It is well-known that winter is wonderful in Big Sky, but did you know that the other seasons have just as much to offer? Fall, in particular, is fantastic. If you only visit this beautiful mountain town when it is snowy outside, then you’re missing out on a lot of fun! Fall is gorgeous in Big Sky. On top of the scenery, many of the town’s best festivals and activities can be enjoyed in fall. With smaller crowds and more affordable travel rates, you can’t go wrong planning a fall trip to Big Sky. Here are a few of the top reasons to visit Big Sky this fall.
Smaller Crowds
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Big Sky during the fall is the convenience of off-season travel. The crowds are sparse in Montana’s top ski towns during the fall ahead of ski season. This means you'll have more space to enjoy the mountains and less traffic on the roads! The prices are also a lot lower, so you’ll likely find great discounts on restaurants, activities, and transportation. The savings are helpful to have when you’re adventuring around this normally expensive town. In the fall, you can take advantage of all that Big Sky has to offer without waiting in long lines or spending a fortune!
Fall Foliage
The fall foliage in Big Sky is breathtaking. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains of southern Montana, the town is surrounded by rugged beauty like you’ve never seen. As the aspen trees change color, the mountainsides come alive with vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. It is breathtaking!
There are many great places to go leaf-peeping while you’re in Big Sky. Some of the best spots include Yellowstone National Park, Gallatin National Forest, and Madison River Valley. The fall foliage is all over, though. No matter where you are in town, you’re guaranteed to see colorful leaves!
Hiking is my favorite way to immerse myself in the fall foliage, but you can also opt to take in the views on a scenic drive, while horseback riding, or while on a gondola!
The Great Outdoors
Whether you’re interested in the fall foliage or not, you should definitely spend some time exploring the Great Outdoors in Big Sky. This time of year, the weather is awesome for outdoor activities. The days are warm and sunny, with highs typically sitting in the mid-50s and low 60s. The weather doesn’t get much better for those looking to engage in hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, and other outdoor activities. Big Sky is surrounded by stunning scenery. It is a shame to miss out on the landscape while you’re in town! Be sure to take some time to explore local nature.
The fishing in Big Sky is particularly good in the fall. The fish are more active at this time, and the mild weather means that fishing is more enjoyable. You’ll catch more fish and have a better time doing so! Some of the best fishing spots in the area include Gallatin River, Madison River, and Yellowstone River. This area is known for its abundance of trout. See how many you can catch!
If you like to golf, then you’ll be happy to know that fall is the perfect time to hit the links. The nice weather and smaller crowds make it easy to enjoy an afternoon on the green. Some of the top golf courses in and around Big Sky include Big Sky Golf Course (note that the greens close October 1, 2023), Yellowstone Club, and Moonlight Basin.
Fall Festivals
There are plenty of festivals and events that take place in and near Big Sky during the fall season. Some of the top events include Music in the Mountains (weekly), the Big Sky Farmers Market (weekly, and Oktoberfest (September 15-16, 2023). Events and festivals like these are excellent ways to get to know local culture. Keep an eye out for other exciting events. You never know what will pop up!
No matter what you choose to do in Big Sky this fall, you're sure to have a great time. The beautiful scenery, the mild weather, and the abundance of outdoor activities make Montana a fantastic destination for a fall getaway. Be sure to come back in the winter, when ski season is in full swing!
