Discover Wyoming’s Unexpected Fall Experiences

Fall is right around the corner, and with Wyoming’s higher elevations and cooler temperatures, fall foliage and festivities start even sooner than most destinations. During this shoulder season, Wyoming offers visitors memorable experiences beyond leaf peeping. Soak in rejuvenating mineral hot springs in Thermopolis, explore along scenic trails in places like Bighorn National Forest and discover authentic Western culture through events lie Fort Bridger Mountain Man Rendezvous and Rebel Ranch’s Tea and Tatanka.

The best part? Visitors can enjoy all of these activities without the rush of the crowds.

Unexpected Fall Foliage

Welch Ranch | Visit Sheridan

When traveling to Wyoming in the fall, the colorful foliage is an added bonus to activities and events that visitors come to experience. Aspen groves light up the mountain ranges and valleys with breathtaking hues of yellows and oranges. Along riverbanks, other deciduous trees, like cottonwoods, put their fall colors on display.

Depending on the elevation, fall colors typically begin as early as the first week of September (higher elevations) and as late as the end of October (lower elevations).

Here are a few must-see hikes and drives for the best fall colors:

Bighorn National Forest – This forest sits in northeastern Wyoming and is a perfect place to take in fall foliage. Explore trails in Welch Ranch Recreation Area along the Bighorn River or opt for a canyon drive along Cloud Peak Skyway Scenic Byway in the comfort of your own vehicle.

Tie Hack Trail | Discover Carbon County

Medicine Bow National Forest – Another top spot to experience fall colors is in southeast Wyoming’s Medicine Bow National Forest. Tie Hack Trail outside of Encampment, WY, offers soothing sounds of North French Creek complemented by the sights of golden aspens popping out against the pine trees. Take in the fall colors along the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, winding through the national forest and unmatched views of the Snowy Range.
Bridger-Teton National Forest – Near Jackson, WY, discover the glow of the aspens against the backdrop of rugged mountain peaks. South of town, drive Hoback Canyon for an epic view of the changing leaves. Stop off at a designated pullout, like Lunch Rock, to snap a photo and capture the moment and colors.

Hot Springs

Saratoga Hot Springs Resort | Wyoming Office of Tourism

Another way to experience fall colors while also keeping warm in the cooler temperatures is a relaxing soak in Wyoming’s hot springs. In Wyoming, there are three primary destinations with established hot spring facilities:

Saratoga – This small Wyoming town is home to a free-entry bathhouse, open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Also in Saratoga, visitors can find the historic Saratoga Hot Springs Resort which has a large hot spring pool, a hot tub and four tipi-covered pools.
Thermopolis – Hot Springs State Park boasts mineral soaking pools surrounded by rainbow terraces, a bison herd and a scenic swinging bridge. This includes the TePee Pools as well as the free and open-to-the-public Wyoming State Bath House.
Jackson – Astoria Hot Springs features five hot pools along the Snake River, offering a peaceful place to unwind on a crisp fall day. Located about an hour outside of Jackson, Granite Hot Springs offers breathtaking mountain scenery and the soothing sounds of Granite Creek.

Fall Flavors and Festivities

Rebel Ranch | Visit Laramie

Ring in the season with fresh flavors and festivities of fall. From traditional pumpkin patches, family-friendly events and local bites, there’s something for every type of traveler in Wyoming.

Afternoon Tea & Tatanka – Rebel Ranch in Laramie, WY, is hosting its first year of Afternoon Tea and Tatanka on Tuesdays and Thursdays until September 17. This exclusive event features tea, charcuterie and locally made fare complemented by an educational bison viewing experience.

Ellis’ Harvest Home | Stephanie Bayne Wilson

Ellis’ Harvest Home – A local’s favorite way to ring in the fall spirit and its offerings extend far beyond a pumpkin patch. Starting August 29, Flowers on the Farm kicks off the season with three weekends of flower picking and live music. Family-owned and operated, Ellis’ is home to Wyoming’s oldest corn maze (America’s 250th themed this year), a petting zoo, jumping pillows and home-cooked treats.
Powell Agriculture Tours – Travelers interested in learning where their food comes from can enjoy an agricultural tour through the Powell Chamber of Commerce. During the fall harvest season, the tours stop at farms such as Arrowhead Alpacas, Enchantment Creek Apothecary and Wyoming Heritage Grains.

Wyoming Exclusive

Fort Bridger Mountain Man Rendezvous | Wyoming Office of Tourism

In Wyoming, there are experiences visitors just can’t find elsewhere. This fall, discover what makes Wyoming a standout destination through Western cultural events, new mountain adventures and hands-on dino digs that the whole family can enjoy.

Fort Bridger Mountain Man Rendezvous – Annually during the first weekend of September, one of the largest mountain man gatherings in the nation happens at Wyoming’s Fort Bridger State Historic Site. The four-day event celebrates the trading and festivities that occurred between 1825 and 1840 during the Rocky Mountain Rendezvous era. Event goers can shop for homemade goods, enjoy live entertainment, watch mountain man contests and dress in period-appropriate attire.
New! Via Ferrata Routes – The new guided Via Ferrata climbing routes at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s world-famous Corbet’s Couloir continue to challenge guests through October 4.
New! Sheridan’s Dinosaur digs – Join the Natural History Museum of Wyoming in a hands-on dinosaur digging adventure. Guests have the opportunity to unearth a variety of fossils such as Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus, Edmontosaurus, turtle and stingray.

Discover Wyoming’s Unexpected Fall Experiences

Unexpected Fall Foliage

Hot Springs

Fall Flavors and Festivities

Wyoming Exclusive

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