Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Canyon
Spearfish Canyon, South Dakota · 5,099 ft
A wide, stepped fall on Little Spearfish Creek under limestone walls, with aspen and birch turning gold against ponderosa that stays dark all season. The canyon is narrow enough that direct sun only reaches the water for a short window, which is why flat light is the safer call here.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Typical peak
Sep 17 – Sep 25
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
One mile west of the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway at Savoy on Forest Road 222, in the Spearfish Canyon Nature Area. Parking and a maintained path along the creek.
What turns here
- quaking aspen
- paper birch
- ponderosa pine
- bur oak
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 21Typical color progression for Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Canyon. No change from Aug 14 to Aug 31. First color from Aug 31 to Sep 9. Approaching peak from Sep 9 to Sep 17. Peak from Sep 17 to Sep 25. Past peak from Sep 25 to Oct 5. Bare from Oct 5 to Oct 19.
Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Canyon is typically at peak on this date.
Light at peak
Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Canyon on September 21, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:12 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 88° | 6:41 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 38 min of low, warm light | 7:19 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:48 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 38 min before sunset | 6:17 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 272° | 6:55 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:24 PM |
Times in America/Denver · day length 12h 14m · 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.