Wyoming Fall Media Release - Venture beyond the crowded destinations this fall and discover a different side of the season in Wyoming, where breathtaking scenery meets authentic Western culture. Imagine vibrant aspen trees set against a backdrop of the jagged peaks of the Wind River Range. Ride horseback in the crisp autumn air through sagebrush-covered landscapes at a historic dude ranch like Triangle X Ranch. Here, the fall season offers a chance to connect with nature and history on another level.
Whether you're weaving through a corn maze in Lingle, attending a fall festival in Laramie or experiencing the thrill of a haunted historic site like South Pass City — this shoulder season is the perfect time to plan a trip to Wyoming.
Fall Colors
Add Wyoming to your bucket list this fall and experience breathtaking landscapes decorated in hues of reds, yellows and oranges. The optimal viewing time for fall foliage is September through mid-October. Wildlife also tend to be more active in the fall, so keep an eye out as you explore.
Sierra Madre Range: In south central Wyoming, the Sierra Madre Mountain Range is a perfect option for those seeking fall foliage. The aspen groves stand out against the backdrop of pines, making for a beautiful contrast of colors. Aspen Alley in Encampment, Wyoming, is a local favorite for a scenic fall drive or walk.
Fall foliage in Tongue River Canyon. (Courtesy of Visit Sheridan)
Bighorn Range: Located along the Wyoming-Montana border, the Bighorn Mountains are another ideal spot for leaf peeping. This mountain range encompasses 1,200 miles of hiking trails and three scenic byways. Opt for a day hike or rent a mountain bike from an outfitter in Sheridan, Wyoming, and witness the beautiful tones of fall as you weave your way along a dirt path. Alternatively, take a drive on the Bighorn Scenic Byway and enjoy the stunning colors of the aspen and deciduous trees.
Wind River Range: In west central Wyoming, the majestic Wind River Mountain Range stands as a premier destination to visit as the weather begins to cool down. Take in all of the angles of the golden aspens as you stroll along the trails in Sinks Canyon State Park. Fall is also one of the best times for fishing. Take advantage of the opportunity and fly fish for a variety of trout on the Popo Agie River, with colorful trees lining the riverbank as your backdrop.
Discover more ways to view fall colors in Wyoming.
Fall Festivities
Gather your crew and head to a Wyoming pumpkin patch or fall festival to welcome the season. You'll find a genuine taste of the harvest, offering more than just pumpkins. Take in the scenery on a classic hayrack ride, choose from a variety of activities all ages can enjoy and savor local treats that truly taste like fall. It's a chance to make new traditions with family and friends and experience autumn the Wyoming way.
Ellis' Harvest Home: In Wyoming's southeast corner, visitors are invited to experience the magic of the fall season at Ellis' Harvest Home in Lingle, Wyoming. Weave your way through a corn maze (in the shape of Bigfoot this year), choose your favorite pumpkin from the patch, visit the petting zoo, devour savory bites and sweet treats at the Feed Bunk and Bean Bin and more. Ellis' is open through Halloween.
Kids riding on the trackless train at David Street Station's Fall Fest in 2019. (Courtesy of David Street Station)
Fall Fest at David Street Station (Sept. 27): In the heart of Casper, Wyoming, the Fall Fest is returning to David Street Station. Free to attend, join in on a day of lively entertainment with train rides, local vendors selling goods and foods, live music, games, crafts, face painting and pumpkins for picking.
Laramie Hay Company Fall Festival (Oct. 12): This October, bring the whole crew out to Laramie Hay Company's Fall Festival for a day loaded with family fun and entertainment. Experience pony rides and hayrides, a hay maze, games, local food trucks, a goat petting zoo and more. To top it off, kids get to take home a pumpkin, free of charge! Funds raised from the festival will go to benefit the local FFA chapter.
Haunting Events
Those looking to explore a spookier side of Wyoming this season can experience the ultimate thrill by taking part in an event made just for that! Choose from a variety of haunting events across the Cowboy State this October.
Golds, Guns & Alibis (Oct. 4): Help solve the murder mystery of George McOmie in a game of Clue at the South Pass City State Historic Site. McOmie, who was once an actual resident of South Pass City during its gold mining days, was murdered out front of one of the buildings that still stands to this day. After solving the case, the evening continues at the Miner's Exchange Saloon with historic cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. For tickets, visit the South Pass City website.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West will host its Haunted Halls exclusive tours for two days this October.
Haunted Halls at Buffalo Bill Center of the West (Oct. 11 & 14): For two days this October, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming, will host the spine-tingling Haunted Halls Exclusive Tours & Tales event. The Smithsonian affiliate — which houses five museums under one roof — invites guests to join in on a night filled with both Western history and ghost stories. Seasoned paranormal investigators will be in attendance and real ghost-hunting equipment will be available for use. Tickets are can be purchased on the Buffalo Bill Center of the West website.
Haunted Halloween Tours at Wyoming Frontier Prison (Oct. 24, 25 & 31): The 124-year-old Wyoming Frontier Prison in Rawlins, Wyoming, was the state's first penitentiary. Through its 80 years of operation, the prison saw over 13,500 inmates come through its doors — including several outlaws like the infamous Butch Cassidy. For three nights this October, guests are invited to visit the Frontier Prison after hours in an exclusive Haunted Halloween tour for a night of frightening tales. Tickets can be purchased online starting September 29 on the Wyoming Frontier Prison website.
Discover more events across Wyoming.
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