A friend of mine subscribes to Outdoor Photographer magazine. Today, I happened to see the most recent (April 2010) issue sitting on the coffee table and was just casually flipping through it when I came across a nice surprise.

Spearfish Canyon is featured in the “favorite places” section of the magazine!

The article focuses mostly on the fantastic fall colors that light up the canyon every year. With the healthy mixture of spruce, ponderosa pine, birch, aspen and oak trees that fill Spearfish Canyon, it’s easy to understand why it is featured as a favorite place.

Autumn is obviously the most colorful time in the canyon, but it is an undeniable spectacle all year-round. Crystal clear Spearfish Creek flows across the canyon floor, cutting ever deeper the steep limestone cliffs that tower high above.

Wildlife is plentiful in Spearfish Canyon, although it sometimes shies away from the well-traveled Highway 14A that parallels the creek. Deer and smaller animals like squirrels, chipmunks and marmots are fairly common near the roadway and often pose just perfectly for photographers. Elk and a handful of mountain goats are scattered around the higher elevations of the Spearfish Canyon area, but they are seldom seen along the highway.

There are three easily accessible waterfalls in the canyon that make for some spectacular shots. Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Falls and Roughlock Falls are all visually dramatic falls that draw thousands of photographers each year. All three are clearly marked on most Black Hills visitor maps and and with roadside signs.

The article gave some tips and hints for how to best photograph Spearfish Canyon, including using a wide-angle zoom and a polarizing filter. The complete article can be read online at the Outdoor Photographer website.

Even for folks like me, who are not gifted with a photographic eye or a high-end camera, Spearfish Canyon is still a beautiful place to visit. My best advice – don’t be afraid to park your car and explore a little. Chances are you’ll love what you find.