Big Skies Over Montana Bigger (and Cheaper!) for #Falltrips

Don't expect the warm days of summer darkened by chilly nights, or the freezing days of winter followed by frigid winds -- the months between August and December are some of the best times to plan active fall getaways with your family in Montana.

Bison at Yellowstone National Park, photo courtesy of Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, Montana

The popular tourist areas around Yellowstone National Park are promoting their destination with fall discounts and special packages, especially since wildlife and fall color viewing are spectacular.

Our colleagues at the Family Travel Association are planning their first ever FTA Family Travel Summit at Mountain Sky Guest Ranch in Emigrant, near to the park's east side. In autumn, this very family-welcoming luxury dude ranch goes 'adults-only' with special rates and activities. Couples, friends -- even adult family members -- will  find the finest in horseback riding, hiking, fly fishing, sophisticated cuisine, and outdoor adventures. Come the summer time, when their fully supervised kids program is up and running, saddle up the younger family members for really memorable week-long vacations.

Deal: Mountain Sky is offering a fall special through Oct. 15 from $370 per person, 3N minimum stay.

The famous resort area of Big Sky is located less than an hour from Yellowstone's west entrance and, until the snows get thick, the wildlife and bird watching is at its best. Travelers may hear the bugle of a male elk in fall or see a variety of wildlife. Moose, foxes, bighorn sheep, coyotes and even black bears frequent the Big Sky area.

Deal: Yellowstone Tour Guides is offering a fall tour special through Oct. 31 for $150 per person.

"Fall is one of the most beautiful times to visit Big Sky, whether it’s enjoying the beautiful scenery on the back of a horse or zip-lining through the trees; learning to fly fish in Big Sky’s blue ribbon waters or enjoying fresh local cuisine with good conversation – there are many reasonably priced options for a memorable getaway here," said Visit Big Sky Executive Director, Kitty Clemens.


Several guest ranches and lodging facilities are offering fall getaway specials with reduced rates or added perks including the famous, very luxe, foodie enclave at Lone Mountain Ranch.

Deal: At Lone Mountain, guests receive a complimentary horseback ride with each night booked through Oct. 10. Lone Mountain Ranch  offers a complimentary night of lodging for groups of six or more women who take their “Lady Anglers” class.

The picturesque Rainbow Ranch Lodge is offering a taste of adventure with their “Zip and Raft” package which includes a half-day zipline excursion for two and guided rafting trip. Other available packages are: “Catch a Rainbow” and “Saddle Up” packages, which includes a two night stay and activities.

Deal: Special packages are available until the end of September.

Geyser Whitewater Expeditions offers combination adventure packages in fall, such as a fishing lesson and a half day horseback ride, along with individual excursions like the Ousel Falls Bicycle Adventure, where groups can take in the fall colors via mountain bike to see the spectacular Ousel Falls.

Deal: Prices start at $95 per person. Guests of Geyser Whitewater receive a reduced pricing rate of $99 per room at Buck’s T-4 Lodge.

The 320 Guest Ranch is giving guests a third night of lodging at no charge with a Sunday or Monday arrival.

Deal: The Ranch’s “Gourmet Getaway” is also available where guests can save $50, through Sept. 30, for a one night stay, dinner for two at 320 Ranch Steakhouse, and receive a bottle of house wine. Prices start at $275 per couple for a deluxe log cabin with two queen beds.

Big Sky Resort’s Huntley Lodge is offering a “Big Sky Adventure” package that includes lodging plus scenic lift ride to Big Sky Resort’s ski area and one adventure activity. Available activities: Lone Peak Expedition, ziplining, paintball, mountain biking, skeet shooting, and more.

Deal: 10 percent discount for one a night stay; 20 percent off of two nights; and 30 percent off of three nights.

From two to six bedrooms, Big Sky Luxury Rentals offers everything from small, rustic cabins to luxury suites and lodges that can accommodate as many as 15 people with a variety of budgets.

Deal: “Fall Fly Fishing” special: fourth night is complimentary, when three nights are booked.


We thank our Montana friends and colleagues at Visit Big Sky tourism for this roundup of current deals. Contact them directly for a complete list of activities, lodging facilities, and other seasonal discounts.