Lykkers, picture sandstone cliffs glowing in the evening sun, a wide river curving below, and mountains lining the distant horizon. Billings, Montana, is that kind of place—city comforts framed by wild space in almost every direction.

This 3-day itinerary walks you through the best hikes, scenic drives, and historic stops so you can experience it all without rushing.

Billings Overview

Billings is the largest city in Montana, yet nature sits right on its doorstep. The Yellowstone River slices past town, while the Rimrocks—dramatic sandstone bluffs—wrap around the north and east sides. Expect dry, sunny summers, snowy winters, and shoulder seasons that are ideal for hiking and scenic drives.

Most visitors find June to September the easiest months for a first trip. Trails are generally snow-free, mountain roads are usually open, and evenings are warm enough for lingering downtown. Plan on renting a car; the city itself is walkable, but the surrounding highlights are spread out.

Day One

Start with Four Dances Recreation Area, a protected plateau east of town. A short gravel access road leads to the parking lot, and from there dirt paths fan out along the cliffs. The walk to Sacrifice Cliff is gentle but spectacular, with the Yellowstone River winding far below and huge skies in all directions.

Motorized vehicles, bicycles, and horses are not allowed here, so the area feels quiet and wild. In winter, locals bring snowshoes or cross-country skis; in warmer months, sturdy walking shoes, water, and sun protection are enough. Plan one to two hours for a relaxed loop with photo stops.

Later, head to the North Rimrocks. The paved Black Otter Trail follows the edge of the cliffs and links into Billings’ wider trail network. You can walk or cycle this route, stopping at viewpoints overlooking the city, the river valley, and distant mountain ranges. Interpretive signs at the Yellowstone Kelly site offer insight into this 19th-century scout and explorer.

Finish the day with a downtown walking circuit. Park near the historic Billings Depot and wander Montana Avenue. Visit the Western Heritage Center for a primer on Yellowstone Valley history, then continue to Moss Mansion, a preserved early-1900s home showcasing the story of one influential local family.

Day Two

Day two explores the landscapes and stories southeast of Billings. Start early and drive to Pictograph Cave State Park, about 15 minutes away. A short loop trail links three caves where ancient images and artifacts were discovered; the visitor center displays some of the findings and explains how people once used the sheltered valley.

Continue to Chief Plenty Coups State Park on the Crow Reservation. The site preserves the homestead of Chief Plenty Coups and includes his log house, a landmark spring, and walking paths. Exhibits highlight Crow culture and the leader’s role in guiding his community through major change.

If time allows, visit Pompey’s Pillar National Monument along the Yellowstone River. A boardwalk climbs the sandstone outcrop, with exhibits explaining its long use as a lookout. A protected signature carved by a historic traveler sits near the top, and the viewing deck offers wide river-valley vistas.

Those with a full day can add Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. Trails, viewpoints, and memorial markers explain a significant 19th-century conflict between Indigenous nations and U.S. cavalry forces. Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to drive the tour road and explore the exhibits.

Nearby, the Big Horn County Museum spans dozens of acres and several relocated historic buildings, including cabins, a schoolhouse, a depot, and barns. Most sites charge modest entry fees, usually under $15; state parks often charge by the car.

Day Three

Save the last day for the foothills of the Beartooth Mountains. With an early start, drive west along I-90 to Columbus, then join Highway 78 for the Beartooth Front Scenic Drive toward Red Lodge. This 46-mile route passes river valleys, ranchland, and increasingly dramatic mountain views.

Pause at riverside parks near Columbus for a stroll or picnic. Continuing south, small communities like Absarokee make easy rest stops with cafés and gas stations. In Red Lodge, walk the main street, browse independent shops, and visit the Carbon County Museum or Depot Gallery for local history and art.

From Red Lodge, return toward Billings or, if weather allows, add a side trip on the Beartooth Highway. This mountain road climbs through switchbacks to high alpine country dotted with lakes and meadows. Even a partial drive to Rock Creek Vista Point reveals huge views and a sense of wildness.

On the return, consider completing the Absarokee Loop Scenic Drive. From Absarokee, Highway 420 follows the Stillwater River to Nye, then quiet roads loop through open country back to Highway 78. Short hikes near Nye—such as the Sioux Charley Lake Trail or Woodbine Falls Trail—turn the route into a full day outdoors.

Stay & Eat

Billings offers many mid-range hotels and motels near downtown and along main highways. Nightly rates often start around $110–$150 for standard chain hotels, with higher prices for boutique stays or larger suites. Booking early for summer and event weekends is wise.

Downtown hosts many casual dining spots—diners, cafés, and restaurants serving sandwiches, salads, and grilled dishes. Most are within easy walking distance of theaters, murals, and small shops, making it simple to pair dinner with a short evening wander.

Practical Tips

Billings–Logan International Airport sits atop the Rimrocks, only minutes from downtown. Major rental-car brands operate at the terminal; booking ahead usually secures better rates. Ride-hailing services and taxis are available, though having a car makes regional exploring easier.

Weather changes quickly, especially in the mountains. Pack layers, including a warm jacket even in summer if you plan high-elevation drives. For day hikes, bring water, snacks, sun protection, a small first-aid kit, and a printed or downloaded map. Bear spray is commonly carried on forest trails; learn to use it beforehand.

Trip Reflection

Friends, three days in Billings can feel wonderfully full: cliff-top views at Four Dances, stories carved into stone at Pompey’s Pillar, mountain air along the Beartooth Front, and slow evenings downtown. The mix of access and western landscapes makes it a rewarding base rather than a quick stop. After imagining this itinerary, which part of the Billings area calls to you most—the cliffs, the history loop, or the mountain drives?