Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park
Black Hills, South Dakota · 6,149 ft
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 .
Typical peak
Sep 15 – Sep 23
Near typical peak. Check recent reports before traveling.
Best light
Best at sunrise
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.
Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park is typically at peak on this date.
Light at peak
Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park on September 19, 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
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.