Top Fall Destinations in the Mountain West

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From the open plains to the jagged mountainous peaks, the Mountain West might be the country’s most beautiful region. Famed for its expansive national parks and excellent outdoor recreation, this is an area that receives millions of visitors every year looking to witness spectacular landscapes. People flock to the Mountain West to ski in the winter and to visit its national parks in the summer. But the fall might be the best time to appreciate all this region offers.

Autumn in the Mountain West is a time of changing colors and cooling but mild temperatures. There are no longer dense crowds and the area is yours to explore. Let’s look at some of the towns and cities in the Mountain West that make for the best autumn destinations.

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Wyoming

Cody

Cody is famed as an Old West frontier town named for its founder William Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill. Cody retains its wild west spirit through numerous museums and recreated frontier towns. One of the major reasons visitors head to Cody is its proximity to Yellowstone National Park. In the fall, entering Yellowstone from Cody allows you to witness the beautiful colors of one of the most famed national parks. Cody also hosts art festivals like Rendezvous Royale throughout the fall.

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Montana

Kalispell

Kalispell is another Mountain West city that serves as an access point to a world-famous park. Glacier National Park, with its jaw-dropping views, is just a short drive away. Visiting Glacier in the fall makes this postcard-worthy setting all the more magical, as the trees turn red and amber. Kalispell also has a pleasant downtown with restored historical buildings. Fall in Kalispell is also great for visiting pumpkin patches and engaging in other seasonal activities.

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Whitefish

Whitefish is also closely situated near Glacier National Park. It is a popular resort town with trails for mountain bikers in the summer and skiers in the winter. The town is nestled alongside Whitefish Lake, surrounded by forests and trails. This area is made even more gorgeous as the leaves turn. Central Avenue in Whitefish is a fun area to explore. It is filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants, many of which offer autumn-themed items.

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Idaho

Sandpoint

Sandpoint is a popular resort city with year-round appeal. While the weather is warm, many seek the beaches and water of Lake Pend Oreille, and winter brings tourists to the slopes of Schweitzer Mountain. Fall brings many to witness the stunning transformation of the Idaho forests, as the trees along the nearby mountains turn bright red and orange in late October. The weather in Sandpoint remains mild until late autumn, allowing campers and hikers to enjoy the area’s top spots throughout the fall. Sandpoint also has excellent galleries and museums worth checking out.

Boise

Boise is Idaho’s biggest city, blending an urban feel with incredible outdoor recreational activities. The city is surrounded by mountains and has excellent parks and trails, including the well-known Boise River Greenbelt. Boise is nicknamed “The City of Trees,” so naturally, autumn is a great time to walk around the town. Boise’s downtown is a vibrant place, and the weather in the fall is crisp but pleasant. Visiting Boise’s many shops, museums, and delicious restaurants is a great way to spend an autumn day.

Utah

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is Utah’s biggest city, a scenic and busy place that offers easy access to some of the best nature in the country. The city is situated in a valley with numerous mountain ranges on all sides. Fall brings more than just changing leaves to Salt Lake City; it is also a time for festivals and celebrations. Salt Lake City has its own Oktoberfest, a harvest festival, Halloween spectacles, and more. It is always a vibrant city, and fall brings a host of new excitements.