Spearfish Canyon
Between Cheyenne Crossing and Spearfish, South Dakota


Spearfish1
This first photo may not seem very clear, but if you look closely, you'll see that the hill in the background is obscured by a morning fog. In both the photo and reality, the road continues upward while appearing to go downward. The ride is a 20-mile climb from outside Spearfish to Cheyenne Crossing. Of course, it's then a 20-mile coast back to the starting point. Most of these pictures were taken in late fall.
Spearfish2
In places, the canyon doesn't seem so deep.
Spearfish7
Beauty is where you find it.
Spearfish4
The creek carries more water than a lot of other Black Hills waterways.
Spearfish5
Warm sun, smooth road.
Spearfish3
Even this fast water is home to trout. In places where the creek slows, the water is often clear as glass, and the fish can be seen hanging suspended.
Spear6
Late fall in the afternoon. At the risk of trivializing the quiet beauty of this scene, I think this picture would make a good jigsaw puzzle.