the best places to see fall in Wyoming
Don’t you just love the fall season?? I mean, who doesn’t crave cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes and of course, the breathtaking fall foliage. Which is why I could not pass up an opportunity to chase fall colors in Wyoming. I have family that lives here, which means I get an exclusive look into all the best spots outside of the popular National Parks found here. Fall in Wyoming is truly magical!
I have the inside scoop on all the secret spots that will make your fall-loving heart skip a beat. With the leaves turning and creating a kaleidoscope of colors, there’s no better time to plan a trip to Wyoming. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to plan the perfect Wyoming fall trip. I am about to make your fall dreams come true and share the 6 best secret spots to see fall in Wyoming and all these spots are DOG-FRIENDLY!
Looking to make some plans for fall? Wyoming may not be the first thing that pops into your mind, but trust me – it’s a hidden gem! I love spending time here, especially during the fall season, it’s just got this special charm that’s hard to resist. Don’t take my word for it though, check out this video and you’ll see exactly why I keep going back to see fall in Wyoming!
@herjoliejourney Skip the crowds and visit these local fall spots in Wyoming! #wyomingcheck #fallinwyoming #jacksonwyoming #traveldiaries ♬
Wy-oh-my, planning a fall trip to Wyoming should be at the top of your to-do list! The smaller crowds, abundant fall hiking opportunities, and wildlife sightings are just a few of the reasons you should consider Wyoming when planning a fall trip. Hiking during autumn in Wyoming is a must-do activity, with hundreds of thousands of acres filled with colorful mountain views, you won’t be disappointed. Plus, you get to avoid the hustle and bustle of large crowds and relish in the epic fall views. I mean, come on now, is there anything better? Get ready to fall for Wyoming this season!
September is not only the time to say goodbye to summer but also the time to say hello to some vibrant and stunning fall colors. If you’re wondering when to catch the ultimate fall foliage show in the state, let me tell you, the third and fourth weeks of September are when the leaves truly put on their best dress. And for those who want a front-row seat to this magical experience, make sure you’re in Jackson Hole in early to mid-October, when the colors are at their peak. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness nature’s artistry at its finest!
I am woman enough to admit that Wyoming has become my entire personality since marrying into a family that spends half the year up here. I honestly can’t blame them. And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think about keeping these spots all to myself, but I just want you to have your Wyoming fall moment. So here is a list of 6 spots to add to your fall travels through Wyoming!
Oh boy, have I got a story for you!
So picture this: we’re cruising down the road and we spot this gorgeous cluster of trees blanketing the mountainsides while a river winds its way through below. Naturally, our sense of adventure got the best of us and we decided to explore. And you won’t believe what we found! The freakin’ fall colors were popping out through the evergreens like it was nobody’s business. But the real kicker? There was a whole grove of yellow trees sitting pretty on top of one of the mountains. I almost fell out of the car when I saw it, it was THAT beautiful. Moral of the story? Always be willing to take a detour – you never know what kind of hidden gems you might come across!
DIRECTIONS: This can be tricky to find, but heading east towards Star Valley on Highway 34 between mile marker 107 and 106 on the south (right) hand side you will see a bridge that leads to this trail.
Ready for a quick yet stunning hike? This 0.4-mile trek will have you feeling like a champ at the Lunch Counter overlook, where you can get a glimpse of the Big Kahuna rapids and maybe even some furry otter friends! And let’s not forget about the views of brave souls tackling those rapids via boat and kayak – talk about thrilling! It’s no wonder this spot is renowned for being one of the most famous rapids on the Snake River. So, pack a lunch and head on over to catch the amazing fall views in Wyoming!
DIRECTIONS: It is located in the Snake River Canyon, off of Highway 89 south of Hoback Junction.
Three trails leave from the parking area. We like to take the trail that leads down to the overlook. If you would like to learn about the other two trails visit National Forest Website here.
Ready for a geological wonder that’s sure to make your jaw drop?
This hidden gem is a hot spot for locals, boasting the world’s largest intermittent spring! Imagine a spring that comes from a cold-water geyser. Sounds pretty cool, right? But wait, it gets better! Picture the water gushing out from a sheer cliff, cascading down into a creek, and then stopping suddenly. What sorcery is this, you say? After a quick break of 12-18 minutes, the water gurgles back up to the surface and repeats the cycle all over again. This spot offers not just a mesmerizing view but also some of the most stunning fall colors in all of Wyoming. Check it out for yourself here: Intermittent Spring!
DIRECTIONS: You can find details here.
Get ready to fall in love with this hike, because it’s the real leaf deal! The beautiful views of wildflowers and colorful trees make a picturesque postcard seem bland in comparison. The trail is well-marked, navigating it feels like a walk in the park. I felt like I was living in a technicolor dream while sauntering through the grove of enchanting red, orange, and yellow trees! If autumn had a poster child, this hike would be it. So don’t leaf it to chance, catch the fall fever and hit this trail ASAP!
DIRECTIONS: You can find details here.
Although it says this is a difficult trail, you can walk about a mile in to the overlook and catch a spectacular view of the valley below. We turn back around after getting to the overlook and it’s just under 2 miles round trip making it the perfect hike for all skill-levels!
Murphy Lakes is THE place to be and you’ll wonder if you’re dreaming when you see these views. To get there, be ready for a drive through the picturesque Greys River canyon. But wait, there’s more! The fall foliage can be found draped over the mountains waiting for you to capture that perfect shot. Don’t believe what you see at first glance, because every turn is a new vibrant surprise.
DIRECTIONS: From the Town of Alpine, Wyoming, head east on Greys River Road /Forest Service Road 10138 (FS-10138) and follow it for approximately 8 miles. Bear right at the junction staying on FS-10138 and follow it southeast for an additional 6.6 miles, then turn right onto Murphy Creek Road/FS-10002. Follow FS-10002 for 2.2 miles and turn left into Murphey lake Picnic Area.
The thing about Wyoming is that it always shocks me to my core, but the fall color scheme here is next level. Just one hour south of Jackson, Wyoming you’ll find the Green Canyon Trailhead where you’ll have 3 hiking options:
• Vista-Prater Trail (1.2 miles)
• Maple Trail (0.6)
• Valley View Trail Loop (1.8 miles)
I highly recommend The Valley View Trail loop, it provides spectacular views!!! And it’s moderate.
FUN FACT: the community always looks for volunteers to create and maintain trails and my FIL actually helped carve out these trails
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