Comfortable Fall Weather for Outdoor Adventure
September often brings cool mornings and mild afternoons, creating good conditions for exploring without the midsummer heat. Elevation makes a difference, though, and mountain weather can change quickly.
Valleys & Lower Elevations
Daytime highs often reach the mid-60s to low 70s°F. Mornings and evenings can drop into the 30s and 40s°F, so keep a warm layer close.
Mountain Passes & High Country
Expect colder conditions as elevation increases. Daytime highs often remain in the 40s and 50s°F, while nights can fall below freezing. Early snow is possible, particularly later in the month.
With those elevation differences in mind, September’s cooler temperatures are well suited to hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and scenic drives. Camping also remains popular throughout the month, though you will want to pack a cold-weather sleeping setup along with warm, insulating layers for chilly nights.
WY Responsibly Tip: Wyoming weather can change quickly, so come prepared. Check the forecast before heading out, pack layers and monitor trail and road conditions. You can find our full list of travel resources and alerts here.
Wyoming’s Fall Colors
During the shoulder season, a vibrant wave of fall color moves across Wyoming’s mountains and river valleys. Forests turn gold while cottonwoods brighten river corridors below. Against dark evergreens and wide-open skies, the changing leaves create some of the season’s most striking scenery.
Higher elevations are often the first to change, with golden aspens beginning to appear in early September before the season works its way into lower valleys and river corridors. That variation gives travelers more opportunities to catch the color throughout the month.
Where to See Peak Autumn Colors
Devils Tower National Monument
Amber grasses and autumn vegetation add seasonal color around Devils Tower National Monument, especially along the Tower Trail Loop.
Beartrap Meadow
Surrounded by changing trees and open mountain scenery, Beartrap Meadow on Casper Mountain is an easy-to-reach fall foliage stop above Casper.
Green River Lakes
Fall color lines the shores of Green River Lakes, where views of Squaretop Mountain rise above the landscape. Follow the Green River Lakes Loop beside the water for a closer look at the seasonal color beneath the surrounding peaks.
Discover more of Wyoming in full color with our guide to nine of the best places to see fall foliage.
Wildlife Watching Gets Even Better
September brings visible changes in wildlife behavior across Wyoming. Elk enter the rut while bears focus on feeding before winter. Other species begin seasonal movements as fall advances, making this a notable time for wildlife viewing across the state.
Keep an eye out for these peak seasonal behaviors and always maintain a safe distance while following local viewing guidelines.
Elk Bugling
Early autumn marks the annual elk rut, where bull elk compete for breeding groups with distinctive bugles. Prime spots to observe this behavior include places like Mammoth Hot Springs and Madison Junction.
Bears Preparing for Winter
As temperatures cool, black and grizzly bears enter hyperphagia, an intense feeding period that helps them build fat reserves for hibernation.
Pronghorn, Mule Deer and Moose
Pronghorn breeding season begins in mid-September, while moose mating activity peaks later in the month. Mule deer may also begin moving toward winter range as conditions change.
WY Responsibly Tip: A guided wildlife tour connects you with a local expert who can explain seasonal behavior and help you observe animals safely.
WY Responsibly: Protecting Yourself and Wildlife
Watching Wyoming’s wildlife comes with a responsibility to keep both visitors and animals safe. Follow these WY Responsibly guidelines whenever you observe wildlife:
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Keep Your Distance: Stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards from all other wildlife.
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Use Pullouts: Use designated pullouts to watch wildlife or take photos. Keep travel lanes clear so other vehicles can pass safely.
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Let Wildlife Stay Wild: Never approach, chase or feed animals. Giving wildlife room to roam keeps visitors safe and preserves the animals' natural behaviors.
Prime Photography Conditions
Changing autumn light and crisp mountain air make September a prime season for outdoor photography across Wyoming. With uncrowded overlooks and vibrant foliage, early fall offers every reason to pack your camera and explore behind the lens.
Extended Golden Hours
Later sunrises and earlier sunsets make golden-hour shoots easier to plan than they are in midsummer. In clear conditions, warm light brings out the color of aspen groves and adds depth to mountain landscapes.
Seasonal Wildlife Photography
Peak autumn behaviors, from bull elk during the rut to bears foraging before hibernation, provide incredible opportunities to capture wildlife moments from safe, respectful distances.
WY Responsibly Tip: When photographing wildlife, distance still comes first. Use a telephoto lens rather than moving closer to an animal to get a closer image.
Dark Sky Astrophotography
Earlier sunsets make it easier to plan an evening shoot. On clear, dry nights, the Milky Way can stand out above Wyoming’s open landscapes.
Plan your next autumn shoot with our guide to capturing Wyoming’s fall foliage.
Iconic Ways to Experience Wyoming in September
From hikes to seasonal harvest festivals, September unlocks an incredible variety of things to do in Wyoming. Beyond sightseeing, the season brings ideal weather for immersive backcountry adventures. Here are some of the best ways to experience Wyoming in September and where to go.
Autumn Hiking
Crisp daytime temperatures make fall hiking exceptionally pleasant while offering close-up views of changing aspens, river corridors and mountain landscapes.
Tie Hack Trail
Location: Encampment | Medicine Bow National Forest
Near Encampment, Tie Hack Trail follows North French Creek, where bright autumn leaves contrast dramatically against dark pine forests.
Welch Ranch Recreation Area
Location: Sheridan (Tongue River Corridor)
Welch Ranch spans more than 1,700 acres along the Tongue River. Follow its trails through open river country about 10 miles north of Sheridan.
Medicine Bow Peak
Location: Medicine Bow National Forest | Snowy Range Scenic Byway
For a more challenging route, hike Medicine Bow Peak Loop through alpine terrain in the Snowy Range. Check current conditions before setting out because early snow can reach the high country.
Scenic Drives
The month of September gives you a reason to take the longer road. Wyoming’s scenic byways connect mountain passes, historic communities and stretches of open country where the journey can be just as memorable as the destination.
Cloud Peak Skyway Scenic Byway
Location: Bighorn National Forest in the Bighorn Mountains
Drive Cloud Peak Skyway Scenic Byway to watch golden leaves frame dramatic canyon walls as the route cuts through Bighorn National Forest across the Bighorn Mountains.
Snowy Range Scenic Byway
Location: Between Laramie and Saratoga
Wind through the Medicine Bow National Forest on the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, with stunning fall color and sweeping views of the Snowy Range.
Beartooth Scenic Highway
Location: Northwest Wyoming
Take a cruise through the Shoshone National Forest on the Beartooth Scenic Highway toward the Beartooth Mountains for sweeping views and standout photography stops.
Map out your next road trip with our guide to six scenic fall drives across Wyoming.
Biking
Cover more ground on two wheels while taking in Wyoming’s changing fall landscapes, from forested trails to wide-open high-desert terrain.
Happy Jack Recreation Area
Location: Laramie
Ride a network of forested trails at Happy Jack Recreation Area located east of Laramie, where autumn brings cooler conditions and seasonal color.
Wilkins Peak Trail System
Location: Green River
Explore Wilkins Peak Trail System through Green River’s high-desert terrain. Check the trail map before choosing your route.
Curt Gowdy State Park
Location: Between Cheyenne and Laramie
Mountain bikers can explore more than 35 miles of trails at Curt Gowdy State Park, with routes ranging from easy to expert.
Travel Tip: Didn’t bring a bike along for the journey? Local adventure outfitters across Wyoming offer mountain, road and e-bike rentals.
Horseback Riding
Golden canopy trails create unmatched conditions for exploring the Cowboy State’s rugged backcountry on horseback.
Shoshone National Forest
Location: Northwest Wyoming
Book with a permitted outfitter to explore Shoshone National Forest and Dunoir Valley on horseback, following routes through mountain terrain and wildlife habitat.
Guest Ranches Across Wyoming
Location: Statewide
Guest and dude ranches across Wyoming offer guided trail rides and longer ranch stays. Many properties offer fall packages and some feature adults-only getaways for travelers seeking a quieter Western escape.
Travel Tip: Ask your outfitter about recommended clothing and footwear, expected weather conditions and ride difficulty before booking so you know what to expect.
Harvest Events and Experiences
September also brings a rich lineup of local events and cultural celebrations that highlight Wyoming's authentic Western heritage.
Ellis' Harvest Home
Location: Lingle
Ellis' Harvest Home is a family-run farm that has been growing pumpkins for more than 20 years and features a corn maze, pick-your-own pumpkins and other seasonal activities.
Powell Agriculture Tours
Location: Powell
Take a guided harvest-season tour through local farms like Arrowhead Alpacas, Enchantment Creek Apothecary and Wyoming Heritage Grains, where you can meet alpacas and learn about locally grown botanicals and heritage grains.
4th Annual Autumn Fest at Windy Creek Farm
Location: Cheyenne
Visit Windy Creek Farm for seasonal activities during its annual festival, held Saturdays and Sundays from September 26 through October 25, 2026 in Cheyenne.
Tips for Planning Your September Wyoming Vacation
A little preparation ensures a seamless autumn journey through Wyoming. Keep these practical tips in mind as you map out your trip.
1. Pack for Changing Weather
September weather in the West can range from warm, sunny days in the 70s to chilly mountain nights that dip near freezing. Pack layers that you can add or remove as conditions change.
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Base Layers: Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms can help keep you warm during morning hikes or early wildlife viewing.
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Insulating Layer: Bring a fleece or lightweight insulated jacket for cooler conditions.
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Weatherproof Shell: Pack a windproof, waterproof jacket for exposed mountain passes and sudden showers.
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Cold-Weather Accessories: Bring a warm hat, light gloves, scarf and wool hiking socks.
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Outdoor Essentials: Broken-in waterproof hiking boots, UV-blocking sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen (mountain sun is intense at high elevation), a refillable water bottle and bear spray.
2. Check Seasonal Schedules
After Labor Day, some visitor centers, campgrounds, tours and seasonal businesses may reduce their hours or begin closing for the season. Be sure to check operating schedules before you go, especially later in the month.
3. Monitor Road & Trail Conditions
Many Wyoming roads and scenic routes are typically still accessible in September, but mountain weather can change quickly and early snow is possible at higher elevations. Check current conditions through WYDOT and review trail conditions before heading into the backcountry.
4. Reserve Lodging in Advance
Even though crowds are lighter, popular gateway towns and guest ranches still see steady demand from fall travelers. Booking your accommodations ahead of time ensures you secure your preferred stops along your route.
