Early Color Change Draws Sightseers To Western SD

Word that fall colors were peaking in Spearfish Canyon have prompted sightseers from across the country to visit winding U.S. Highway 14.

Popular spots such as Bridal Veil Falls and Roughlock Falls were packed with tourists over the weekend. A similar crush could follow this weekend.

The roadways were clogged with people snapping photographs of the Canyon's deep greens, golden yellows and fiery reds.

Marge Beetdner of Laurel, Mont., tells the newspaper that the area is "gorgeous."

Retired conservationist Jerry Boyer has kept track of the fall color change in Spearfish Canyon for more than 20 years. He urges sightseers and nature fans to get to the Canyon as soon as possible because the deciduous trees soon will drop their colorful leaves.