If you've ever been there, you know Spearfish Canyon is beautiful anytime of year, but thousands of people also know that for a few brief weeks each year it is particularly gorgeous. In fact, it regularly makes national lists as one of the best places in the country for autumn foliage. Pamela and I were fortunate enough to be able to enjoy it again this year and it did not disappoint. In fact, even though we've been through the canyon every fall we've lived in Rapid City, it's equally breathtaking each and every time.
This is, however, the first time we've hiked in the canyon during peak color. It's not that you need to go hiking to enjoy the leaves. Just driving through is a memorable experience. The benefit is being surrounded by nature - the sights, the sounds, the feel - without the disruption of dozens of cars, motorcycles, and tour buses.
Not surprisingly, Little Spearfish Trail was wonderful. It started off a little rough and rocky compared to others we've hiked, but before long it evened out a bit.There is one place where the trail crosses the forest service road and continues a few yards to the right. In keeping with our "tradition" when hiking in Spearfish Canyon, we went left instead and had to eventually turn around. Thankfully, we didn't go nearly as far in the wrong direction as we did when we hiked Rimrock. There were several places where the trail split, and we were often a little unsure which way to go, but in most cases the trails reconvened a short distance down.
What was surprising was how much we climbed during this hike. The slope was quite gradual most of the time and not very challenging. According to our stats, we actually gained more elevation on this hike than on the way to Harney Peak, but this was infinitely easier. Perhaps the scenery helped make the ascent less noticeable. In any case, it was a comfortable and pleasant trek.
I must say that although some of the photos turned out pretty nicely, it is impossible to justly capture the splendor of the area this time of year. As the sun streamed through the trees, the yellow leaves lit up like a most magnificent Lite Brite. As I've mentioned before, one of my favorite effects of the Black Hills is the contrast you can often find. A glowing aspen among a background of dark ponderosas was absolutely striking. But in this instance, the most incredible sights were the groves with a brightness that rivaled that of the sun itself.
Our book indicated that a portion of Little Spearfish Trial made its way through prime elk territory. At one point, Pamela - who always leads our hikes - stopped dead in her tracks and whispered she saw an animal of some kind ahead. I caught a glimpse of it and thought it was a deer. Oh no.....it was a cow. We're still waiting to see our first wild elk in the Hills.
If you have the opportunity to come visit Spearfish Canyon in the early autumn, I highly suggest you take advantage of it. I promise, you will be glad you did. And if you want more than the typical tourist experience, consider hiking this trail. You'll quickly see why Pamela and I - and many, many others - keep going back year after year.
This is, however, the first time we've hiked in the canyon during peak color. It's not that you need to go hiking to enjoy the leaves. Just driving through is a memorable experience. The benefit is being surrounded by nature - the sights, the sounds, the feel - without the disruption of dozens of cars, motorcycles, and tour buses.
Not surprisingly, Little Spearfish Trail was wonderful. It started off a little rough and rocky compared to others we've hiked, but before long it evened out a bit.There is one place where the trail crosses the forest service road and continues a few yards to the right. In keeping with our "tradition" when hiking in Spearfish Canyon, we went left instead and had to eventually turn around. Thankfully, we didn't go nearly as far in the wrong direction as we did when we hiked Rimrock. There were several places where the trail split, and we were often a little unsure which way to go, but in most cases the trails reconvened a short distance down.
What was surprising was how much we climbed during this hike. The slope was quite gradual most of the time and not very challenging. According to our stats, we actually gained more elevation on this hike than on the way to Harney Peak, but this was infinitely easier. Perhaps the scenery helped make the ascent less noticeable. In any case, it was a comfortable and pleasant trek.
I must say that although some of the photos turned out pretty nicely, it is impossible to justly capture the splendor of the area this time of year. As the sun streamed through the trees, the yellow leaves lit up like a most magnificent Lite Brite. As I've mentioned before, one of my favorite effects of the Black Hills is the contrast you can often find. A glowing aspen among a background of dark ponderosas was absolutely striking. But in this instance, the most incredible sights were the groves with a brightness that rivaled that of the sun itself.
Our book indicated that a portion of Little Spearfish Trial made its way through prime elk territory. At one point, Pamela - who always leads our hikes - stopped dead in her tracks and whispered she saw an animal of some kind ahead. I caught a glimpse of it and thought it was a deer. Oh no.....it was a cow. We're still waiting to see our first wild elk in the Hills.
If you have the opportunity to come visit Spearfish Canyon in the early autumn, I highly suggest you take advantage of it. I promise, you will be glad you did. And if you want more than the typical tourist experience, consider hiking this trail. You'll quickly see why Pamela and I - and many, many others - keep going back year after year.
Total Distance: 8.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,407 feet
Max. Elevation: 6,347 feet
Total Time: 2 hours, 51 minutes
Moving Time: 2 hours, 13 minutes
Average Moving Speed: 2.8 mph
I loved views like this - a dark, shadowed ridge with a blaze of bright yellow coming up behind it.
You can't know what this truly looks like until you've been there.
This is my perfect happy place.
The last mile was less than spectacular. Pondersosas, dry grass, and an icky section of Little Spearfish Creek provided a lackluster finish to our hike.
It's an elk! It's a deer! It's.....a cow.
