CHEYENNE, Wyoming – With the first day of fall just weeks away, the state of Wyoming boasts a range of scenic drives, wildlife and events for tourists to experience – and photograph – as the seasons change. For those with a camera at the ready, falling into Wyoming means the opportunity to capture dramatic landscapes, attend colorful special events and take advantage of the wide-open spaces.

Fall Foliage 

Key Spots: Sierra Madre Range, Encampment

Iconic aspen groves, with their yellow, bright gold and deep red leaves, line the Continental Divide from south central Wyoming to Yellowstone National Park. They are on particularly spectacular display in Aspen Alley, an area of the Sierra Madre Range and the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. 

Driving west from Encampment, the first groves stand near the forest boundary, about five miles west of town. The aspens follow trail access to the Continental Divide Scenic Trail and Huston Park Wilderness area. Aspen trees are generally at their peak during the last two weeks in September. 

Capture a Colorful Powwow

Key Spots: Fort Washakie, Rawlins and Lander

Admire detailed regalia, skilled dancing and enchanted music at Native American powwows throughout the state. With history rooted in ritual gatherings of spiritual leaders and medicine men, powwows are now social events, involving intertribal social dances and competitive dancing. During intertribal activities, photographs are typically allowed, with permission from dancers. Upcoming powwows this fall include:

Visit Wyoming Office of Tourism’s Event Calendar to read about events happening throughout the year, either by date or type of event. 

Watch Wildlife 

Key Spots: Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Shoshone National Forest, Bridger-Teton National Forest and Bighorn National Forest

In wilderness areas across the state, fall often arrives early and the first snowfall of the year can come unpredictably. Before that, though, visitors often enjoy watching an abundance of wildlife, including bison, moose, deer and elk, in their natural habitats. Fall is when most animals are in the throes of rut and are preparing for the winter, which means opportunities to see and photograph wildlife during the day is greater. 

About the Wyoming Office of Tourism