Take This Gorgeous Fall Foliage Road Trip To See Wyoming Like Never Before
By Caryl|Updated on August 01, 2023(Originally published September 16, 2021)
×
Caryl
Author
I am a freelance writer who also has been a small business owner and worked in the fields of insurance, accounting, and education. I enjoy spending time with family, reading, writing, photography, music, running, sports, and of course traveling!
Autumn is an incredible time of year, truly the stuff of legends. It’s when the western landscape erupts in natural flame and when Wyoming paints itself in shades of red, yellow, and orange. It’s the time of year that the Cowboy State really shows off! You don’t want to miss an experience in the thick of fall’s natural colors throughout the state, which is why this fall foliage road trip takes you to some of the best fall foliage in Wyoming.
If you’re looking for peak fall foliage in Wyoming, it typically runs from the beginning of September to mid-October. This is perhaps the most magical time of year in the Cowboy State because of all the vibrant colors. To help you explore the fall colors in Wyoming, head on this road trip. You can see the best fall colors in Wyoming with our route, which you can find on Google Maps.
The total time for this particular fall foliage trip in Wyoming is sixteen hours, so we'd recommend breaking it up over a couple of days. Keep in mind, a majority of stops and lookouts are located in state and nationally run natural areas. You'll have the chance to make this trip your own, stopping off in beautiful places that strike your fancy along the way. This is the kind of fall foliage trip that does best with a bit of improvisation! We definitely recommend that you extend the experience in the heart of the Cowboy State!
First up is Oxbow Bend. This particular natural area is the most photographed area in Grand Teton National Park and the peak fall colors are absolutely amazing. Of course, Oxbow Bend is gorgeous whether it's fall or not! This area in the park provides a picture-perfect view of Mt. Moran with the beautiful Aspen trees reflecting in the Snake River. You'll find Oxbow Bend is located just east of Jackson Lake Junction on Highway 89.
Let this utterly incredible video in vivid 8K whisk you away to the wonder that is Oxbow Bend:
Paintbrush Canyon is located in Grand Teton National Park with Rockchuck Peak and Mount Saint John to the south and Mount Woodring to the north. The Aspen fall leaves in the canyon create a colorful frame around Leigh Lake at the base of the canyon and Holly Lake. Paintbrush Canyon spans the southern section of the Teton Range.
Snake River Overlook was made famous by the photographs of Ansel Adams many years ago. The overlook is accessible from the roadside parking lot located north of Moose on the main highway. The contrast between the evergreens, the river, and the colorful fall leaves is phenomenal.
4. Paradise Ranch, Buffalo
Paradise Guest Ranch, 282 Hunter Creek Rd, Buffalo, WY 82834, USA
The area of Paradise Ranch in Buffalo offers a stunning view of the fall foliage. There is a sea of Aspens that coats the never-ending waves of rolling hills. Take a break from your road trip by staying a couple of nights at the ranch and exploring the colorful fall environment on horseback.
The greens, yellows, and oranges surrounding the stark geologic wonder of Devils Tower create a rather unusual autumnal scene. Devils Tower is in the Bear Lodge Mountains which is part of the Black Hills. The fall foliage among the Black Hills and national monument create a beautiful fall canopy. Don't let the dark name fool you! This is perhaps one of the most bright and beautiful parts of Wyoming when late September and early October rolls around.
Casper Mountain is located at the northern end of the Laramie Mountains. Whether it's fall or not, it's always a beautiful drive to the top. A good spot to view the changing leaves at the top of the mountain is at Bear Trap Meadow. The Aspens explode in absolutely beautiful shades of orange. This is one of the best places to see fall foliage in Wyoming.
Make sure you don’t miss out on our fall foliage route! Click Check out Google Maps to follow along and experience the best fall foliage in Wyoming. Do you know of any other places in Wyoming where the fall foliage is spectacular? Make sure to leave your thoughts in the comments. Help fellow fall travelers out, friends! The fall colors in Wyoming are worth it!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Fall Foliage Road Trip in Wyoming
Meghan Kraft|August 17, 2019
What is the best time to see peak fall foliage in Wyoming?
Peak fall foliage with differ from year to year, but a Wyoming autumn tends to show off from late September to mid-November.
Where are the best places in Wyoming to see the fall foliage?
Wyoming is perhaps one of the best states in the American West to indulge in an autumnal fall foliage tour. Yellowstone National Park, with its rivers, canyons, and famed geyser is perhaps the most popular spot to check out, but the city of Jackson and even Grand Teton National Park are also well worth the experience.
Yellowstone Lake provides a gorgeous juxtaposition between the intensity of the fall colors and the placid beauty of the water, which is highly photographable.
What are the best Wyoming hikes to take in the fall?
If you're looking for an easy fall hike, head to Grand Teton National Park and make the six-mile trip to Inspiration Point, a hike that has only garnered an "easy" rating for its mere 500-foot incline.
Putt Putt Trail is outside of Jackson, providing fiery hues without the crazy elevation gain.
Shadow Mountain Trail provides a moderate difficulty rating with a view of the Teton Range.