Best Ways To Spend An Autumn Day In Big Sky
Big Sky is famous for winter ski season and its glorious summer weather, but those in the know find just as much adventure in the fall.
Autumn brings a breath of fresh air after a busy summer. Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and a calmer atmosphere make it easy to explore at your own pace.
Plus, there’s so much to do. Hiking, fishing, whitewater rafting, hot springs and Yellowstone – the best Big Sky fall activities keep the energy high all season long. And when it’s time to unwind, The Wilson Hotel has you covered with craft cocktails, community events, and rowdy fun at Town Center.
Here’s how to spend a perfect autumn day in Big Sky, Montana.
Visit Yellowstone without the crowds
The world’s first national park is a must-do any time of year. During fall months, Yellowstone National Park becomes a spectacle of color-changing leaves, turning from green to gold, terracotta to crimson red. Bring your camera and capture mother nature at her best.
A Yellowstone autumn day trip might look like hiking the Bunsen Peak Trail, visiting the world-famous Old Faithful geyser, or looking to the skies for migrating eagles.
Fall is also prime time for Yellowstone wildlife sightings. Elk rutting season runs September through October, while grizzlies and black bears are seen foraging before their winter hibernation. Moose, deer, and bighorn sheep are also common sights during the autumn months. Keep your distance and witness the magic of Montana’s wildlife at its most wild.
Hike through mountain trails & fall foliage
Guests of The Wilson have their pick of the best fall hiking Big Sky Montana has to offer. Pack a picnic, hit the trails and take in the sights at these nearby hikes:
- Ousel Falls Hike – Short and scenic, this family-friendly hike winds through forest and arrives at a thundering waterfall.
- Beehive Basin – Ranked one of the world’s top 10 greatest hikes, the Beehive Basin fall foliage trail has jaw-dropping mountain views and an alpine lake.
- Gallatin River – Walk the 0.7-mile loop for free-roaming wildlife and picture-perfect landscapes that look straight out of National Geographic.
- Lone Peak Trail – A wide, paved pathway that steadily climbs from Town Center to Gallatin Canyon, traversing through rivers and forest with views of Lone Peak.
- Lava Lake Trail – A moderate 6-mile hike that leads to Cascade Creek Canyon and the idyllic Lava Lake.
Get outdoors for fly fishing, horseback riding & the season’s last rafting
Autumn in Big Sky makes the case for getting outdoors. Before the temperatures drop and the puffer jackets come out from storage, soak up the sun at these top fall activities:
Fly Fishing – Fall is peak trout season and the ideal time of year to try Gallatin River fly fishing. Guests of The Wilson can arrange guided float trips with all of the professional gear included.
Horseback Riding – Take in sweeping fall vistas from the saddle, with crisp air and golden aspen groves all around.
Whitewater Rafting – For the thrill seekers, fall is your last chance to tackle Class II-IV rapids on the Gallatin River (until next summer, of course).
Downhill Biking – Ride a gondola to higher elevation and make your way down cross-country mountain biking trails. Ask The Wilson concierge about rental bikes and gear accessories.
Après-adventure with fireside drinks, Big Sky dining & dips in the hot tub
At The Wilson Hotel, the fun doesn’t stop when the day winds down. In fact, we’re just getting started.
Our Big Sky hotel has one of the best heated pools in Montana, open daily all year long from 10am to 10pm. Framed by mountain views and beautiful scenery, The Wilson Hotel Pool offers a relaxing wind-down after outdoor adventures, along with a hot tub, an outdoor BBQ grill, and The Wilson Lobby Bar to pick up snacks, craft cocktails, and other après treats.
Guests of The Wilson get even more perks thanks to our hotel’s central location. The best Big Sky restaurants, neighborhood sports bars, and craft cocktail lounges are literally steps away at Big Sky Town Center.
Block 3 Kitchen & Bar is the go-to for weekend brunch filled with free-flowing mimosas, stuffed French toast and local-caught salmon tartare. Tips Up ups the ante with live music and classic games like pool, shuffleboard, and cornhole. This is the place to meet up with friends and make some new ones over a pint or three.
Back at The Wilson, outdoor firepits and cozy seating make the perfect ending to a weekend of fall adventures. Layer the all-suite accommodations and craft cocktails from the Lobby Bar, and you have the perfect autumn vacation in Big Sky.
Unplug & Play at The Wilson
Fall in Big Sky won’t last long. Make a plan to get outdoors with our special offer, Unplug & Play, featuring “analogue” amenities designed to help you disconnect and reconnect with nature.
Along with a two-night stay in a Wilson suite, you’ll receive a disposable camera, Big Sky trail map, a Faraday Bag to stash your phone, s’mores bundle for fireside treats, guaranteed 2pm late checkout, and more.
Book now and experience all that Big Sky fall has to offer at The Wilson Hotel.