Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Canyon
Spearfish Canyon, South Dakota · 5,099 ft
Typical peak
Sep 17 – Sep 25
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best under flat overcast
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 .
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.
Leaves are typically down on Nov 1, 2026. Color starts around Aug 31.
This season so far
First frost
Oct 16
2 nights at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
59°F / 42°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
Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Canyon on September 21, 2026, 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.
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.