Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Canyon
Spearfish Canyon, South Dakota · 4,207 ft
Typical peak
Sep 20 – Sep 28
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best under flat overcast
A thin ribbon fall dropping off the canyon wall straight beside US-14A, in the lower canyon nearly 900 feet below Roughlock. Same byway, different elevation band, so the two rarely peak on the same weekend.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Crowds
high
Busy through peak. Be parked before sunrise or expect to walk in.
Getting there
Signed pullout directly on US-14A, the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, between Spearfish and Savoy. The falls are visible from the parking area with no walk required.
What turns here
- quaking aspen
- paper birch
- ponderosa pine
- bur oak
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 24Typical color progression for Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Canyon. No change from Aug 17 to Sep 3. First color from Sep 3 to Sep 12. Approaching peak from Sep 12 to Sep 20. Peak from Sep 20 to Sep 28. Past peak from Sep 28 to Oct 8. Bare from Oct 8 to Oct 22.
Leaves are typically down on Nov 1, 2026. Color starts around Sep 3.
This season so far
First frost
Oct 16
2 nights at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
59°F / 41°F
Average daily high and low.
Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.
Plan the light
Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Canyon on September 24, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:15 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 90° | 6:44 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 38 min of low, warm light | 7:23 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:47 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 38 min before sunset | 6:11 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 270° | 6:50 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:19 PM |
Times in America/Denver · day length 12h 5m · computed from NOAA solar equations.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets W.
Aim within 45° of the sun for translucent leaves. Turn your back to it for flat, accurate color.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.
Nearby locations
Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.