September 24, 2020
The trees in Spearfish Canyon are at or near peak color change. Take a drive through Spearfish Canyon in the next few days and you will be surrounded by autumn’s vibrant splendor. There are many convenient pull-off areas in the Canyon where you can park your vehicle or bike to get out and take a closer look at the trees and take a selfie or two. #leavesandme
Fall foliage at Old Spearfish Dam, South Dakota
Color Change: 90% (High – Post-Peak Color)
Leaf Drop: Low to Moderate
The trees in Spearfish Canyon are at or near peak color change. Take a drive through Spearfish Canyon in the next few days and you will be surrounded by autumn’s vibrant splendor. There are many convenient pull-off areas in the Canyon where you can park your vehicle or bike to get out and take a closer look at the trees and take a selfie or two. #leavesandme
When I drove through the Canyon on Thursday morning (9/24), my favorite areas to see the leaves were the curve past Bridal Veil Falls, Homestake Mining Hydro Plant area near Devil’s Bathtub, and mile markers 18, 20-21, and 24.
Here’s what’s happening in those beautiful fall trees behind the scenes: As the days get shorter and the nights get colder and longer, the leaves are preparing for winter. The leaves stop making chlorophyll, a pigment that absorbs light and provides energy for photosynthesis. Slowly, the green in the leaves starts to fade. The yellows, oranges, and reds of the leaves emerge.
When you are out exploring the Canyon this weekend, you are seeing these chemical processes firsthand. Hope to see you out there leaf peepers!