Living in Billings October 11, 2024

Best Fall Hikes to See Stunning Autumn Foliage Near Billings, Montana

Hey, Billings! If you’re itching to get outside before winter rolls in, now’s the time to hit the trails and soak up that GORGEOUS fall foliage. October brings the perfect combo of crisp air and fiery colors—reds, oranges, and golds just begging for your attention. Whether you’re heading to Red Lodge or Yellowstone, these hikes are guaranteed to make your autumn EPIC!

Here are the BEST fall hikes, all within driving distance of Billings, where the views are as vibrant as your flannel shirt:

1. Lake Fork Trail – Red Lodge

Just an hour from Billings, the Lake Fork Trail is a fall wonderland. This 10-mile round-trip hike follows a babbling creek (soooo peaceful!) through valleys packed with golden aspens and cottonwoods. The trail is EASY on the legs, but the views are next-level BEAUTIFUL! Perfect for a chill day hike where you can bask in those autumn vibes.

Pro tip: Start early for the best light—and maybe a cozy sunrise view over the mountains!

2. Mystic Lake Trail – Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness

If you’re up for a bit of adventure, the Mystic Lake Trail is your jam. It’s 6 miles round-trip, and you’re rewarded with sweeping views of glowing forests, plus Mystic Lake itself—an ALPINE jewel that reflects all the amazing fall colors. The drive is only 45 minutes from Billings, so you can squeeze this hike into a half-day trip. Those autumn vibes? UNMATCHED.

Did you know? Mystic Lake is the largest alpine lake in the Beartooths—talk about BIG beauty!

3. Pine Creek Lake Trail – Paradise Valley

Got the energy for a challenge? Pine Creek Lake Trail is a longer hike (10 miles round-trip), but trust me—it’s totally worth it. Aspens, waterfalls, and golden meadows surround you as you climb higher into the Absaroka Range. At the top, Pine Creek Lake looks like something out of a fantasy novel, framed by fall colors and rugged peaks.

This trail is a bit of a leg burner, but you’ll earn the bragging rights!

4. Osprey Falls – Yellowstone National Park

If you’re willing to take a little road trip (about 2 hours), head to Yellowstone! The Osprey Falls Trail is an 8-mile hike through a canyon filled with autumn COLOR. The trail ends at a breathtaking waterfall that drops into a deep gorge—total postcard material! The golden leaves against the canyon walls make this hike an absolute stunner.

Insider tip: Early October is PRIME TIME for fall colors in Yellowstone, so don’t wait too long!

5. Pictograph Cave State Park – Billings

Want to keep it local? Pictograph Cave State Park is perfect for a quick and easy fall hike right here in Billings. The trails are short but sweet, offering views of autumn leaves against dramatic sandstone cliffs. Plus, the park is packed with cool history, including ancient rock art. It’s an awesome spot for a relaxed hike with a side of CULTURE.

Perfect for families or a quick after-work hike—you don’t even have to leave town!

6. Lava Lake Trail – Gallatin National Forest

Ready for a fall road trip? This is my daughter’s FAVORITE when we make the trek to Bozeman! The Lava Lake Trail near Bozeman (about 2 hours from Billings) is a BEAUTY in autumn. This 5-mile round-trip hike is easy to moderate, winding through dense forests that practically glow with golden leaves. The trail ends at Lava Lake, where the reflection of the foliage and surrounding peaks is chef’s kiss PERFECT. 

Pack a snack, kick back by the lake, and take it all in—it doesn’t get better than this!

Get Out and Hike, Billings! October is your window to catch the fall colors before winter swoops in. So grab your boots, a flannel, and hit the trails! Whether you’re sticking close to home or exploring a bit further, these hikes will make you FALL in love with Montana all over again. Let’s get outside and chase those autumn colors before they’re gone!