6 Great Fall Hikes Near Billings, MT

Billings is known as Montana’s Trailhead for a reason. Within roughly an hour’s drive of our Downtown, there are hundreds of amazing hikes.

When I’m not helping Billings’ homeowners, my passion is exploring these beautiful mountain trails. As a sixth-generation native of the Treasure State, I know a thing or two about the mountains nearby. With this list, I’m excited to share that knowledge with the world – and offer you 8 great fall hikes to explore around Billings!

Best Overall: Elk Lake

This easygoing hike is my favorite to explore during a Montana fall! The trail goes through a beautiful valley in the Beartooths, sloping gently along for two miles before reaching the lake itself. The views here are positively gorgeous during fall, when the yellow and red hues come into full array. On warmer days, you can absorb the colorful vistas while taking a dip in the lake. While Elk Lake isn’t known for its fishing, this is a wonderful place for swimming! You can also enjoy plentiful wildlife viewing, namely of the elk and moose that graze around the Beartooths. Given the relative ease of this hike, alongside its magnificent wilderness features, expect Elk Lake to stay fairly busy until November.

For Great Water Views: Sioux Charley Lake

This hike was tailor-made for water lovers near Billings! Starting with magnificent views of the Stillwater River, which gushes near the entrance to this trail, rapids and rock clusters add character from the outset of this hike. By the conclusion of an easygoing walk, which gains only 600 feet in elevation, you are greeted with stunning views of the extensive Sioux Charley Lake. Like Elk Lake, this spot isn’t known for world-class fishing (for that, you can check out the Stillwater River). Nonetheless, its broad views make for an excellent opportunity to check out fall colors by the waterside.

For Views of the Billings Foliage: Four Dances Natural Area

Billings, Montana sits at the heart of a tree lined valley. When driving along the Rims, I feel blessed to look at the arboreal wonderland which is our Magic City. The best way to enjoy these views is from the bluffs which tower over the southern edge of the Yellowstone River. From atop these bluffs, in the Four Dances Natural Area, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Yellowstone River as it cuts into the sandstone about Billings. Particularly during October, the many easy hikes around this nature preserve open excellent views to Billings’ colorful treeline. For extra fun, bring a pair of binoculars when you visit; see if you can make out where your home is located amidst the red and yellow hues!

For Late Season Adventures: Natural Bridge Falls

This is the marquee hike of the Boulder River Valley! The trail is highlighted by the namesake water feature, which drops 105 feet before carving a scenic canyon into the surrounding sandstone. While the original natural bridge collapsed into the river in 1988, the hike remains a beautiful place to enjoy fly fishing and fall colors. Thanks to its lower elevation, where snowfall isn’t as prevalent, this hike is great for later in the autumn. I’ve enjoyed pleasant trips well into November! The trail from the parking lot to the falls is a measly 0.7 miles, but you can extend your adventure along the river to enjoy plentiful views of the river and forest.

For Early Views of the Snow: Lost Lake Trail

This high-elevation hike takes you into the heart of Montana’s Beartooth Mountains. Capped by the impressive cirque and alpine lake at its conclusion, the Lost Lake trail provides a unique opportunity to witness snowcapped peaks. The snow comes out and the lake may freeze as early as October, but the lower elevations of the trail are rarely too frigid or wet during autumn! This moderate hike gains roughly 1,300 feet of elevation as it meanders along the Lake Fork of Rock Creek, starting from a pleasant forest path which cuts into beautiful views of the jagged peaks to the north and south. Be mindful for signage pointing towards the actual Lost Lake! As the name implies, it can be easy to miss.

For Fall Horseback Riding: Clark’s Fork Canyon

If you enjoy taking your horse out for views of Rocky Mountain foliage, then Clark’s Fork Canyon is the trail for you! The Clark’s Fork River cuts along the southeastern edge of the Beartooth Mountains, opening into incredible views of reddish rocks. Not even a mile into the trail, you can also check out the magnificent Bridal Falls! While technically located in Wyoming, this hike is only an hour and a half’s drive from Billings. With plenty of parking spots for horse trailers, and abundant wilderness solitude on a quiet fall day, this trail will let you live wild cowboy dreams!