7 Top Places To Visit In The Rockies In The Fall

While the Rockies offer breathtaking views in the summer, come fall, with the changing color of leaves, the Rockies are even more beautiful. The aspen trees change from green to golden enchanting mountain forests. Wildlife, such as bison and elk, get ready to migrate for winter. In the fall, there is much to do in the Rockies. From hiking in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to tasting Wine in Delta County, Colorado, there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you are thinking of packing a bag and going to the Rockies this fall, here are the top places to visit that you won't want to miss.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

One of the best places in the Rockies to see stunning fall vistas is Grand Teton National Park. While it is a popular summer destination, it is arguably more beautiful come fall. The foliage of many trees changes as early as September and lasts for about five weeks until mid-October. Many aspens in the park change from green to vibrant yellow. The colorful foliage in the park makes hiking in the area beautiful. One of the best trails to hike in the fall is the Phelps Lake trail. The trail is just shy of 4 miles and takes an average of 2 hours to complete. There is an overlook of Phelps Lake, which looks stunning, surrounded by colorful fall trees. While hiking, you might be lucky enough to see some wildlife. Fall is a great time to see wildlife in Grand Teton National Park since many animals are preparing to migrate.

One of the most scenic fall drives is down Moose-Wilson Road, connecting the towns of Moose and Wilson. If you go this route, drive slowly because moose are often spotted walking across the roadway. You can also drive along Teton Park Road, traveling along the base of the magnificent Teton Range to Jackson Lake and Snake River. Some of the most beautiful mountain views are from the water.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

The famous gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks is the adorable town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Jackson Hole is a valley between the Gros Ventre and Teton mountain ranges. What is special about the area is that it has remained a piece of land almost untouched by time. Almost all of the valley is state and federal land. The Jackson Hole Land Trust also protects another 15,000 acres of ranchland. The Grand Teton Trails are some of the best trails to explore near Jackson Hole. In the fall, the valley floor fills with golden leaves. Next to the snow-capped mountain peaks, this creates breathtaking views. September to mid-October is the best time to see the fall foliage. 

Those looking to explore a cute mountain town should check out the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Teton Village. From restaurants to street art installations, there is something for everyone to enjoy. One of the best restaurants in the area is the classic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, offering authentic Western charm, live music, and handmade cocktails.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the United States to visit in the fall. Located in the corner of Wyoming, there is something for everyone at Yellowstone. September to October are beautiful months in the park. There are fewer crowds, stunning fall foliage, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Going into Yellowstone's backcountry is a great way to see the park's array of brilliant fall foliage, undistracted by crowds of people. There is also a better chance of seeing wildlife, such as moose, eagles, and deer, in the backcountry.

If hiking through the backcountry isn't for you, check out one of the top attractions in Yellowstone, Tower Falls. The falls are in the northeastern part of Yellowstone, near Tower Junction. They plunge 132 feet and feature unique rock formations from cooled lava. Surrounded by fall foliage, the falls look breathtaking. Severe erosion has ruined the bottom of the falls so it is not safe to walk to the bottom. However, you can walk past the Tower Fall outlook and see the Yellowstone River. Some wildlife you might see in the area include bighorn sheep, osprey, red-tailed hawks, and black bears.

Colorado Wine Country

If you are looking for a break from being on trails and in parks, enjoy fall from Colorado's wine country. Kickback with a  glass of wine and take in Colorado's stunning mountain views. For your first stop in wine country, check out Palisade. This small, charming Colorado town is known for its delectable peach orchards. It's even nicknamed the peach capital of Colorado. However, the town is also known for vineyards, and it is a hotspot for Colorado wine. At the end of September, it also hosts the Colorado Mountain Winefest. Palisade is beside Mt. Garfield, a scenic location to enjoy the mountain. Mt. Garfield is popular for mountain bikers, and there is nothing like riding down the Red Mountain trail.

Another place in Colorado Wine County to explore is Delta County. The area is famous for its orchards, small farms, ranches, and vineyards. Some vineyards even have places for visitors to stay overnight, such as Leroux Creek Inn and Vineyards in Hotchkiss. At the end of September, Colorado also hosts the Mountain Harvest festival in the small town of Paonia. The harvest festival is around the same time as the Colorado Mountain Winefest at the end of September. The Harvest Fest has local music and opportunities to browse local arts and crafts and participate in fun activities like the Great Chili Cookoff, Farm Tours, and Grape Stomp.

South Boulder Creek Trail, Colorado

While not the destination most travelers have in mind when they visit the Rockies, the South Boulder Creek Trail offers spectacular fall views. South Boulder Creek runs along the southern end of Rollinsville, a small town about 45 minutes from Boulder. Along the banks of the creek, there is a trail winding through lush forests. In the fall, this is a trail where you can see some of Colorado's most spectacular colors. Aspens and evergreens line the trail, making for an enchanting fall walk. The surrounding farmland also means you might end up sharing the trail with some cows.

Eventually, the trail leads you under South Boulder Road via an underpass. Usually, this trail is busy, but in fall, crowds die down. Despite the crowds, you can count on enjoying spectacular mountain views on the trail. It takes under an hour on average to complete, making it the perfect hike to start or end your day.

Ridgway, Colorado

The contrast of Colorado's red rock formations against the evergreens in the mountains offers some of the most brilliant fall views. A visit to Ridgway State Park in Colorado will show unparalleled scenery. The aspens, cottonwoods, and scrub oaks light up the unique Ridgway area. The leaves in this area change later than in other areas, so visiting in mid-October is the best time to see peak foliage.

Ridgway Park has 14 miles of developed trails for hiking, biking, and birding. There are also campgrounds, even facilities and picnic areas. Avid climbers or canyoners love Ridgway for its diverse terrain and natural beauty. One of the most popular spots for climbers in Ridgway is the Uncompahgre Gorge, just outside of the Ridgeway. The Gorge has narrow passages and steep jumps, making for an exciting adventure.

Mills Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park

A trip to the Rockies wouldn't be complete without visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. The park is home to more than 350 miles of hiking trails, but one of the most beautiful fall trails is Mills Lake. Mills Lake Trail is 2.8 miles, starting from the Glacier Gorge parking lot. The trail crosses over rocky terrain, surrounded by a thicket of pine trees and golden aspens. Aspens are characteristically found in the Rockies. In early September, their green leaves change to golden. Other great places to see Aspen trees in Rocky Mountain Park are Fern Lake Trail, Bear Lake area, Cub Lake Trail, East Inlet Trail, and Kawuneeche Valley.

Beyond trees, there is a fair chance of seeing elk along the trail because of the elk rut. This is where the bull elk compete for a higher rank in the social hierarchy based on size and weight. Other good spots to view elk in Rocky Mountain Park include Moraine Park, Horseshoe Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, and Kawuneeche Valley.

Bear Safety

When you are traveling in the Rocky Mountains, there is a risk of bear encounters. While seeing a bear is also exciting, they can be dangerous. Some tips to help you stay safe in bear country and prevent bear encounters include:

• Make Noise

Let the bears know you are there by calling out, talking loudly, and clapping. This is important around areas where it is hard to see, such as streams, dense vegetation, and berry patches. Bear bells are not loud enough to be a substitute for talking loudly. 

• Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Know what bear signs are. Leave the area if you see fresh bear tracks, droppings, torn-up logs, or turned-over rocks. No matter how pretty the view is, it isn't worth the risk of a bear encounter. If you come across a large dead animal, this is a big sign of a bear nearby. You should leave the area immediately and report to the park staff.

•  Keep Your Dog Leashed 

Ideally, you should leave your dog at home when going into some areas of the mountains —  particularly the backcountry. Dogs can make bears more defensive and more likely to attack. If dogs are off-leash, they can attract a bear and bring them right to you.

• Travel in Larger Size Groups

Traveling with a larger group of people makes a bear attack less likely. A group of four or more is ideal when traveling in bear country. If you have children, make sure to keep an eye on them.

Now that you have read the bear safety tips, pack your bags and get ready to enjoy the Rocky Mountains. From Jackson Hole to Mills Lake, there is no better time to enjoy the Rockies than fall.