The Best Biking and Hiking Trails In and Around Billings, MT
Being the largest city in the whole state, bordering the Yellowstone River and displaying the beautiful Rimrocks filled with hiking trails, Billings, Montana is the ultimate destination for outdoor junkies and offers endless opportunities for you to get outside and enjoy nature.
The city is filled with so much outdoor adventure, from fishing, to hiking, to biking, horseback riding and even offroading, there truly is something for everyone!
In this blog post, you’ll find a round up of the 10 best biking and hiking trails in and around the Billings area, so you can choose your next adventure based on what you want specifically.
Whether you’re looking for a fun photo op, quick stroll, or a challenging adventure, you’ll be able to find exactly what you need from this list!
10 Best Biking and Hiking Trails In Billings, MT
1. Four Dances Recreation Area
If you want a quick hike that delivers incredible views, Four Dances is your spot. The Rim Loop trail offers a quick 1.7 mile stroll and is open year-round.
So, even if you’re visiting when it’s a bit cooler, you can take advantage of this recreation area. The 30ish minute hike will give you a view like this!
If you’re looking for something a bit more challenging, the main trail at Four Dances will give you a 3 mile adventure. Or if you simply want a place to snap a pic, the overlook trail is only 0.8 miles so you’ll hardly have to break a sweat to get a good photo for the ‘gram!
Located near Josephine Crossing, this park offers beautiful trail and walking areas centered around Lake Josephine.
A prominent part of Riverfront Park, Norm’s Island, has over two miles of trails and is a popular walking spot for those looking to get outside on a sunny day! The biggest draw is that it’s an off leash dog park so you bring your fur baby to run free.
Additionally, the Riverfront Park Loop offers a 3.9 mile loop trail that’s considered a moderately challenging route for those who really want to get some exercise in. Like most trails in the area, this is a popular trail for hiking, mountain biking, and running!
3. Zimmerman Park
Zimmerman Park Mountain Bike Trail is the highest ranked mountain bike trail in Billings, MT and is one of the most popular places to explore the famous Rimrocks.
If you’re the biking type, it has great trails for all experience levels and you can rent a bike at Spoke Shop to have yourself a day!
Some popular trails throughout the park include Skyline Trail Loop (1.8 miles) and West Loop (3.3 miles). If you’re more of the hiking type, all trails are hiking friendly and are a great way to get outdoors in the warmer months!
4. Phipps Park Trail (2.5 miles)
Phipps is a 350 acre popular park in Northwest Billings that offers all of your typical outdoor activities along with its unique disc golf experience.
If you’re looking for more hiking or biking opportunities, the Phipps Park Trail is a great option featuring a 2.5 mile adventure!
PRO TIP: after your adventures, enjoy casual drinks and dinner just down the road at one of Billings most popular brewpubs, Diamond X.
5. Pictograph Cave State Park Trail (0.6 mile)
Located just 5 miles south of town, you’ll find Pictograph Cave State Park which consists of three caves with trails for easy exploring!
The state park trail makes for the perfect family friendly outdoor adventure with its quick and easy 0.6 mile round trip trail that’s great for a short stroll.
Lake Elmo is a Billings classic recreation area that’s popular for swimming, fishing and paddle boarding, but also offers a 1.4 mile hiking and nature trail for those looking to enjoy a quick stroll.
This state park is a 64-acre reservoir inside the Billings city limits and is a huge attraction during the warmer months!
PRO TIP: pack a picnic lunch to enjoy after your adventures – I recommend grabbing a sandwich from Off Main Deli before you go!
7. Swords Rimrock Park and Black Otter Trail (6.3 miles)
Swords Rimrock Park and Black Otter Trail is the trailhead to Billings providing breathtaking views, historic icons, paved recreational trails and a classic Billings experience that you don’t want to miss when you’re in town!
You can enjoy 2 miles of paved trail in the park and go on to enjoy the approximate 5 mile ride to the Yellowstone river if you wish! The trail is open year-round and your fur babies are welcome.
This popular recreational facility located outside of Billings in Shepherd, MT offers 50 miles of trails on over 1,000 acres for off-roading, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking or even just picnicking!
It’s truly a one stop shop for all kinds of adventure and you could potentially spend the majority of your day here.
PRO TIP: make sure you make a pit stop into Cowboys for lunch when visiting Ah Nei! this casual restaurant in Huntley, MT is situated right on the Yellowstone River with an amazing patio view and some of the best BBQ in town.
This 1.9-mile loop trail near Billings is considered an easy route that takes an average of 30 minutes from start to finish! This is a popular trail for hiking, running and walking and your furry friends are welcome.
10. Pompeys Pillar National Monument
Pompeys Pillar National Monument encompasses 51 acres on the banks of the Yellowstone River with a massive sandstone outcrop covering about 2 acres at its base.
Located about 30 minutes away from Billings, MT Pompeys Pillar is a popular destination in the area and is less of a hike and more of an interesting photo op!
The hike itself is short and is mostly on a raised boardwalk for easy access for everyone.
Overall, exploring the biking and hiking trails in and around Billings, MT offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of all that the area has to offer.
Whether you're seeking thrilling mountain bike adventures or scenic hikes, Billings truly has something for anyone looking to explore the outdoors!
My hope is that through this list you’re able to find your next favorite adventure. And if you happen to be searching for a full weekend itinerary for exploring, CLICK HERE!