Fall Foliage & Wildlife

Autumn transforms Brush Creek into a playground of color, sound, and adventure. From elk calls echoing across the valley to trails, rides, and ranch adventures waiting at every turn, the season invites you to explore it all in your own way.

The Telltale Signs of Autumn
A distinctive, low-pitched bellow intensifies to a loud, multi-toned wail coming from the lowlands of the Platte River Valley. This is the male elk, bugling–a telltale sign of the transition from summer to fall. Bugling can be heard for miles and is the primary technique that bulls use to establish dominance with other males during the mating season, known as the rut. Another way males establish themselves is through the large antlers they spend the summer growing to attract females and fight off unwanted challengers. The rut generally runs from September to mid-October, so keep your eyes (and ears) open this autumn as you’re traveling! 

The rut also takes place during the heart of the archery season at Brush Creek Ranch, so if that’s something you’re interested in, consider joining in on a five-day elk and deer hunt. If hunting isn’t your style, don’t worry, there’s a good chance you can spot these spectacular animals as you wander the trails. 

Fun fact: Elk antlers are the fastest-growing bone in nature, with growth up to an inch a day. 

Step. Pedal. Explore.
55 miles of on-property trails are waiting to be discovered. Spanning everything from relaxed pathways to rugged treks, these routes can be taken on foot or by mountain bike. Cruise along guided or unguided on-property trails, breathing in fresh air and pushing your limits on two wheels, or gear up for a long half-day hike from Brush Creek Trail to Yoakum Trail and then finally Small’s Trail. Wander through hidden and often-overlooked trails with gentle rises and falls in elevation, beautifully framed by mixed aspen stands, sagebrush parks, and endless vistas.

Gain an even deeper connection with nature through a forest bathing nature meditation. Your guide will take you along a scenic trail to a chosen spot, but feel free to pause anywhere along the way to stretch, flow, or simply take in the view.

When Two Wheels Just Won’t Do
Rev the engine, grip the wheel, and set out on a scenic ride across a million acres of wild terrain straight into the heart of Medicine Bow National Forest. Explore scenic overlooks and storied landmarks on your own ATV ride or join a guided Polaris Ranger tour – the wilderness is yours to roam.

Let the Horses Lead the Way
Discover Brush Creek from the saddle, where every ride offers a new way to connect with the land. From gentle meadow strolls to invigorating canters across open range, horseback adventures let you take in sweeping mountain views and hidden corners of the ranch. Guests can choose from different levels of guided trail rides. Carefully paired with a horse to match your style and skill, you’ll form a partnership that makes the journey as memorable as the destination.

Golden Casts
Experience the quiet thrill of fall fly fishing along Wyoming’s North Platte River, where crisp mountain air and golden cottonwoods set the scene. As vibrant yellow foliage reflects off the clear, winding waters, each cast becomes a moment of connection—with nature, with rhythm, and with the season’s fleeting beauty. Whether you’re wading through misty mornings or basking in the amber glow of late afternoon light, this is autumn in its purest form—wild, peaceful, and unforgettable.

No matter how you choose to explore, autumn at Brush Creek is a season that invites you to move, listen, and connect – leaving an impression long after the moment fades. Your autumn getaway awaits.

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