It’s August, and I’m already lamenting the loss of summer.
I feel my time to enjoy the sunshine and swim in our pool is being consumed by endless tasks. I’m ready to escape the daily grind and get back to nature before it’s too late.
The only good thing about the impending close of summer is that autumn follows.
Chief Mountain in Glacier National Park in the fall. Credit: Visit Montana
Fall is also a great time to get outdoors and appreciate nature.
The cooler temperatures make for more pleasant hikes, the summer crowds have thinned out and the animals start moving to lower elevations, which is great for wildlife viewing.
Summer is a time I often relax at home and enjoy the fruits of my labor; fall is when I come back out to explore again.
As we plan for our upcoming RV road trip across America, Montana is on my mind.
We recently shared the incredible Native American cultural experiences you can have in Montana.
Now we’re sharing with you (in partnership with Visit Montana) the incredible hiking and wildlife viewing you can experience when you visit Montana in autumn.
Montana has a greater variety of native wildlife than anywhere else in the lower 48.
From bison to mountain goats, grizzlies to wolverines, wildlife viewing in Montana is abundant and spectacular, especially in the national parks and wildlife refuges.
There are endless things to do in Montana in the fall.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Montana during this season for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Yellowstone National Park
Is there a National Park more iconic than America’s first national park?
Now you may be thinking, “hang on, isn’t Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming?” Yes, but parts of it also extend across the border into Montana, and three park entrances are located in Montana.
Oh, the beauty that a geyser can bring!
Yellowstone has more than 900 miles of hiking trails, ranging from short and easy day hikes to multi-day treks.
Beaver Ponds Loop, Mammoth Hot Springs
You might be expecting to see beavers on this 5 mile Yellowstone hike, but they aren’t the only furry friend that calls this national park home.
This Yellowstone hiking trail is known for its bear activity, so be on the lookout and come prepared.
I’ll admit, I am scared of grizzly bears, but it gives me great comfort to know many people hike the trail without any trouble and there are lots of bear safety tips out there.
Yellowstone Llama Trekking
Looking for a unique hiking experience in Yellowstone National Park?
Let a llama lead your way. Your gentle, long-eared hiking buddy will walk with you on beautiful trails while carrying your load.
Experienced guides will help you explore Yellowstone backcountry, teach you about the park’s ecosystem and help you find wildlife in their natural habitat.
Grinnell Glacier Trail
Want to see the best that Glacier National Park has to offer?
Then jump on the Grinnell Glacier hike, known to be one of the most beautiful hikes in the world and, because it showcases everything that makes Glacier epic, one of the most popular in the Glacier National Park.
I’m talking about lakes, waterfalls, forests, alpine views and the park’s most iconic glacier, Grinnell Lake.
