Four Dances Recreation Area (easy)

If you want some of the best views in Billings without having to bust your hump too much, head out to Four Dances Recreation Area. At the 656-foot peak of the 3-mile out-and-back, you’ll discover several lookouts that provide sweeping views of the Yellowstone River, distant mountain peaks and downtown Billings in the foreground. Four Dances is perfect for that first foray into the Billings trail system.

 

 

 

Skyline Trail (easy)

Another picture-perfect trail suitable for the whole family is the Skyline Trail. The newest trail to the Billings trail system, the Skyline Trail is a paved, multiuse path that makes the iconic sandstone rimrocks more accessible to runners, walkers, bicyclists and people using assistive mobility devices. That means everyone can get in on the selfie, with downtown Billings and the northern Rockies making a cameo.  

 

 

 

Swords Rimrock Park (easy)

The Skyline Trail was built to connect with the existing paved pathway at Swords Rimrocks Park. Together, the two trails now offer a total of 7 continuous miles of paved perfection. Perched high-above downtown Billings on the millions-years-old sandstone bluffs, Swords Rimrocks Park gives you a nice little kick of adrenaline, with the 500-foot drop to the city below looming a hundred or so feet off the official path. In fact, look closely and you’ll see various rock-climbing bolts where the bravest among us anchor to ascend and descend the step face of the Rimrocks.

 

 

 

Riverfront Park (easy)

While the higher-altitude trails give you some of the most scenic views of the distant Montana terrain, trails like the 4-mile loop at Riverfront Park are relatively flat and treat you to views of local wildlife, including several species of song birds, white-tailed deer, beavers, and even the occasional red-tailed hawk. Adjacent to the mighty Yellowstone River, Riverfront Park is the perfect place to set up a picnic lunch (with maybe a few cinnamon rolls from Stella’s Bakery to go with it) and enjoy a leisurely afternoon.

 

 

 

Two Moon Park (easy)

Traveling with pets? The 1.9-mile loop at Two Moon Park is a dog-friendly recreation area and runs along the Yellowstone River. In the warmer months, everyone can go for a swim! Locals love the relatively flat, short trail for sneaking in a quick morning jog (just in case you’re not also vacationing from your fitness routine). And be sure to check out the Weeping Wall Trail – a seasonal waterfall/cliffside attracting summer birds and freezing into icy art formations in winter months.

 

 

  

Zimmerman Park (intermediate)

When you’re ready to kick it up a notch, head just west of Swords Rimrock Park to Zimmerman Park, which offers a slightly more challenging experience atop the Rimrocks. There are two routes hikers and mountain bikers can choose – an upper and a lower – but both are a little more challenging than many of the trails in Billings with their rockier terrain, dense foliage and plenty of sharp turns. On evenings and weekends, the trails are well-populated with hikers, bikers and dog walkers, but it rarely feels crowded. And your extra effort is rewarded with even more stunning views of the Yellowstone Valley through canopies of coniferous trees.

 

 

 

Acton Recreation Area (intermediate-difficult)

This one’s for the thrill seekers. Just 30 minutes outside of Billings, Acton Recreation Area offers more challenging hiking among minor badlands, steep drainages, weathered shale and scattered ponderosa pine. Approximately 23 miles of trails descend as much as 4,000 feet across 12 different trail systems with difficulty ranging from intermediate to very difficult. The park also boasts downhill bike-only trail extensions for even more thrill-seeking. After a day at Acton Recreation Area, you’ll definitely have earned a trip along the Billings Brew Trail or a milkshake from Big Dipper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trail Maps

In addition to these featured trails and parks, there are miles of additional locations in and around Billings where you can keep your hiking and biking exploration going. Check out the official trail map for a complete overview of the local trail system.

 

Explore Safely

No matter your experience level, we want your visit to Billings to be memorable for all the right reasons. We encourage all visitors to adhere to safety principles – be visible, predictable, lawful, courteous and understanding. Click here to read more about how to safely explore Billings through our local trails.

 

Gear Up

Forget to pack your gear? There are plenty of outposts in Billings where you can buy or rent equipment and talk to a local expert to get the inside scoop on making the most of your adventure. Stop in at The Spoke Shop, Paddles & Wheels, The Bike Shop, SCHEELS or The Base Camp and tell them Visit Billings sent you. They’ll be happy to get you the equipment you need to tackle the trails all day long.