Wyoming’s byways are pristine alleyways through the state’s fall landscape, where deciduous beauties dressed in shades of yellow, gold and red flourish among crisp autumn air and cooler temperatures.
Looking for some incredible fall drives in Wyoming? Below is a list of a few scenic byways to view the state’s best autumn foliage.
1. Beartooth Scenic Highway
LENGTH: 68 miles
Wind through Shoshone National Forest for breathtaking views of the morphing aspens in late September. Beartooth Scenic Highway is Wyoming’s highest paved road. The byway starts in Montana and runs into the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
Motorists can access the route in Wyoming via the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway.
Must-See Local Stops:
For one of the best fall road trips in the West, be sure to take the highway to the famous Top of the World Store or stand in the center of everything at The 45th Parallel on the Wyoming-Montana border. Then, enjoy the quieter side of Yellowstone National Park as you explore its many natural wonders among a smaller autumn crowd.
2. Cloud Peak Skyway
LENGTH: 47 miles
Gain views of the Bighorn Mountains framed by yellow- and gold-hued aspens on the Cloud Peak Skyway, the southernmost route across Bighorn National Forest. Access the byway at Ten Sleep from the west or Buffalo from the east for a scenic fall drive through this beautiful part of Wyoming.
Must-See Local Stops
Stop and marvel at Buffalo’s Historic Occidental Hotel or wander through ancient foliage at Dry Creek Petrified Forest along your journey. Enjoy a drink and stunning views of the Bighorns at Ten Sleep Brewing Company, and follow it up with a filling meal at Ten Sleep Saloon & Steakhouse.
Cruise into Worland to learn about the Big Horn Basin’s paleontology and archaeology at the Washakie Museum & Cultural Center, then take in the cool autumn air at Gooseberry Badlands Scenic Overlook Trail.
3. Black Hills Scenic Byway
LENGTH: 78 miles
A mix of evergreen and deciduous trees in Black Hills National Forest facilitates a dark green landscape splashed with pockets of bright color. The byway rests at the western gateway to the sprawling Black Hills, a small mountain range that extends from western South Dakota to Wyoming.
Rolling native grass prairies and opportunities to encounter roaming wildlife also contribute to the scenic fall drive.
Must-See Local Stops
Take a break from the road and hike Serenity Trail, a 3-mile loop off Hwy-85 near Newcastle. Then, take a stunning fall drive beyond to explore the Sundance White Ranch Park, or press on about 30 minutes beyond to the incomparable Devils Tower National Monument.
4. Flaming Gorge – Green River Basin Scenic Byway
LENGTH: 100 miles
From tree-studded mountain peaks to high desert and open-shrub vegetation, Flaming Gorge – Green River Basin Scenic Byway is among the best fall road trips, providing an excellent sampling of autumn’s colorful effect on Wyoming’s diverse landscapes.
To access this scenic fall drive, jump on the route just west of Rock Springs. Be sure to keep your eye out for herds of mule deer, pronghorn and wild horses along the way.
Must-See Local Stops
While in the area, stop for a hike or views of the gorge in Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Drive into Rock Springs to check out their main street and stop for a beer at Bitter Creek Brewing. Travel on to Green River and take a voyage offshore to explore Expedition Island, or drive out about a half hour to visit the Buckboard Marina, the only pier on the gorge.
5. Red Gulch/Alkali Scenic Backway
LENGTH: 32 miles
Encounter an area rich in geologic history and beauty on this road less traveled, running through a primarily unpaved section of the Big Horn Basin. This scenic fall drive includes Red Gulch Road, where you can see the red hills of the 230-million-year-old Chugwater Formation, the 13,000-foot Bighorn Mountains and country inhabited by Paleo-Indian mammoth hunters 12,000 years ago — all framed by fiery-colored prairie.
Must-See Local Stops
Make plans to stretch your legs at Shell Falls near Shell, Wyoming, where a short walk brings you to a 120-foot waterfall. While the Shell Falls Interpretive Center and Museum closes in mid-September, the waterfall can be accessed year-round. On the other side of Bighorn National Forest, stop at Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site near Hyattville to see over 10,000 years of history through petroglyphs and Native American artifacts.
Take the short jaunt to the Historic Hotel Greybull and its on-site restaurant, The Speakeasy, for an evening meal or a place to rest on your fall drive.
6. Star Valley Scenic Byway
LENGTH: 80 miles
Snow-capped mountain peaks and reflective lakes facilitate Star Valley‘s supremely scenic fall drive. Climb Salt River Canyon and Salt River Pass, and complete your journey at the summit of Snake River Canyon to see Mother Nature’s glowing fall display from 7,610 feet.
Must-See Local Stops
Be sure to stop in Afton to see the World’s Largest Elkhorn Arch or enjoy a pastoral experience at Shumway Farms. For a truly Western place to take a break from the road, don’t miss out on an overnight at the Kodiak Mountain Resort.
Stop by the Pop Shop for a cold drink and some road snacks, then head to the nearby Periodic Springs for a hike featuring one of only three springs in the world with a flow that starts and stops at predictable intervals.
Experience Fall Like Never Before
To discover more ways to enjoy fall in the Cowboy State, see a complete list of scenic byways and backways in Wyoming, and don’t forget to check out our podcast.
