Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Canyon
Spearfish Canyon, South Dakota · 4,207 ft
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 .
Typical peak
Sep 20 – Sep 28
Near typical peak. Check recent reports before traveling.
Best light
Best under flat overcast
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.
Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Canyon is typically at approaching peak on this date.
Light at peak
Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Canyon on September 24, 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
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets W.
Aim within 45° of those and the canopy glows translucent. Turn your back to them for flat, accurate color.
Location pages name the light directly.
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.