fall in west yellowstone

The fall season brings spectacular scenery in and around West Yellowstone with the landscapes transforming from green to vibrant shades of orange, red, and gold. The cooler fall temperatures create incredible photo opportunities in Yellowstone National Park, with the fog turning to steam over the rivers and geysers. This season is a great time for mountain biking, road cycling, and hiking, fall while keeping your camera ready to capture the breathtaking beauty and wildlife surrounding you. Even a rainy fall day can be fun with a visit to the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. Meet the two wolf packs and resident grizzly bears, observe the raptors, talk to a naturalist, and check out the Keeper Kids program.

HEART OF FLY FISHING

West Yellowstone is the ultimate base camp for the best fly fishing in Montana. In fact, the area hosts five blue-ribbon streams and has earned recognition as one of “North America’s Top Ten Trout-Fishing Towns” by Forbes magazine. The diversity of waters, beautiful and plentiful trout, along with friendly guides, outfitters, and fly shops makes fly fishing in West Yellowstone unforgettable. Start planning your fly-fishing adventure here.

WITNESS THE MAJESTIC DRAMA OF THE ELK RUT

The fall season brings epic battles between bull elk who are fighting to protect their harem. With the sound of antlers crashing and bugles echoing through the stunning valleys, this is a unique experience only available during this season. And wildlife viewing doesn’t stop with elk. This is also a great time to see bison, bears, and wolves preparing for the approaching winter.

Have you heard an elk bugle?

Any local will tell you that one of their favorite times of the year around West Yellowstone and Yellowstone Park is September and October during the elk mating season (rut). This is when the males are vying for the females’ attention. Read more here.

planning a gathering?

Make plans to host your next reunion, birthday party, corporate retreat, or celebration in West Yellowstone. Offering both exhilarating adventures and a variety of comfortable accommodations, it truly is the ideal place for your next gathering. Read more here: Why West Yellowstone is the Ideal Place to Host a Gathering and West Yellowstone is the Perfect Spot for a Family Reunion.

Delta flight

An extended summer season by Delta Connection operated by SkyWest Airlines makes it easy and convenient to reach West Yellowstone with daily round-trip service to and from Salt Lake City. The flights to the Yellowstone Airport (located just a mile north of West Yellowstone), will continue through October 13, a full two weeks later than previous years.

getting here

With multiple direct flights into Bozeman, Montana, getting here is quick, easy, and affordable! The Bozeman Airport is 90 miles from West Yellowstone – click here to discover flight options.

Idaho Falls, Idaho, is only 110 miles from West Yellowstone and also offers multiple flight options. Click here to find flights.

West Yellowstone Airport: Flights available until mid-October with connections in Salt Lake City. Click here to find flights.

OTHER TRANSPORTATION

View rental car and ground transportation here.