Finding fall colors around Bozeman

October weather in Gallatin Valley is a wild ride. Some years, the month brings low temps, gray skies and swirling wind that skitters leaves across asphalt. Other years, October is as bright and sunny as July. And sometimes, a 10-inch snowstorm knocks out power on campus. October reminds us that winter isn’t so far away and summer is fleeting.

This year, we’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy a kind October with blue skies, cotton ball clouds and fair temperatures. With oaks, aspens, birches and cottonwoods all beginning to shift their hues, there’s no better time than now to stick a pin in your studies for an hour or two and see Bozeman’s fall colors.

For those who prefer to stroll with a canine companion, try Peet’s Hill. The mile-long park is a favorite of dog-walkers and features an elevated view of the hardwoods lining the streets of South Bozeman and MSU’s campus. Graf Park also provides a small area for people and their furry friends to wind through a deciduous grove on the bank of Spring Creek.

Bikers in search of turning leaves will gravitate to the Gallagator trail in South Bozeman, a crushed limestone path that follows Middle Creek as it joins with Bozeman Creek and flows into downtown. The nearby Painted Hills trail is best suited for mountain bikers and trail runners and leads south to the crown jewel of Bozeman in autumn: the Triple Tree trail.

The Triple Tree trail loops into Bozeman’s southern foothills, giving hikers, bikers and runners the rare opportunity to pass through an expansive aspen grove. In the weeks of late September and early October, the vibrant yellows and reds of the slim trees are unmatched. If you only have time to see Bozeman’s fall colors once, make a visit to this trail, off Sourdough Road.

For those seeking a withdrawal into fall, the city of Bozeman’s Department of Parks and Recreation recommends Story Mill Park. The park is located just off Rouse Avenue in north Bozeman and is among the newest in the area, having officially opened in 2019.

The park features 60 acres of protected land and a 40 acre sanctuary of restored wetland, giving visitors plenty of seasonal trees to admire.Story Mill Park is one of the best places in town to spot critters and wildlife. In a handful of trips to the park, people have spotted several deer, a variety of waterfowl and even a stoat.

With courseloads ramping up and midterms approaching fast, the value of taking a moment to step back and get some fresh air can’t be overstated. Being outside and exercising is a critical component of mental health maintenance. There’s no better time than now to do your mind and body a favor by enjoying one of Bozeman’s most colorful seasons before settling in for the winter.