal Veil Falls where passengers could get out of the train and explore for the day. Today, there is a convenient parking and viewing area in front of the falls.
It’s easy to see why Bridal Veil Falls gets its name. From a lofty height, water rushes 100 feet over and down the rocky Canyon walls, mimicking a bride’s flowing veil. The amount of water that cascades down the falls is less in the autumn than the spring. The water flow depends on springtime temperatures, rains, and seasonal snow fall amounts. With the drier 2024 we’ve had, this means a more “delicate” veil flowing at Bridal Veil Falls.
In addition to the waterfall, Bridal Veil Falls is a prime place to see the Canyon’s flora and fauna. I’ve been enjoying the yellow tansy, blue forget me knots, and smooth brone (which looks like wheat) near the falls. It’s also a favorite hang out of the Canyon’s mountain goat population, which photographer Les Heiserman now counts at 24 goats including two sets of twins!
