Yellowstone National Park is one of the top most visited and one of the most beloved parks in the USA. While the summertime brings in the most visitors to the area, locals know that autumn is Yellowstone’s better and quieter season. With thinning crowds, bright sunny days, cool crisp air and a vibrant display of golden aspens, these gorgeous times make for some of the best days the park sees all year. Read on to learn about our tips for visiting the park this fall.
Prime time for fall foliage in Yellowstone is from mid-September in the higher elevations above 7,000 feet through to mid-October in the lower valleys. The best way to see the autumn glow is on one of the many Yellowstone National Park hikes with ample leaf-peeping opportunities, wildlife viewing and panoramic vistas. The Bunsen Peak Trail south of Mammoth Hot Springs boasts 360-degree views of the Gallatin Mountains and Yellowstone River Valley. Safety first!
Local’s Tip: Be sure to carry bear spray at all times and know how to use it!
2. Autumn Fishing in Yellowstone
Fishing in Yellowstone during the autumn months offers some of the best fly fishing and the potential for the perfect catch. The brown trout spawn between late-October and mid-November, perfectly timed with Yellowstone’s fall foliage season. The Madison River near the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park and the Gardner River near Mammoth Hot Springs are prime spots for fall fishing in Yellowstone.
3. Check Out Yellowstone’s Geological Wonders
More than half the world’s hydrothermal features (more than 10,000!) are preserved at Yellowstone National Park from hot springs and mud pots to the world-famous geysers. “Geyser Gazers” flock to Yellowstone throughout the year to view these geological wonders. Top geysers easily accessible on a day trip to Yellowstone from Big Sky include the spectacular Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful to the south and Artists Paintpots, Norris Geyser and the terraces and thermal pools of Mammoth Hot Springs up north.
4. Wildlife Viewing
Fall is the best time to see the Iconic Yellowstone wildlife, with best viewing times at dawn and dusk. Herds of elk and humpbacked bison migrate from higher elevations to the valleys for winter grazing, bears forage for food in preparation for winter hibernation and the hawks and raptors begin their annual fall migration (best seen in the Hayden Valley). Mid-September to mid-June is prime time for wolf watching in Yellowstone and the musical bugle of the elk during rutting (breeding) season can be heard from September and often as late as mid-October (best seen at Mammoth Hot Springs). Safety first! Stay well away from wildlife as the park suggests 100 years from bears and wolves, 25 yards from all other animals.
5. Don’t Forget: Check the Weather & Road Closures
The autumn weather in Yellowstone can be highly unpredictable and snow can begin to accumulate as early as October in the higher elevations! Be prepared to experience a wide range of temperatures from cool lows of 20s to highs in the 60s.
Many of Yellowstone’s restaurants, services and lodging facilities close by mid-October, however the roads remain open until November 8th for guided and self-drive tours of Yellowstone. Always check for seasonal road closures when planning an autumn trip to Yellowstone.
Big Sky Vacation Rentals offer a premier portfolio of vacation rentals near Yellowstone, an easy drive from the west entrance on Highway 191, and our local team are ready to help you choose the perfect home-away-from-home and best tour of Yellowstone National Park for a memorable autumn escape and fall-foliage trip to Yellowstone National Park.
Come to Big Sky and enjoy three nights of professional bull riding and attend the toughest sport on dirt! The Big Sky PBR is part of PBR’s True Velocity Tour – a competition series following World Finals consisting of more than 60 events in 27 states across the United States. The Big Sky PBR has been voted Event of the Year by PBR bull riders for nine consecutive years (2013-2021) at the PBR World Finals, sharing Montana with the world one bull ride at a time.
Big Sky PBR’s high-octane show is a spectacle to witness, and a treat to experience in Big Sky’s intimate arena with one of Mother Nature’s best backdrops – the 11,166-foot Lone Mountain.
Tickets for the 2024 PBR are on sale now. Enjoy three nights of Challenger Series Professional Bull Riding July 18-20 with some of the world’s top riders and bulls.
JOIN IN ON THE FUN AT THE AFTER PARTY!
Enjoy live music following the Big Sky PBR featuring some of the best music on the country circuit.
*After Party music is included with your Big Sky PBR ticket. Music-only entry tickets will also be available for purchase on March 4 at 10am MT
Tickets range from General Admission to Golden Buckle VIP and are all first come, first served bleacher seating. Big Sky PBR is set in an outdoor arena and is a rain or shine event. All ticket purchases are final and non-refundable.
Babies/toddlers 2 years and under are free of charge.
**Big Sky Resort Tax (4%) is added into the price of each ticket.
General Admission Night #1
First come, first served bleacher seating on Thursday, July 18.
$ 12000
Access to full bull riding event
Access to food vendors and cash bar
GA Kids 10 & Under Night #1
First come, first served bleacher seating on Thursday, July 18.
$ 6500
Access to full bull riding event
Access to food vendors
GA Night #2 or Night #3
First come, first served bleacher seating on Friday, July 19 OR Saturday, July 20.
$ 25000
Access to full bull riding event
Access to food vendors and cash bar
Entrance to PBR After Party
Golden Buckle VIP Night #2 or Night #3
First come, first served VIP bleacher seating on Fri, July 19 ($550) OR Sat, July 20 ($650).
$ 55000+
Access to full bull riding event
Access to the covered VIP tent and catered food
Access to 2 VIP bars plus 2 complimentary drinks
Access to air-conditioned and flushable bathrooms
Entrance to PBR After Party
Entering its 13th season, the first Big Sky PBR event was a one-night show held in 2011 with a second night added in 2012. Since then, Big Sky PBR’s massive production has turned one week of the year into Big Sky’s Biggest Week, bringing economic boom to Southwest Montana and drawing over 30,000 attendees and the best bull riders from around the world.
Tickets sell out quickly for the series of events so act fast to secure your spot in one of the most exciting events to hit the greater Yellowstone region.
At the Big Sky PBR, it’s not just about bull riding. In 2023, over $290,000 was raised for local nonprofits throughout Big Sky’s Biggest Week events.
It’s a great week to plan a trip to Big Sky, Montana!
Meet the athletes behind the sport of bullriding and some of the best bucking bulls around. These 2,000-pound beasts are bred to buck and work in concert with the athleticism of their rider making for a unique match with each, nail-biting, 8-second run. Meet the bulls, keep track of their standings and purchase PBR gear online.
Headquartered in Pueblo, Colorado, the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) tour was founded in 1992 by a group of 20 bull riders looking to bring their sport mainstream. The PBR now holds more than 300 annual events in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Australia, attracting more than 2.5 million spectators each year. “The Toughest Sport on Dirt,” combines intense sports action and world-class production that can’t be rivaled by any other major league sport. In just two decades, PBR has grown into a global sports sensation that has awarded more than $140 million in prize money. The PBR has rapidly transformed one of the fastest-growing sports in America into a worldwide phenomenon.
Presented by Yellowstone Club, the Big Sky Rodeo features some of Montana State University’s finest up-and-coming rodeo athletes as they entertain with a variety of rodeo disciplines including Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Tie-Down Roping, Breakaway Roping, Barrel Racing and Bull Riding.
Mutton bustin’ and an additional special feature of 406 Rodeo miniature bucking stock ridden by junior roughstock kids will highlight the evening. Professional PBR and Western sports announcer Matt West will be announcing the event.
Ticket holders can enjoy food and drink options at the venue including food trucks and bar service.
Join us in celebrating Big Sky PBR as the 10x Event of the Year! The Community Street Dance is a free concert following the Big Sky Community Rodeo to help us kickoff Big Sky’s Biggest Week. Grab your friends and family and enjoy FREE live country and rock music from Tony Marques Band.
The Tony Marques Band (TMB) (pronounced: “Mar-cus”) ranks at the top when it comes to Las Vegas’s premier country/rock bands. The attention this four-piece band has received came rather quickly since being established in early 2013. The incredible musicianship, smooth three-part harmonies, and energetic, audience-interactive shows have people talking, venues calling, and crowds wanting more. These key ingredients come together to create the perfect blend of today’s country/rock music.
Heading up the band, Tony Marques has been deeply rooted in the country music scene since he started performing over twenty-five years ago. Without question, his rich tenor vocals lend themselves to the country genre perfectly.
Tony has opened for some of today’s biggest country stars including Big & Rich, Toby Keith, Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Gary Allan, Charlie Daniels, and Diamond Rio, just to name a few. Fellow band members Tommy Cameron (Lead Guitar & Vocals), Mike Tucker (Drums, Percussion & Vocals), and Mike Riojas (Bass & Vocals), come from diverse musical backgrounds consisting of country, rock, pop, and R&B. This adds the edge you hear in the band’s live shows.
This year’s Community Day & Mutton Bustin’ will include an array of family-friendly activities including a petting zoo, carnival games and prizes, food trucks, and sheep riding through the arena for the highest score. We will have spots available starting March 4th.
MUTTON BUSTIN’
Mutton Bustin will include three rounds of 10 participants based on a first come first served reservation basis. Buckaroos must be 3-6 years old, weigh less than 60lbs. Reservations are now open.
BINGO! Everyone is familiar with the rush of adrenaline when you’re the first to get a row of perfectly inked stamps on your BINGO card. Join us for the 4th Annual Dick Allgood Community BINGO Night benefiting a local nonprofit. Events include a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, food and beverages, BINGO prizes and the chance to be the BINGO champion.
Entry into the tent is included with your 10-pack of bingo cards purchase. Must be 18+ to play unless accompanied by an adult.
Tickets on sale June 4th at 10AM MDT.
Big Sky Vacation Rentals offer a hand-picked selection of over 125 luxury vacation rentals in prime locations throughout Big Sky. We’ll find you the perfect home to suit your Big Sky vacation itinerary and assist with vacation planning.
Book direct for the best Big Sky prices or call our vacation experts at (888) 915-2787 to start planning your vacation under Montana’s Big Sky.
Spring is one of the most dynamic times of the year in the Yellowstone National Park. The landscape changes almost daily as the hillsides start turning green and the days grow longer. The rivers run higher and the waterfalls become more prominent from the snow melt while snow still lingers in higher elevations. As the temperatures increases, wildlife including grizzly and black bears will start coming out of hibernation and become more active in the meadows.
Escape the Crowds and Enjoy Yellowstone National Park as it Opens this Spring 2024!
While most visitors don’t come to Yellowstone National Park until the months of July and August, there is a certain beauty to the park in the spring time making it worth a visit before the crowded summer months. Please check the National Park Service website for current weather and road conditions.
Travel Tips
Dress Warm While the weather is generally milder than in March, April still brings occasional snow storms with temperatures dropping below freezing on some days.
Rise Early Before sunrise if possible as Yellowstone in the spring has some of the most exciting wildlife watching. Rising early is the best time to observe animals in their natural habitat.
Be PreparedIf you plan to hike make sure to bring bear spray, water, sunscreen and rain gear as Yellowstone is a mountain wilderness and being prepared will ensure you have an enjoyable trip.
Pack Your Lunch Most restaurants and services in the park will still be closed for the season so make sure you bring enough food for an entire day’s explorations.
Biking in Yellowstone National Park
Every spring, biking, including e-bikes are allowed on Yellowstone National Park roads while they are still closed to motorized, public travel. Spring bicycling season usually starts by early April with no set date as designated routes are opened once they are cleared from snow. The closest route to Big Sky that is open to biking is from the West Entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs.
This is a wonderful way to explore the vastness and wildlife of the park in all tranquility while getting some exercising in as well!
Yellowstone Wildlife in the Spring
Spring is the best season to view wildlife in Yellowstone. Baby animals start appearing all over the park, including grizzly and black bear cubs starting mid March, bison calves in April and elk calves later on from May to June. While bears and bison are incredibly exciting to observe, please be sure to respect wildlife, follow all park safety guidelines and keep your distance for your safety and theirs.
Bison calves tend to be born from late March through May and have a fuzzy, orange-reddish fur, earning them the nickname “red dogs”. The bison calves are able to keep up with their mothers just a couple hours after they are born and they are protected from danger by the rest of the herd surrounding them at all times. You will be able to see the herds with the red dogs in the meadows, make sure to watch from a distance as bison can get aggressive if too close.
Stay With Us! Check Out Our Big Sky Homes…
After each full day of exploring Yellowstone National Park, hiking or biking around Big Sky, retreat to your luxurious, comfortable vacation home for an evening to remember. We proudly boast one of Big Sky’s largest selections of vacation rentals, so you’re bound to find one that perfectly suits your group’s size, style, and budget. Luxuries include private hot tubs, lavish outdoor patios and incredible mountain views. Please give us a call today at +1-888-915-2787 or email us at info@bookbigsky.com to inquire, or simply browse through our available properties.
Big Sky is known for its world class skiing and snowboarding, with some of the best snow in the country. But what if you’re not here to ski but still want to enjoy the snow and have some winter fun?
Not to worry! The fun in Big Sky doesn’t start at the top of the mountain and end at the base area. Montana provides a variety of activities for all ages and there is always something new and somewhere new to explore. For guests who’ve never stepped foot on skis, family members who want additional options, or skiers and riders who just want to take a day to enjoy something new, Big Sky has something for everyone.
Here are some of our top choices for fun activities in Big Sky when you’re not hitting the slopes….
1. Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a fantastic way to get outside and enjoy the beautiful views of Montana. If you get lucky, you might even see some wildlife! Big Sky is tucked in the middle of the Madison Range and with the Gallatin Range and Yellowstone National Park close by, the opportunities to explore are endless. Just grab you pair of snowshoes or rent one at Grizzly Outfitters and go explore the wintery scenery.
Explore the beautiful scenery on over 85 kilometers and 2,200 vertical feet of groomed cross country ski trails right out of Big Sky. Lone Mountain Ranch was voted #1 Nordic ski destination in North America in Cross Country Skier magazine and certified instructors available, they invite skiers of all abilities to venture out on the trails. If you are looking for a more backcountry feel, Big Sky has a large trail network that is suitable for cross country skiing as well, with rentals available through Grizzly Outfitters.
Conquer the snow in style! Take a snowmobile tour for a couple hours or a full day and enjoy slicing your way through the snowy mountains while taking in the beauty of Montana’s finest. With options around Big Sky and West Yellowstone, expert guides and top-notch equipment, snowmobile companies ensure a safe, enjoyable and memorable experience for you and your whole group.
The free ice skating rink in the heart of the Big Sky Town Center is opening back up on December 1st for the winter, come enjoy an afternoon of the ice with your family and friends! Ice skate rentals are available at Grizzly Outfitters and East Slope Outdoors in Town Center.
Big Sky offers some of the best dog sledding in Montana! This is truly a unique way to experience the wintry beauty of Big Sky and learn more about the art of dog sledding. Sit back and get ready for an exhilarating adventure that the entire family will enjoy. If you would like to get more involved and learn to mush, Yellowstone Dog Sled Adventures offers half day experiences where you get to drive your own sled and team of dogs.
Offered from December to March, sleigh ride dinners at Lone Mountain Sports provides a relaxing and magical evening activity for the entire family. Guests load up in a sleigh and are taken on an enjoyable moonlight ride through the snowy landscape of Big Sky to the North Fork cabin for a family-style prime rib dinner, one of the most delicious meals you’ll ever have!
Skiing and snowboarding aren’t the only ways to fly down the hillsides around Big Sky. Grab a sled at Grizzly Outfitters or Ace Hardware, and enjoy some fast runs down on sleds behind Town Center with the entire family!
8. Winter Tours in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone receives millions of visitors every year, but only a small percentage visit the park in the winter. Without the traffic and the crows, Yellowstone National Park is a magical winter wonderland. Yellowstone snow coach tours are available to several park destinations including Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. If you are lucky you might see a herd of bison, elk and even some wolves!
Are you looking to get to your home without having to go through the hassle of picking up groceries? Have Alisa deliver them straight to you! Place your online order with any grocery store in Bozeman or Big Sky that offers curbside pickup and Alisa will pick it up and bring it to your home before you arrive. Bozeman Grocery Stores: Safeway, Smith’s and Albertson’s. Big Sky Grocery Stores: Roxy’s and Hungry Moose.
alisaallgood@hotmail.com
406-539-9662
Family Meal By Phil
Whether ordering tailor-made dinners ready to eat, pantry staples to have on hand, or if you require Chef Phil on site for large parties, intimate dinners or individual cooking classes in your rental property, we provide custom menus using local & seasonal ingredients. With a well-trained eye for the freshest in-season produce, & utilizing his long-standing relationships with farmers, growers, cheesemongers, fishermen, & large & small purveyors of the finest ingredients, Phil combines his Michelin star hospitality and dining experience with the comfort of dining in your own home, into each of his dishes.
Forage & Fire provides elevated Montana cuisine with fresh local ingredients. Hire one of our chefs for private in-home services, maybe enjoy a delicious meal with the family, or make your special day remarkable with our upscale dining menu. Contact us to discuss menu selections and availability.
The Dinner Biz personal chef service offers premium service at an affordable price. Our offered services range from in-home dinner parties and brunches, to grocery delivery and leave behind meals ready for you at your convenience. The Dinner Biz is prepared to meet and exceed your expectations, on your schedule, and at your convenience.
A trusted reputation throughout Montana, J. Lake Chef brings a simple but sophisticated touch to any event from small intimate gatherings in your home to larger events such as weddings, social and corporate events.
Chef’s Table serves gourmet meals in your home, prepared with fresh, local, and organic ingredients. Bringing a fine-dining experience to your home for all occasions: dinner parties, luncheons, corporate gatherings, showers, and family meals.
Whether it’s a formal dinner, a luncheon or child’s birthday party, Montana Chef is happy to create a customized menu for you and are available on an as-needed basis. The Montana Chef`s culinary background provides a broad array of food styles and cuisines to pull from, handling everything from Superbowl parties to family get-together and holiday gatherings.
Sweet Buns Catering is committed to providing the best quality of food for any occasion . Our goal is provide delicious, natural options. That’s why we prepare all of our meals with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Creating a personalized menu for any night of the week. Ask about our GLUTEN FREE, VEGETARIAN, and VEGAN options!
Enjoy an experience created just for you by two chefs from Napa Valley. With over 20 years of combined professional experience in Michelin-level kitchens, we can design a meal for any occasion. Our food philosophy is to keep things simple, with great flavors, proper cooking techniques and using the best, locally-sourced ingredients through family owned purveyors.
Cinnamon and Sage Catering and Events provides world-class catering for weddings, private and corporate events, and parties in Bozeman, Big Sky, Livingston, Three Forks and Helena We create customized menus with fresh vision befitting the expansiveness of Big Sky Country.
Food For Thought specializes in exquisitely presented, modern farm to table seasonal menus, utilizing the freshest, organic and local ingredients available. Our professionally trained culinary and hospitality teams provide unforgettable food experiences for occasions of all kinds, including freshly prepared foods and meal packages. Perhaps that’s why we’ve been voted Bozeman’s choice caterer for the last six years in a row!
Totally Tasty Offers Totally Awesome Sliders that will fill you up and give you the energy you need to keep your Montana lifestyle going strong! We also cook up some delicious Grilled Cheeses, Kurobuta Bratwursts, Catfish Hoagies, and tasty vegetarian sliders! We use mostly local, organic, and non-gmo ingredients and make everything from scratch. Totally Tasty not only dishes out awesome sliders, brats, and grilled cheeses, we also offer custom catering for any size event!
Seasonal Montana is a celebration of food and life in Southwest Montana. We are committed to providing a high-end, local, farm-to-table experience every time. We provide 100% customizable in-person and drop-off catering, and we love working with clients to create Montana magic for every occasion.
The Country Market is a full-service grocery store, offering the widest selection of groceries, deli items, produce, beer and wine. Delivery service and gift baskets available, what could be better than having your favorite snacks await your arrival!
Chef Austin Brown is delighted to offer his clients his experience and belief in using fresh and locally sourced ingredients to create unforgettable, and from scratch, experiences. Proudly offering all services from catered events, private dinners, rustic outdoor dining, and group cooking lessons to pre-prepared meals to maximize your time outdoors.
