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Montana fall foliage
Among the 3 Montana destinations we currently track, typical peak runs from about October 4 around Bozeman (4,820 ft) to about October 9 around Missoula (3,200 ft).
2026 foliage season
Montana fall foliage map
- Mostly green
- Starting to turn
- Moderate color
- Near peak
- Peak color
- Past peak
- Leaves down
Dots show the 3 Montana destinations we track, colored by today’s estimated stage. Select one for its forecast, or open the full foliage map to check any city or ZIP code.
Peak calendar
Bars show the typical best-viewing window for each destination. The dark mark is the typical peak. The last column shows today’s estimated status.
How fall color moves through Montana
In a typical year, the color moves through the 3 Montana destinations we track over about a week. Bozeman is usually first, around October 4, and Missoula is usually last, around October 9. In order, the typical peaks are: Bozeman around October 4, West Glacier around October 7, and Missoula around October 9.
Best places for Montana fall foliage
- Bozeman: Bozeman sits in the Gallatin Valley, surrounded by mountain ranges.
- West Glacier: West Glacier is the western gateway to Glacier National Park.
- Missoula: Missoula sits where five valleys meet, along the Clark Fork River.
Scenic drives
- Near Bozeman: US 191 runs south from Bozeman up the Gallatin Canyon, with cottonwoods and aspen along the Gallatin River, toward Big Sky and Yellowstone.
- Near West Glacier: US 2 follows the Middle Fork of the Flathead River east from West Glacier along the southern edge of the park toward Marias Pass, through forests of larch and evergreen.
- Near Missoula: Montana 83, the Seeley-Swan Highway, runs north from near Missoula through the Seeley and Swan valleys, past a chain of lakes and larch forests between the Mission and Swan ranges.
Planning around elevation
Bozeman, at about 4,820 feet, is the highest destination we track in Montana, and it typically peaks about 2 days before West Glacier, at about 3,200 feet. It is also well to the south, which affects the timing too. Within any one area, higher ground usually turns first, so if one place is still green, look higher; if it is past peak, look lower.
Visiting at different times
Early October. Bozeman (best about Oct 3–Oct 11), West Glacier (best about Oct 5–Oct 13), and Missoula (best about Oct 7–Oct 15) are typically at their best.
Trees behind the color
National park and forest guide
Common questions
When is peak fall foliage in Montana?
Among the 3 Montana destinations we currently track, typical peak runs from about October 4 around Bozeman (4,820 ft) to about October 9 around Missoula (3,200 ft). Timing can shift by about a week in either direction depending on the weather.
Where does fall color peak first in Montana?
Bozeman is usually first among the Montana destinations we track, with peak around October 4. Higher and more northern spots turn before lower and more southern ones.
Where is the latest fall color in Montana?
Missoula usually peaks last, around October 9.
What trees give Montana its fall color?
The biggest contributors at the destinations we track include quaking aspen, willow, tamarack and larch, narrowleaf cottonwood, and paper birch.
Check any city or ZIP code in Montana.
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