Why You Should Visit Big Sky in the Off-Season
Fall in Big Sky is one of Montana’s best-kept secrets. The summer crowds fade, there are many outdoor activities to experience, and visitors can enjoy a slower, relaxed pace. Crisp air is lovely for exploring Yellowstone, and you may even spot wildlife, like elk and bison, during the off-season, which lasts through early December. At The Wilson Hotel, we love this time of year for its balance of adventure and calm, and for the chance to see Big Sky the way locals do.
The Best Off-Season Activities
Autumn here is anything but ordinary. The awe-inspiring landscapes and colorful trails are spectacular this time of year. Plus, smaller crowds make it easier to make spontaneous bookings or to enjoy trails at an unhurried pace.
- Fly Fishing and Guided Float Trips: Cast into the Gallatin, Madison, and Yellowstone rivers during peak trout season.
- Scenic Hiking and Wildlife Watching: Explore trails like Ousel Falls, Beehive Basin, and Lava Lake as they glow with autumn color. Keep an eye out for elk, moose, and other wildlife.
- Horseback Riding: Take in sweeping mountain views from the saddle surrounded by golden aspen groves.
- Hot Springs and Relaxation: End the day with a soak at Norris, Chico, or Bozeman Hot Springs.
Discover Local Dining
Big Sky’s dining scene shines in the off-season when locals and visitors gather to enjoy seasonal dishes, along with the region’s wild game specialties, like elk, bison, and venison. Visitors trade outdoor patios for welcoming seats by the fire, soaking up all that Big Sky has to offer.
- Beehive Basin Brewery: Located in Town Center, this microbrewery pours a rotating selection of small-batch beers made on-site. Enjoy a pint after a day on the trails or fill a growler to take back to your suite. The laidback taproom and mountain views make it a local favorite.
- Tips Up: Known for live music, casual eats, and local brews, Tips Up is a lively spot for happy hour or challenging your travel crew to a game of pool. Warm up with a French dip while watching a game or playing shuffleboard, and finish the affair with a wild huckleberry and blueberry shortcake.
- Cowboy Coffee: Start your morning with locally-roasted coffee and a hearty breakfast sandwich. This café also serves fruit smoothies, pastries, and its signature Buffalo Chili, perfectly filling before a day outdoors. In a rush? Cowboy Coffee also has a drive-thru for when you need a pick-me-up on a time crunch.
- Block 3 Kitchen & Bar: Steps from The Wilson Hotel, this Montana-style chophouse that highlights Wagyu beef, regional game, and fresh seafood, alongside an excellent whiskey list and creative cocktails, such as “The Old Friend” with Smoked Old Forester, maple syrup, and coffee-pecan bitters, and the “Big Sky Blush” with gin, rhubarb syrup, poblano liqueur, and lime.
Hit the Trails
Big Sky’s trail network is at its best in the fall when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is filled with deep reds and bright yellows. Trails range from easy walks to challenging climbs, each offering its own reward in the form of mountain views or hidden waterfalls.
Favorite hikes near The Wilson include:
- Ousel Falls Trail: 1.6 miles round trip, leading to a waterfall framed by golden aspens.
- Beehive Basin Trail: Moderate 7-mile hike through alpine meadows with incredible views of Lone Peak.
- Uplands Trail: A short 2-mile loop recommended for a morning hike or evening stroll near Town Center.
- Lava Lake Trail: A 6-mile trek to a clear mountain lake surrounded by forest and rocky peaks.
- Crail Ranch Trail: An easy 2.6-mile path through meadows and historic ranch land, ideal for a relaxed walk.
Visit Yellowstone Before the End of the Season
Only an hour away from the hotel, Yellowstone National Park is calm and quiet in the fall. Cooler temperatures and fewer visitors make it an excellent time to explore the park’s natural wonders and see wildlife up close.
Top things to do in Yellowstone this season:
- Watch Old Faithful erupt.
- Walk the boardwalks around the Grand Prismatic Spring for vivid geothermal views.
- Visit Artist Point for a panoramic look at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
- Look for bison, elk, bears, and migrating birds across open valleys.
- Drive through Lamar Valley or Hayden Valley for unmatched fall scenery.
Our Yellowstone Road Ready Package includes a $25 nightly credit at The Wilson Market, great for snacks, sandwiches, and drinks before you head into the park. The offer is available for select stays through October 31, 2025, giving you time to experience Yellowstone at its most peaceful.
Big Sky’s off season captures what makes Montana special: wide-open spaces, quiet beauty, and unique, local experiences. For nearby residents, our Big Sky Neighbors Rate offers up to 30 percent off standard rates for guests from Montana, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Bring your state ID, settle into The Wilson Hotel, and enjoy a stay filled with exploration, picturesque views, and the best of Big Sky’s off-season adventures.