Fall. That in-between season where the sun still warms your face, but the trees whisper change. And if you’re lucky enough to be landing at a Wyoming airport this autumn, you’re standing at the doorstep of some of the most scenic, leaf-crunching, heart-filling road trips in America.
This blog isn’t just about checking boxes on a map. It’s about peeling away from your daily scroll, hitting the ignition, and letting the open road drape you in reds, ambers, and golds. With a rental car, a thermos of coffee, and the mountains as your co-pilot, let’s explore the best fall road trip options you can take from airports in Wyoming.
Wyoming might not be the first place you think of when you hear “fall foliage,” but that’s exactly why you should consider it. Places like Jackson Hole Airport, Yellowstone Regional, and Cheyenne Airport put you within a few hours of stunning parks and scenic drives—minus the tourist overload that often comes with more hyped autumn destinations.
You’ll get crisp mountain air, fewer crowds, and postcard views you didn’t even know existed.
Nestled just a few hours south of Cody, Wyoming, Rim Rock Drive winds through the Colorado National Monument, serving up jaw-dropping red rock canyons and towering monoliths.
This 23-mile stretch? It’s drama. Pure geological drama. In fall, the reds of the rock formations go toe-to-toe with the deep oranges of changing cottonwoods and scrub oaks. If you’re lucky, you might spot bighorn sheep sunning themselves on the cliffs or eagles riding the thermals overhead.
Be warned though—Rim Rock Drive isn’t for passive drivers. Some stretches are narrow, winding, and perched on steep drop-offs. But if you’ve got the guts, the payoff is unforgettable.
Don’t just drive through. Pull over at the overlooks. Snap photos. Let the silence soak in.
Okay, this one’s for the slightly more adventurous souls willing to hop a connecting flight or make a longer drive south.
Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida? Unexpected, right? But it’s a fall vibe all its own. Swap leaves for lush greenery, misty cypress domes, and the occasional alligator or panther sighting. Loop Road, a 27-mile backcountry drive, gives you swampy solitude and wildlife galore. Fog-draped trees and mirror-like waters reflect a quieter version of fall—where mystery replaces maple leaves.
Be sure to check road conditions before you go. The gravel roads can get slick during wetter months, but that’s part of the charm. This is not your pumpkin-patch kind of autumn. This is wild fall.
We’re not keeping it all in the West, because sometimes the heart wants coastal cliffs and Atlantic mist.
Acadia’s Park Loop Road in Maine is a 27-mile golden thread through Jordan Pond, Cadillac Mountain, and Sand Beach—all glowing with fall foliage. You’ll want to make your way east, possibly starting from Cheyenne and grabbing a connecting flight to Bangor, Maine.
This road is legendary for a reason. Cadillac Mountain? Catch the sunrise there if you can. It’ll reset something inside you.
And yes, it gets busy. It’s popular for a reason. So hit it early, bring patience, and enjoy the slow magic of coastal autumn.
If you're already considering flights out of Wyoming and feel like heading southeast, make the Great Smoky Mountains your fall finale. Cades Cove Loop Road is 11 miles of jaw-dropping views, rustling leaves, and a front-row seat to wildlife.
This valley has serious old-timey charm. Log cabins. Deer. Maybe even a black bear if you're lucky (and quiet). It can get crowded, yes, but time it right—weekday mornings are best—and you’ll feel like the mountains are all yours.
Planning a longer road trip from Denver or Salt Lake City after your Wyoming landing? Consider heading toward Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. The Craggy Gardens section is especially moody and dramatic in the fall. Fog hugging mountain tops. Berry-laden trees. Strange, twisted limbs reaching into grey skies.
It’s haunting. It’s beautiful. It’s fall like you’ve never seen before.
Read Next: Devil Tower National Monument: Wyoming's Iconic Wonder
Yeah. You weren’t expecting cactus in a fall road trip blog, were you? But trust this—Ajo Mountain Drive in southern Arizona brings a whole new palette to your autumn journey.
Here, fall isn’t about fiery leaves. It’s about purple sunsets over desert spires, blooming succulents, and ancient trails once walked by Indigenous travelers. The 21-mile drive is full of twists, views, and enough serenity to empty your stress reserves.
You can rent a car in Phoenix and make your way down if you're up for the journey. Totally worth it.
Fly into Jackson Hole. Head southwest. And in a few scenic hours, you’ll hit Cedar Breaks National Monument in Utah.
At over 10,000 feet in elevation, Cedar Mountain lights up with yellows, oranges, and deep reds like a painting come to life. Utah Highway 148 is a short but stunning 5-mile drive filled with overlooks and picnic spots.
If you’re craving a shorter road trip with huge visual payoff, this one’s your ticket.
Another further-flung but unforgettable trip—Skyline Drive cuts through Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The 105-mile route winds across the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a non-stop parade of fall colors, with 75+ overlooks for photo stops, stretching, and quiet reflection.
It’s the kind of drive where you end up having long, deep talks or playing old music on repeat. Nostalgic, peaceful, soul-scrubbing.
Want to keep it classic and closer to home? Arches National Park in Utah is only a few hours from many Wyoming airports.
The Scenic Drive through the park feels like driving on another planet—except fall adds cooler weather and smaller crowds. You’ll spot the famous Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, and maybe even a few golden cottonwoods glowing along the Colorado River.
It’s one of those drives where time warps and the road feels endless—in the best way.
Before wrapping things up, let’s keep it practical. Fall road trips require a little prep
Looking for an extra layer of cozy autumn feels with some educational flavor? Some of these parks (like Colorado National Monument and Acadia) regularly host Open OutDoors for Kids programs and educational field trips. These enrich the experience and let families dig deeper into the science, stories, and wildlife of these beautiful spaces.
You’re not just road-tripping. You’re stepping into a classroom built by nature. Just quieter. And way better lit.
Related Resource: Flight Delay Survival Guide & Tips for Wyoming Airports
Fall is fleeting. Don’t let it slip by while you're stuck indoors. Starting from a Wyoming airport, you’re just a few scenic hours away from canyons, forests, swamps, cliffs, and desert skies—all bursting with fall color, story, and serenity.
So grab a friend, charge your phone, cue the playlist, and hit the road. Whether it’s Rim Rock Drive, Cades Cove, or the epic Skyline Drive, these Wyoming sightseeing attractions and beyond offer a whole new way to fall in love with the open road.
And if you're still wondering what the attractions in Wyoming actually are—here’s a hint. They’re not always where the crowds go. But they are where the memories last longest.
This content was created by AI