Three Fall Hikes to Experience in Red Lodge, Montana
Fall might be one of our favorite times to experience Red Lodge.
The air turns crisp, the summer crowds begin to thin, and the mountainsides trade their summer greens for shades of gold and yellow. It's the kind of season that makes you want to grab a cup of coffee, lace up your hiking shoes and spend the day outside.
If you're visiting Red Lodge this fall, here are three hikes we love—each offering a different way to experience autumn in the Beartooths.
Morrison Jeep Trail: For Wide-Open Views
If big Montana views are what you're after, put Morrison Jeep Trail on your list.
The landscape here feels expansive, with wide-open views that let you take in the scale of the surrounding mountains and valleys. In fall, the changing vegetation adds another layer of color to an already dramatic landscape.
This is a great choice for a clear autumn day when you want to get out, explore and see just how big the country around Red Lodge really is.
Go for: Wide-open views, big skies and a sense of adventure.
Red Lodge Creek Trail: For Water + Woods
There is something especially beautiful about hiking beside rushing water in the fall.
Red Lodge Creek Trail follows the creek through a wooded mountain landscape, with the sound of moving water accompanying you along the way. Add cool autumn air and changing leaves, and it's an easy place to slow down and enjoy the season.
It's a wonderful contrast to the wide-open landscape of Morrison Jeep Trail and a favorite when you're craving a hike that feels tucked into the mountains.
Go for: Rushing water, wooded scenery and a peaceful fall hike.
Palisades Trail: For Fall Color + Views of Red Lodge
For a classic fall outing close to town, head to Palisades Trail, starting from Fox Road.
This hike combines two things we love about autumn in Red Lodge: colorful foliage and beautiful views back toward town. As you gain perspective, Red Lodge stretches out below you with the surrounding mountains creating the backdrop.
It's particularly beautiful when the leaves begin to turn and one of our favorite ways to see the transition from town to mountains.
Go for: Fall foliage, views over Red Lodge and easy access from town.
Make a Day of It
One of the best parts of hiking around Red Lodge is what comes afterward.
Start with coffee in town, spend a few hours on the trail and come back downtown for a late lunch or drink. Then head home, put your feet up and let the hot tub handle the rest.
That's a pretty good fall day in our book.
Stay for the Weekend
Fall in Red Lodge has its own pace. Cooler days are made for hiking and exploring, while crisp evenings are perfect for slowing down back at the house.
Garvey House Collective gives you a comfortable home base close to downtown and within easy reach of the trails, mountains, restaurants and shops that make Red Lodge special.
Come experience fall in Red Lodge—and stay like a local.
