The Least-Crowded Towns In Wyoming To Catch Fall Foliage
It’s time to fall in love with the Cowboy State! Known for its picturesque outdoor spaces and notoriously low population, Wyoming is one of the best places in the US to admire fall foliage in peace. Between the various state parks and scenic byways, travelers will find a wide range of trees in the state including different varieties of maple, oak, walnut, cottonwood, birch, and elm, just to name a few. Those hoping to get the the best views should plan their Wyoming foliage journey for early to mid October as the leaves typically reach peak color between the 5th and 14th of the month.
Laramie
Amazing rock formations at Vedauwoo near Laramie, Wyoming.
Laramie, like many Wyoming towns, has a deep Wild West history. Visitors will find a handful of iconic landmarks here such as the Overland Trail and the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Monument. But beyond the towns historical relevance, Laramie also appeals to travelers looking to avoid a crowd. A combination of low population and the towns wide-open landscapes gives visitors plenty of room to breathe while exploring. Speaking of wide-open landscapes, Laramie is surrounded by the peaks and valleys of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, making it an ideal fall destination.
The town is home to a large and gorgeous population of trees that include Boxelder, Quaking Aspen, and Rocky Mountain Maple, just to name a few. By mid to late September, many of these trees boast vibrant yellow and deep red leaves. One of the best places to see these stunning fall colors is on the Laramie River Greenbelt Trail. The 6-mile paved trail runs alongside the Laramie River and offers close-up views of the changing foliage.
Next, head to the Laramie Plains Museum which is surrounded by handful of trees with golden leaves. The museum also regularly hosts spooky events in October including the Flicker Light Tour—a fun, after-dark experience for fall. To finish off a trip to Laramie, take a short 18-mile trip outside of town to the Vedauwoo Climbing Area. Perfect for thrill-seekers, the climbing area offers challenging rock climbing areas and picturesque views of the foliage in the surrounding Vedauwoo Recreation Area.
Encampment
Deer grazing in a meadow with rolling foothills and mountains in the background. Carbon county, Wyoming.
With a population hovering just under 500 people, Encampment, Wyoming is anything but crowded. The town started out as a meeting area for Indigenous people and fur traders. Later, it became known as a hotspot for copper mining which travelers can learn more about at the Grand Encampment Museum. Today, however, it’s the town's picturesque outdoor areas and mountain backdrops that draw visitors in.
Those hoping to enjoy fall foliage in Encampment will want to start their journey at Aspen Alley. The alley is located along the Battle Pass Scenic Byway and consists of a canopy of Aspen trees. In the fall, this canopy turns a brilliant shade of yellow that looks especially beautiful during the hour before sunset. Along the scenic byway, travelers can also enjoy crisp fall views of the surrounding Sierra Madre Mountain range. The leaves along this drive begin to change color in September and reach their peak late in the month.
Pinedale
Late evening and Fall colors on the foliage decorate the New Fork River near Pinedale Wyoming.
Fur trading, ranching, and early exploration are a few of the pillars of Pinedale, Wyoming’s history. Today, outdoor exploration is still at the heart of what makes Pinedale a great place to visit. The small town is a popular spot for activities such as hunting, fishing, stargazing, and skiing in the winter. In the fall, finding colorful foliage in Pinedale is easy. Start by visiting the CCC Ponds & Pinedale Pathway. In the still pond water, travelers will see reflections of the golden-leafed Cottonwood trees that line the shoreline. From the paved 6-mile pathway, there are even more colorful trees to admire especially in mid-late September when the fall colors peak in Pinedale.
For those exploring by car, the scenic drive from Pinedale to the nearby Green River Lakes is another must-do fall activity. The lake is located roughly 52 miles north of Pinedale and offers many peaceful views along the way. Upon arrival, travelers will find unbeatable views of Aspen and Pine-covered hills, local wildlife, and the picturesque Squaretop Mountains. Although there are several cozy accommodations to choose from in Pinedale, the lack of massive resorts and National Parks means the fun-filled town stays less packed than other tourist destinations.
Jackson
Scenic landscape of Grand tetons national park from Oxbow bend.
Just over 70 miles from Pinedale, travelers will stumble upon the quaint, beautiful town of Jackson, Wyoming. Located in the Jackson Hole Valley, this small town is best known for its Wild West history. In addition to Western roots, Jackson is also bursting at the seams with natural beauty. In the fall, the best vantage point for admiring colorful foliage is the Lunch Counter/Kahuna Overlook. From the overlook, enjoy jaw-dropping views of the rapids and surrounding foliage. After soaking up those views, travelers will want to explore Grand Teton National Park. The park is home to a variety of trees including quaking aspens, narrowleaf cottonwoods, black hawthorns, and willows-each turning a brilliant shade of yellow when the fall hits—which is typically in late September or early October.
Other places including the Grand Teton Skywalk and the National Museum of Wildlife Art are also great for getting outdoors and enjoying Jackson’s fall colors. During the first half of September, Jackson hosts an annual Fall Arts Festival that is also worth checking out. During the beloved festival, participating local art galleries host over 50 events that range from art shows to auctions and everything in between. With so many appealing attractions in town, it is true that Jackson gets quite crowded in the summer and during ski season. Luckily, these crowds are said to die down signifigantly come fall.
Green River
Autumn colors on the shores of Green River, Wyoming.
Green River, Wyoming is home to historic pioneer trails, rugged outdoor landscapes, and arguably one of the best scenic drives for admiring fall foliage. Across the town, travelers will find a range of tree species including Siberian Elm, Apple trees, Blue Spruce, and many varieties of Maple. Scott’s Bottom Nature Area is a great spot for admiring these trees. Around the beginning of October, the nature area is filled with thick blankets of yellow and orange leaves that line the shores of the town's namesake, Green River. The Nature Area, sometimes called FMC Park, also features hiking trails, picnic areas, an archery range, and several cozy spots to sit, relax, and enjoy the view.
Those with access to a vehicle will want to set out on the Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway. The 150-mile route traverses beautiful fall landscapes between Green River and Rock Springs. While on the drive, don’t forget to hop out and admire all that the Flaming Gorge Recreation Area has to offer. Previous visitors of Green River often boast about the towns lack of crowds.
Thermopolis
Thermopolis Hot Springs State Park in Wyoming.
Thermopolis, Wyoming is a gorgeous small town best known for its abundance of natural hot springs. Visitors hoping to enjoy these popular hot springs while admiring fall foliage are in luck as Hot Springs State Park is the perfect destination for both activities. While here, visitors will find just over 6 miles worth of hiking trails where the 20+ varieties of trees and shrubs located in the park will be bursting with color.
Next, it’s time to lace up the hiking boots and visit Roundtop Mountain. Roundtop Mountain is a butte, meaning it is a steep, isolated hill with a flat top. And although the foliage here is sparse, visitors can still expect to see some reddish-orange shrubbery sprinkled along the hillside in mid-late October.
Lander
Mountain Landscape Outside Lander Wyoming.
Thought to be one of the best areas for outdoor exploration, Lander, Wyoming is the perfect town for anyone hoping to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Rock climbing is a popular activity in the area and gives those brave enough to climb the chance to see stunning fall scenery from brand new heights. From beginners to seasoned climbers, everyone can benefit by booking a climbing trip with Wind River Climbing Guides. Those who prefer to explore on level ground can head to Lander City Park or McManus Park, where crisp fall colors will be on full display come early October.
City Park is best for kids as there is a playground and sports fields. While McManus Park, with its open fields and comfy benches, is best for sitting back and admiring the foliage. Before wrapping up a Lander visit, head to Sinks Canyon State Park located just south of town. Here, travelers will find the Wind River Mountains and the beautiful Popo Agie River.
Visit the Cowboy State Next Fall
From vast, seemingly unending valleys littered with trees, to towering mountain peaks blanketed with golden yellow leaves, Wyoming is an ideal destination for leaf chasers. And with the state's sparsely-populated towns, avoiding the crowds has never been easier. Even in the state’s more bustling towns like Jackson, Fall is a relatively quiet season for tourism, making these small towns the perfect place to escape from reality and get back in touch with your wild side.
