Spearfish Canyonwildflowers
Out of season: the next wildflowers season is in 2027.
Right now in Spearfish Canyon · September
- Spearfish Canyon campgrounds' peak season · May–Sep
- Aspens change in Spearfish Canyon · Sep
215days to the next wildflowers seasonMay 1–Jul 10, Two Forest Service viewing areas: White Spring's early flowers May to June, Crow Peak Trail at its best mid-June to early July
Next 7 days
No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 12:26 PM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Black Hills National Forest through the year
- Spearfish Canyon campgrounds' peak seasonNowMay–Sep
- Wildflowers at White Spring and Crow PeakMay–Jul
- Aspens change in Spearfish CanyonNowSep
- Timon and Rod & Gun campgrounds closedDec–May
Best spots around Black Hills National Forest
- Crow Peak Trail3.2 miles one way near Spearfish, climbing to 5,760 ft; arrowleaf balsamroot in mid-June
- White Spring Area (Redbird Draw)A Black Hills montane grassland near Newcastle, Wyoming: early flowers May–June, gentians in late August
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: White Spring Area (Black Hills National Forest) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Crow Peak Trail (Black Hills National Forest) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Timon Campground (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Spearfish Canyon (Black Hills National Forest) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Rod & Gun Campground (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak wildflowers in Black Hills National Forest in 2027?
Two Forest Service viewing areas: White Spring's early flowers May to June, Crow Peak Trail at its best mid-June to early July: May 1–Jul 10. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it blooming in Black Hills National Forest right now?
Not now: the wildflowers season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 215 days (May 1–Jul 10, Two Forest Service viewing areas: White Spring's early flowers May to June, Crow Peak Trail at its best mid-June to early July).
When is the best time?
At White Spring, early flowers such as prairie smoke and balsamroot come in May and June; on Crow Peak Trail the best viewing is mid-June to early July, depending on snowmelt.Sources: US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: White Spring Area (Black Hills National Forest) ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Crow Peak Trail (Black Hills National Forest) ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How do I reach Crow Peak Trail?
From Spearfish take FSR 214 (Higgins Gulch Road) about 7 miles to the trailhead. The trail is strenuous, 3.2 miles one way from 4,200 to 5,760 ft, with poison ivy low down and no water.Source: US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Crow Peak Trail (Black Hills National Forest) ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What weather should I expect?
Snow can fall as late as May and as early as September in the White Spring area, and late-summer storms can be violent.Source: US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: White Spring Area (Black Hills National Forest) ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Black Hills National Forest?
Crow Peak Trail: 3.2 miles one way near Spearfish, climbing to 5,760 ft; arrowleaf balsamroot in mid-June; White Spring Area (Redbird Draw): a Black Hills montane grassland near Newcastle, Wyoming: early flowers May–June, gentians in late August.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Black Hills National Forest?
Timon and Rod & Gun campgrounds closed (Dec–May).
What is Black Hills National Forest like through the year?
Spearfish Canyon campgrounds' peak season (May–Sep), Aspens change in Spearfish Canyon (Sep), Timon and Rod & Gun campgrounds closed (Dec–May) and Wildflowers at White Spring and Crow Peak (May–Jul).