10 Best Ways To Spend An Autumn Day In Big Sky


Fall is Montana’s most breathtakingly beautiful season. With brilliant colors that paint the landscapes, active wildlife preparing for winter, and crisp air with sunny skies, it easy to see why both tourists and locals alike love the auumn season. Plus, and there’s fewer travelers than summer and winter ski season

Montana is a dream destination for lovers of the great outdoors and there’s no better basecamp than Big Sky! Big Sky is the most naturally beautiful, and coolest mountain town in Montana. Big Sky Mountain Village sits at an elevation of 7,500 feet – the colors start popping mid-September in the higher elevations and continue through the end of October with leaf-peeping adventures around every corner … and from home! Visitors are welcomed with wide expanses of wilderness, towering mountain peaks, endless opportunities for exploration, and the perks of a laid-back, and welcoming resort community

It’s been a long, hot summer in the mountains – but the smell of wood-burning fireplaces and pumpkin spice is already in the air! It’s time to pull out the sweaters and beanies, take advantage of the cooler temperatures by day, cozy up with s’mores and stories round the firepit, and take time out with family and friends before the ski season. 


1. Enjoy the Fall Foliage Drive to Big Sky


Whether you’re approaching Big Sky from Bozeman or West Yellowstone, the drive to Big Sky along the Gallatin River Canyon is spectacular any time of year, yet even more so in fall. The Gallatin Canyon follows the infamous Gallatin River with the crisp colors of golden cottonwoods and vibrant red alder bushes bursting along the river banks, and free roaming wildlife in the river valley. 

Plan time to take it slow … it’s a Montana fall foliage drive you’ll never forget!

2. Chase Waterfalls & Fall Colors


Big Sky is paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and casual strollers! Wherever you adventure in Big Sky during the fall season, you’re bound to witness vibrant fall colors popping. The Ousel Falls Trail near Big Sky Town Center is short, spectacular and perfect for casual strollers and families with the reward of the scenic Gallatin River, a natural pool (chilly in fall!), and a gorgeous waterfall. 

Other top Big Sky fall foliage hikes include the Beehive Basin trail (ranked one of the world’s 10 greatest hikes!), the Lava Lake trail, and the bucket-list Lone Peak trail to Montana’s highest scenic overlook point at 11,116 feet.

3. Experience World-Class Fly Fishing


If you’ve seen A River Runs Through It, you’ll know all about the world-class fly fishing that awaits in Big Sky, MT. Big Sky is surrounded by famous blue-ribbon trout waters including the Yellowstone River, Madison River, and Gallatin River near Big Sky. Fall is one of the best times to reel in a big trout on the Gallatin River (right before spawning season) and with the golden hues of fall reflecting on the waters, you’re in for a world-class fly fishing experience in Big Sky. 

For the ultimate fly fishing experience in Montana, Gallatin River Guides have been operating year-round guided fly fishing trips on the Yellowstone, Madison, and Gallatin River for over 30 years. They know when, where, and how to fish Big Sky’s blue-ribbon trout waters with options for walking and wading, floating trips, or beginner fly fishing lessons on a private pond.

4. Saddle Up for a Western Trail Ride


Saddle up at an authentic Montana dude ranch to explore the backcountry of Big Sky on horseback – you can even go fly fishing on horseback! Whether it’s your first time riding or you’re keen to gallop off into the wilderness, horseback riding takes you to Big Sky fall foliage trails your hiking boots can’t! 

You’re in cowboy country … why not live the classic Old West experience! There are many local Big Sky ranches and outfitters that don’t stop saddling up after summer and operate year-round with unique horseback experiences for every level of rider.

5. Soak in Natural Hot Springs


While most of Big Sky’s natural hot springs are remotely situated on private land, there’s still opportunity to soak up the fabulous fall colors in Montana’s rejuvenating natural hot springs. Bozeman Hot Springs, Norris Hot Springs and Chico Hot Springs are all an easy drive from Big Sky and are open year round for a rejuvenating soak backdropped by beautiful fall colors. 

Of course, first prize would be to leaf-peep from your private hot tub – there’s that too! Our collection of Big Sky vacation rentals includes 110+ Big Sky hot tub homes with panoramic views of Lone Peak and perfectly perched for the best leaf-peeping in Big Sky, from the comfort and privacy of home!

6. Plan a Fall Trip to Yellowstone National Park


It’s clearly still a secret that fall is the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park, and not only for fall foliage. The visitor numbers to Yellowstone drop radically after summer, the crazy traffic jams are over, Yellowstone’s world-famous wildlife make their way to the meadows and valleys, and a kaleidoscope of colors adds awe to Yellowstone National Park’s natural wonders. It’s a spectacular season to visit the park. 

The West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park is an hour drive south of Big Sky, the drive alone is worth it! Amidst the vibrant display of colors, fall visitors to Yellowstone have the privilege of witnessing grizzlies and brown bears preparing for hibernation, elk rut season, the fall migration of hawks and eagles, prime wolf watching, and biking and hiking trails awash in glorious golds. For the ultimate fall experience of Yellowstone, we highly suggest a guided tour with knowledge of the best leaf-peeping and wildlife viewing spots in Yellowstone!

7. Explore Big Sky Town Center


From the majestic Montana wilderness to the heart and soul of Big Sky, Big Sky Town Center. Whether you’re staying close by in Meadow Village or a short shuttle ride away in Mountain Village or Moonlight Basin, Town Center is the “downtown of Big Sky” and deserves a spot on your fall vacation itinerary. 

Browse the art galleries, sports outfitters and upscale boutiques, stock up on vacation groceries at Roxy’s Market or Hungry Moose and be sure to keep your eye on the event calendar for local events – there’s always something fun happening at Big Sky Town Center.

8. Indulge in Big Sky’s Restaurant Scene


Our Big Sky vacation rentals feature some of the best kitchens in Big Sky but don’t let that stop you from indulging a little (or a lot!) in Big Sky’s amazing restaurant scene. Between Big Sky Town Center and Mountain Village you’ll find everything from cozy coffee shops and cafes to family restaurants, fine dining, breweries and cocktail bars.

9. Hit the Slopes on Thanksgiving Opening Day


If there’s no time to visit Big Sky in time for fall foliage, plan your trip for later in the fall season! Thanksgiving is well celebrated in Big Sky – traditionally, and with the opening day of Big Sky Resort. The fall colors have faded but there’s unique alpine experiences both on and off the slopes at Big Sky Resort – here’s our guide on What to Expect at Big Sky Resort Winter 2022-23.

10. Refresh & Relax with Family & Friends


Refresh, relax and unwind with friends and family in the privacy of a Montana mountain cabin with leaf-peeping and wildlife viewing from your front porch … or a warm bubbly hot tub! From classic romantic log cabins for two to rare 7-bedroom modern mountain chalets, our Big Sky vacation rentals offer the ultimate retreat to get away from it all this fall.


You Might Also Like

Easy Winter Packing List For Kids

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.”― Alfred Wainwright, A Coast to Coast Walk “The cold never bothered us anyway.” – Elsa, Frozen At the intersection of these two quotes is the place where the emotional temperatures rise at the same time as the physical temperatures are falling–where parents find themselves boiling …

Read More

6 Local Parks To Visit In Big Sky

Nestled in the Madison Range of SW Montana, Big Sky is a destination surrounded by towering mountain peaks, evergreen forests, world-class rivers, and untouched beauty at every turn! It’s a destination that appeals to those in pursuit of outdoor recreation, families seeking old-fashioned fun without the distractions of modern day living, and travelers looking to …

Read More

The 5 Best Hikes in Big Sky, Montana

Who doesn’t love a day spent in the Great Outdoors? Tucked away in the expansive Madison Range sits the charming mountain town of Big Sky. This little slice of mountain paradise is surrounded by miles upon miles of untouched wilderness home to some of the most epic four-season hiking trails in all of Montana. Montana …

Read More

10 Reasons to Visit Big Sky Summer 2023

Are you ready to plan the ultimate summer vacation in the mountains? The charming resort town of Big Sky, Montana is the perfect location for your next group getaway, family retreat, or romantic trip for two!  Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Big Sky is a stunning alpine destination with endless opportunities for outdoor adventures in …

Read More

Top 10 Restaurants in Big Sky Montana 

Whether you’re shredding the slopes of the best and biggest skiing in America or exploring our world-famous wildflower trails on foot, bike, or horseback – you’re sure to work up an appetite adventuring in Big Sky’s breathtaking and impressive terrain.  Between Big Sky Resort’s Mountain Village, Meadow Village, and the ever-evolving Town Center, Big Sky …

Read More

10 Best Ways To Spend An Autumn Day In Big Sky

Fall is Montana’s most breathtakingly beautiful season. With brilliant colors that paint the landscapes, active wildlife preparing for winter, and crisp air with sunny skies, it easy to see why both tourists and locals alike love the auumn season. Plus, and there’s fewer travelers than summer and winter ski season.  Montana is a dream destination …

Read More

22 Bucket List Items For Big Sky, MT

Is Big Sky Montana on your travel destination bucket list? Big Sky Montana is ranked one of the “World’s Greatest Places” and is a destination worthy of every travel bucket list. Nestled in Montana’s Rocky Mountains between Bozeman and the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky blends the charm of a small mountain town …

Read More

Big Sky Autumn Events Calendar 2023

Amidst the breathtaking scenery and crisp mountain air, a realm of fall wonders awaits in Big Sky, Montana. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, trailblazer, thrill seeker, or someone who simply delights in the beauty of autumn’s changing leaves, Big Sky boasts a delightful lineup of autumn activities and events backdropped by the majestic Montana mountains …

Read More

Tips To Plan A Fall Trip To Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is the world’s first and most famous National Park! Yellowstone is huge, and spans over 2 million acres and across three states (Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana), it has five entrances and just as many visitor centers, and welcomes nearly 5 million visitors annually. With those types of stats, it’s easy to see …

Read More

Big Sky Town Center Summer Events 2023

Escape the mundane and explore miles of wilderness for hiking, biking, horseback riding, ATV adventures, ziplining, river rafting, and famous blue-ribbon fly fishing. Big Sky Resort opens up its world-famous ski slopes for classic summer alpine adventures and the town is abuzz with locals and tourists soaking up the sunshine, swimming and boating on Lake Levinsky, …

Read More

Tips For Fly Fishing in Big Sky, MT

In Big Sky, there are so many waterways to fish that it can be hard to find the perfect spot for your next trip. So, we teamed up with Gallatin River Guides’, Hunter McPhillips to bring you the current fishing report in Big Sky, Montana for the summer of 2023. There are several ways to …

Read More

10 Must See Summer Attractions in Big Sky, MT

Big Sky is one of Montana’s best small mountain towns nestled high in the Madison Range of Southwest Montana. Big Sky is a world-class winter destination renowned for its expanse of ski slopes at Big Sky Resort, a vast and remote wilderness in the backcountry, and a convenient and scenic base camp for winter tours …

Read More

Big Sky 4th of July Celebrations 2023

One of the biggest perks of traveling in the summer is enjoying the summer holiday events with family and friends. This Fourth of July in Big Sky is going to be one for the record books, with exciting events and concerts the whole family can enjoy. For many of our guests, the community events are …

Read More

Music in the Mountains Summer 2023 Line Up

Mark Your Calendars – Big Sky’s Music in the Mountains kicks off June 22, 2023! For more than a decade, Music in the Mountains has been Montana’s finest free outdoor concert series hosted by the Arts Council of Big Sky, featuring the best up-and-coming touring musicians in the country as well as established, well-known artists. …

Read More

2023 Yellowstone National Park Wildlife Guide

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most famous national parks in the world, dubbed the “Serengeti of North America” for its captivating landscapes, natural wonders, and abundance of wildlife roaming free in their natural habitat. Yellowstone is home to more wildlife than any of the lower 48 states with hundreds of animal species ranging …

Read More

2023 Big Sky Summer Events Calendar

Big Sky is an outdoor paradise with adventures for everyone. Spend your days exploring the majestic mountains while hiking, biking, ziplining, white water rafting, or horseback riding, among many more summer activities. Our summer events include live outdoor music, festivals, bull riding, a summer farmers market, and lots more – so plan your magical mountain …

Read More

10 Easy Ways to Support Local In Big Sky, MT

Big Sky is on the list of Time Magazines “World’s Greatest Places” and is becoming an increasingly popular destination for year-round travel. Travelers are seeking sustainable travel, eco-adventures, unique local experiences, and connection with their destination and the local community. There has been a huge influx of new locals in the past few years, and …

Read More

7 Best Hot Springs Near Big Sky, MT

Montana’s Big Sky Country is known for its vast stretches of untamed wilderness, rugged landscapes, majestic mountain views and natural, geothermal wonders bursting out from the surface of the earth.  There are over 61 known natural hot springs in Montana ranging from primitive hot springs bubbling into mountain rivers to commercial, developed hot spring resorts …

Read More

8 Spots For Working Remote In Big Sky, MT

According to a recent survey, eight in ten remote workers consider doing their jobs from vacation, with nearly half choosing a longer trip with work over a shorter trip without work involved!  Whether you’re one of the eight ready to explore beyond the boundaries of your everyday home office, or in the smaller group of …

Read More

8 Best Places To Swim & Boat In Big Sky

Getting in and on the water is all part of the Big Sky summer experience. From paddling in pristine mountain streams, floating and rafting the rivers, and swimming in alpine lakes to fly-fishing excursions, kayak and SUP adventures, wild water skiing and even luxury outdoor pools – we’ve got the best places to enjoy the …

Read More

Easy 5-Day Summer Itinerary for Big Sky, MT

Big Sky is one of the top-ranked ski resorts in the west, but the fun doesn’t end when the snow melts on the mountaintops. Summer in the mountains is so fun & special! Crisp mountain air for early morning hikes, sunny days spent in waterfalls, rivers and alpine lakes and warm evenings for summer cocktails …

Read More

18 Best Restaurants In Big Sky Town Center

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, embarking on an adventure with friends or escaping the city limits for a family vacation in the mountains, Big Sky is a destination of boundless beauty, immersive experiences, exhilarating outdoor adventures and classic Montana mountain cabins with a contemporary spin. Some of the best restaurants in Big Sky are …

Read More

Savor Big Sky Wine Festival 2023

Big Sky is your summer basecamp to the wonders of Yellowstone National Park and beyond. Home to wide-open spaces, blue-ribbon trout rivers, endless miles of trails, and fascinating mountain vistas, and an incredible food + wine scene! Savor Big Sky Wine Festival is a celebration of food, wine, + spirits set against the stunning backdrop …

Read More

Big Sky Events Calendar Winter 23/24 

Winter magic calls to you from beautiful Big Sky, Montana! From enchanting forest walks, to captivating holiday traditions, to world-class music and epic winter sports, Big Sky beckons travelers from far and wide to experience a winter wonderland amidst the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains. The winter season starts early in Big Sky, MT. …

Read More

How To Enjoy The Gallatin River In Big Sky, MT

The mighty Gallatin River that flows through Big Sky is one of Montana’s most iconic rivers. The Gallatin River is wild and scenic with one of the best whitewater runs in the Yellowstone region, world-class flyfishing, free-roaming wildlife, and captivating Big Sky Country landscapes that will leave you in absolute awe!  The Gallatin Canyon was …

Read More

Top 5 Fall Activities in Big Sky, MT

Fall is the perfect time of year for epic leaf-peeping adventures in Big Sky with cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, festive fall events and the soft golden hues of the aspens and cottonwoods highlighting the spectacular outdoor beauty that surrounds Big Sky.  1. Resort Activities Big Sky Resort offers award-winning golf, ziplining, a bungee trampoline, disc …

Read More

Best Things To Do In Yellowstone In The Fall

Yellowstone National Park is one of the top most visited and one of the most beloved parks in the USA. Yellowstone even broke records and set new visitor highs this summer! While the summertime brings in the most visitors to the area, locals know that autumn is Yellowstone’s better and quieter season. With thinning crowds, …

Read More

Babysitting & Childcare Options in Big Sky, MT 

Planning a summer vacation or ski trip to Big Sky with the kiddos? Big Sky Montana ticks all the boxes for a family vacation – kid-friendly ski slopes (kids 6 and under ski for $1!), year-round resort activities worthy of a slot on your itinerary, local restaurants and nightlife with a focus on family, and …

Read More

15 Reasons To Visit Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a natural wonderland filled with breathtaking landscapes, wild creatures, and endless possibilities for exploration. But before you embark on your journey, did you know that this incredible park is not just any ordinary destination?  From geysers that shoot boiling water sky-high and natural hot springs that shimmer in vibrant hues, to …

Read More