11 Unmissable Hikes To Do In Montana In The Fall

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Fall is our favorite season of all – the Fall foliage colors, in brilliant shades of gold and red, the last glimpses of wildlife before they go into hibernation, and the crisp air that’s cool makes this state the perfect destination for hiking.

Fall is a great time to get outdoors and appreciate nature. Known for its rocky mountain ranges, rolling countryside and vast plains, fragrant pine forests and low-lying valleys abundant with rivers and lakes – there are plenty of hikes to do in Montana in the Fall that get you out enjoying the outdoors and close to the wildlife.

The cooler temperatures make for more pleasant hikes. The summer crowds have thinned out and the animals start moving to lower elevations, which is great for wildlife viewing.

Best Hikes In Montana In The Fall

Montana has a greater variety of native wildlife than anywhere else in the lower 48.

From bison to mountain goats, grizzlies to wolves, wildlife viewing in Montana is abundant and spectacular, especially in the national parks and wildlife refuges.

Here are the best hikes to view them.

Yellowstone National Park, MT

Is there a National Park more iconic than America’s first national park?

While most of Yellowstone National Park is located in Wyoming, parts of it also extend across the border into Montana, where there are three park entrances.

Yellowstone has more than 900 miles of hiking trails, ranging from short and easy day hikes to challenging multi-day treks.

Within the Montana side of Yellowstone, you can see geysers, colorful hot springs, bubbling mud pots, multiple rivers, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

And, of course, lots of wildlife.

Here are some popular hikes to do in the Montana section of Yellowstone:

Beaver Ponds Loop, Mammoth Hot Springs

You might be expecting to see beavers on this 9km loop hike across the Wyoming/Montana border, but they aren’t the only furry friend that calls this national park home.

This hiking trail is known for its bear activity, so be on the lookout, and come prepared.

I’ll admit, I am scared of grizzly bears, but it gives me great comfort to know many people hike the trail without any trouble and there are lots of bear safety tips out there.

The trail begins at…