Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park
Black Hills, South Dakota · 6,149 ft
Typical peak
Sep 15 – Sep 23
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Granite fins standing straight out of the water at the top of the Needles, the highest spot on this list at over 6,100 feet. Aspen pockets in the granite go first at this elevation, and still water before the wind doubles the rock.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Crowds
extreme
Expect heavy peak-weekend traffic; consider a weekday or arrive before dawn.
Getting there
On SD-87, the Needles Highway, at the northwest corner of Custer State Park. Day-use lots at the lake fill early in October; a park entrance license is required.
What turns here
- ponderosa pine
- quaking aspen
- paper birch
- white spruce
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 19Typical color progression for Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park. No change from Aug 12 to Aug 29. First color from Aug 29 to Sep 7. Approaching peak from Sep 7 to Sep 15. Peak from Sep 15 to Sep 23. Past peak from Sep 23 to Oct 3. Bare from Oct 3 to Oct 17.
Leaves are typically down on Nov 1, 2026. Color starts around Aug 29.
This season so far
First frost
Oct 16
5 nights at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
56°F / 38°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
Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park on September 19, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:09 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 87° | 6:37 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 38 min of low, warm light | 7:15 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:48 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 38 min before sunset | 6:20 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 273° | 6:58 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:26 PM |
Times in America/Denver · day length 12h 20m · 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.