15 Ways to See Fall Colors in Wyoming
Between late September and early October, the wild Wyoming landscape transforms itself from the greens and browns of summer into a dazzling panorama of red, orange and yellow. It’s a sight as beautiful as it is ephemeral, irresistibly beckoning us to an autumn adventure in the great outdoors. From childhood favorites to exciting new experiences, the changing of the seasons means a chance to get out and enjoy fall activities, from hiking and biking to hot air balloon rides, horseback adventures and plenty of family-friendly festivities. Read on for a Wild West-approved roundup of the best ways to enjoy fall colors in Wyoming.
1. Attend a Wyoming Fall Festival
From the smell of crisp, fall air to the crunch of leaves underfoot, there is nothing quite like an outdoor autumn festival. Music, art, craft brews and classic harvest season flavors—Wyoming’s eclectic festival lineup offers a little something for just about everyone.
Top Wyoming Fall Festivals:
Celebrate artwork inspired by the natural world at the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival. Treat yourself to live music and family-friendly games at the Hay Days Fall Festival at historic Vee Bar Guest Ranch in Centennial. Sip the season’s best local brews at Casper Oktoberfest, or savor Mediterranean flavor (with a distinctly Western twist) at the Cheyenne Greek Festival.
WY Like a Local:
Wyoming’s small towns go big on Western hospitality, so don’t just pass through. Show our communities some love by supporting locally owned businesses when visiting, dining and exploring the Cowboy State.
2. Go for a Scenic Fall Drive
Picture this: hilly, winding roads snaking, climbing and weaving their way through an otherworldly landscape awash in shades of gold and crimson. Wyoming’s 21 scenic byways offer the perfect way to experience the state’s wide-open spaces this autumn for anyone ready to answer the call of the open road.
Top Wyoming Fall Drives:
Catch breathtaking views of the aspen leaves of Shoshone National Forest along Beartooth Scenic Highway, Wyoming’s highest paved road. Cruise along the picturesque Flaming Gorge – Green River Basin Scenic Byway, where tree-studded mountain peaks morph into high desert. Or ignite your wanderlust with this roundup of six incredible fall road trips along Wyoming’s scenic byways.
Know Before You Go:
Weather conditions can change quickly this season. Before heading out, check the forecast and make sure your vehicle is in proper working order. Always obey posted speed limits, and use pullouts to watch wildlife, take pictures and let other cars pass. In a state this wide-open and wild, service stations can be few and far between, so set out with a full tank and remember to fill up when you can.
3. Embark on a Fall Bike Ride
When it comes to finding the season’s most colorful autumn views, nothing beats an adventure on two wheels. And here in the Cowboy State, you’ll have no shortage of terrain to explore—miles of mountain bike trails intertwine throughout Wyoming’s state forests and parks, so riders can get a workout along with their fall foliage fix.
Top Travel Tip:
Head to the Happy Jack Recreation Area near Laramie to access a sprawling network of single- and double-track trails that lace in and out of golden aspen glades and fir trees. Looking for a rental before you hit the trails? Check out Pedal House Bike Shop and get the perfect ride for you.
4. Hit the Trails, ATV-Style
Between the small Wyoming towns of Baggs and Encampment, you’ll find Aspen Alley. This mile-long aisle of towering aspens mesh together, creating a colorful canopy above the dirt road . Although stunning year-round, the late-September leaves turn an especially impressive shade of neon yellow. The Continental Divide Trail is only a few miles away, so you can make a loop connecting the Divide trails to Aspen Alley for the perfect fall trip.
Know Before You Go:
Wyoming requires off-road vehicle permits for all enrolled roads, routes and designated ORV trails. You can purchase your permit online at a cost of $15, or at one of several in-person locations throughout the state.
5. Experience Fall Sightseeing on Horseback
Nothing embodies Wyoming’s authentic Western spirit like an excursion on horseback. So saddle up, hit the trails and take in all that awe-inspiring autumn scenery as you listen to the soft sound of hooves shuffling through freshly fallen leaves.
Where to Ride:
Dubbed the “horse forest”, Shoshone National Forest is home to more than 1,300 miles of rugged trails, most of them accessible only by foot or horse. Experience the season in all its colorful glory with a ride along the Beartooth Loop Trail or the North Fork Trail. The forest is also home to the Shoshone Wild Horse Territory, a designated sanctuary for wild horses.
Top Travel Tip:
Nothing says fall like the smell of crisp morning air and… is that bacon? Many outfitters offer early morning rides that end with an authentic cowboy breakfast, complete with flapjacks and strong, black coffee. Find the perfect horseback guide for your autumn adventure here.
6. Witness Autumn from an Aerial Tram
With seemingly endless miles of scenic roads and trails, it can be easy to overlook one of the best ways to experience fall in Wyoming: from 4,000 feet up. Ride the famous 100-passenger Jackson Hole Aerial Tram from Teton Village to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain for a bird’s eye view of the vibrant colors below. Passengers are treated to a panorama of the arboreal diversity of Grand Teton National Park, and may also catch a glimpse of our resident bears, moose, eagles or deer.
Beyond that, don’t miss a new aerial experience in Jackson: Snow King Mountain’s scenic gondola rides. Climb aboard an eight-person gondola with 360-degree views of the Tetons, the National Elk Refuge and even Yellowstone National Park on a clear day. The unforgettable five-minute ride ascends a dizzying 1,600 feet to the top of Snow King Mountain.
Top Travel Tip:
Tasty treats await adventurers at the summit, no matter which aerial experience you choose. On Snow King Mountain, the Coffee Corner offers a selection of specialty drinks, pastries and sandwiches to enjoy at the adjacent Panorama House along with the view. On Rendezvous Mountain, Corbet's Cabin is a must-visit destination for world-famous waffles—just one taste and you’ll be feeling on top of the world.
7. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Does anything make for a more picture-perfect fall activity than hunting for your very own Great Pumpkin? Whether you’re carving, cooking or simply setting them outside to welcome the season, Wyoming is an excellent place to have some family fun in a good old-fashioned pumpkin patch.
Top Wyoming Pumpkin Patches:
Browse an amazing selection of pumpkins of all shapes and sizes at SonHarvest Seasons in Riverton. Visit Koltiska Pumpkin Patch in Sheridan to feed farm animals, enjoy a snack of fresh-cut fries and find that perfect jack-o-lantern. Or stop by Ellis Harvest Home in Lingle, where you can get blissfully lost in a corn maze.
Family-Friendly Highlight:
Celebrate the harvest season in a frightfully historic location at the Annual Kids Pumpkin Walk. Held on the first Saturday in October at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site, this family-friendly fall event includes a pumpkin patch, straw maze, “trunk or treating” and much more.
8. Get Active on a Fall Hike
Wyoming’s vast network of trails crisscross more than 18 million acres of public lands, offering breathtaking views in just about every season—but fall just might be our favorite. From mid to late September, the aspen trees trade their green foliage for hues of vibrant gold, transforming the landscape into a dazzling autumnal scene.
Where to See Fall Colors in Wyoming:
A popular spot for leaf-peeping in the great outdoors, Medicine Bow Peak Loop is a moderately challenging seven-mile hike with an elevation gain of more than 1,500 feet. Set out from the West Lake Marie trailhead within Medicine Bow National Forest. The switchbacks lead you out of lower meadows, through golden pine and aspen groves, eventually climbing above the tree line to an elevation of 11,500 feet. The reward for your hard work is a picturesque panorama of the Snowy, Sierra Madre and Park ranges from the aptly named Lookout Lake. After you’ve conquered the peaks, soothe your weary legs and shake off the fall chill with a leisurely hot spring soak in nearby Saratoga.
Know Before You Go:
In Wyoming’s wild places, it could be a while before you come upon a trash can or a restroom, so plan ahead and be prepared. Be sure to bring your own garbage bags and “pack out” any trash with you when you leave, including pet waste.
9. Take a Leisurely Fall Stroll
Conquering rugged mountain peaks isn’t the only way to enjoy bucket list-worthy fall scenery in Wyoming. For those who prefer leaf-peeping at a more leisurely pace, Bear River State Park offers 1.2 miles of paved pathways, plus another three miles of packed-gravel trails, perfect for families and beginner hikers. The park is home to the striking white bison and a small herd of elk. Grasslands surround the colorful aspens, blue spruce, lodgepole pine and cottonwood trees that grow along the park’s namesake river.
Fun Fact:
Bear River State Park’s paved trail network connects to the Bear River Greenway, taking you right into downtown Evanston. Stroll along the charming, small-town streets, or stop in at Bon Rico Steakhouse to refuel before your next adventure.
10. Explore Historic Ghost Towns
There’s more to autumn in the Cowboy State than wilderness vistas painted in shades of red and gold. Fall also marks the return of spooky season—and what better way to celebrate than by visiting one of Wyoming’s ghost towns? Founded during the heyday of America’s westward expansion, these long-abandoned mining and railroad hubs offer a glimpse into the state’s pioneer past, complete with old graveyards, original log structures and worn-out wagon ruts.
Top Wyoming Ghost Towns:
Nestled along the Wood River near Meeteetse, the gold-rush town of Kirwin once boasted 38 buildings and about 200 residents. It was abandoned in the early 20th century, but many of its dilapidated buildings are still standing today.
Another artifact of the gold rush, South Pass City was founded in 1867; a decade on, the settlement sat largely abandoned as work at the nearby Clarissa Mine dwindled. Today, it’s a state historical site with more than 20 authentically restored structures.
Top Travel Tip:
From May through October, Kirwin Ghost Town Adventures offers self-guided ATV tours with everything you need for an autumn ghost town adventure, from portable grills to satellite GPS communicators. Get behind the wheel of a rugged, open-air vehicle and take in the fall colors from a whole new vantage point on the scenic 2.5-hour ride into Kirwin.
11. Take a Fall Boat Ride
There’s something so relaxing about a day spent on the water, especially in a place like Keyhole State Park. Nestled on the western edge of the Black Hills within view of Devils Tower National Monument, the peaceful park is a popular destination for boating, fishing, bird-watching and (in the autumn months) leaf peeping. If you manage to take your eyes off the breathtaking foliage, you might also spot some antelope, deer or wild turkeys.
Know Before You Go:
Boat rentals can be booked online through the Keyhole Marina in Moorcroft. The state of Wyoming does not require a boating license to drive a boat, but if you need a quick lesson, marina staff are on hand to help beginner boaters learn the ropes.
Fun Fact:
Keep your eyes peeled for Plains Cottonwood trees, which grow in abundance in Keyhole State Park and turn a breathtaking gold color each fall. The state tree of Wyoming, they have been known to reach heights of up to 100 feet, with trunks up to nine feet in diameter.
12. Soar Above the Treetops in a Hot Air Balloon
Take your autumn adventure to new heights (literally) on a hot air balloon adventure over Grand Teton National Park, the Bridger-Teton National Forest and the Snake River. From up here, you’ll be able to spot Yellowstone Plateau, Teton Village and seven majestic mountain ranges. The vibrant colors of fall trees bathed in the pastel shades of a Wyoming sunrise will take your breath away during your early morning balloon ride.
Fun Fact:
While altitudes can vary significantly depending on the weather conditions of the day, riders can expect to reach heights of anywhere between 1,500 to 4,000 feet above the ground.
Know Before You Go:
This high up, temperatures can vary, especially in the autumn season. Be sure to dress in layers and wear comfortable, sturdy footwear suitable for hiking.
13. Take a Wagon Ride on the Oregon Trail
One of the best ways to experience fall colors is by doing what the pioneers did. On the Oregon Trail near Casper, visitors can enjoy the same scenery as frontiersmen of the 1800s. Take an authentic horse-drawn wagon ride through the valleys and buttes of the central Wyoming section and get a dose of history, too.
Fun Fact:
The pioneers had a tradition of carving their names, hometowns and dates of passage on stone landmarks along the journey west. One of the best examples of this is Independence Rock, a 128-foot granite outcropping dubbed the “Register of the Desert.”
Know Before You Go:
Book ahead to avoid disappointment—Historic Trails West offers family-friendly wagon treks, pony express rides and auto tours seasonally from May through October.
14. Go Wildlife Watching
Elk, bighorn sheep, bison and other Wyoming wildlife are in rut during the fall, meaning you’re more likely to see them. The start of the autumn migration season is also a reason for animals to be more active, giving visitors even more chances to glimpse them in their natural habitat.
Top Spots for Fall Wildlife Watching:
Schedule a wildlife tour at the National Bighorn Sheep Center in Dubois, or with several guide services available in the Jackson and Yellowstone areas for the best chance to see some of Wyoming’s most famed wildlife.
Wildlife Safety Tips:
Keeping Wyoming’s wildlife wild and free starts with keeping your distance. For their safety and yours, be sure to stay at least 25 yards from bison or elk, and at least 100 yards from bears and wolves.
15. Fish Wyoming’s Rivers and Streams
A fly fishing expedition is one of the best opportunities to enjoy the autumn foliage here in Wyoming. In addition to boasting peak fall colors, October is prime fishing time around these parts. Ask any local angler and they’ll tell you that nothing beats the rhythm of casting your line in the crisp fall air, surrounded by the season's most spectacular scenery.
Top Spots for Fall Fly Fishing:
Brown trout spawn during this time of year, making the Miracle Mile near Casper and other portions of the North Platte River a must-fish. Other prime spots include the Salt River near Jackson, the Green River near Rock Springs and the lower Encampment River near Encampment.
Know Before You Go:
Before setting out, be sure to familiarize yourself with Wyoming’s fishing regulations, creel limits and state licensing requirements.
Plan a Vibrant Fall Adventure in Wyoming
From boat rides to wagon rides to soaring hot air balloon tours, Wyoming offers plenty of ways to make the most of fall’s fleeting spectacle. Request your copy of our official travel guide, and get ready to experience the last bastion of the West in living color this fall.
