Scenic and Serene
The Best Hikes For Epic Views
If you’re looking to soak in the natural beauty of Montana, Billings offers some of the most scenic hikes in the region. From panoramic overlooks to peaceful riverside paths, these trails highlight the landscapes that make this area so special.
Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park is a top pick for sweeping river views and abundant wildlife. Its trail winds around the tree-lined shores of Lake Josephine and follows the Yellowstone River, where the water glints in the sunlight and cottonwoods sway in the breeze. Along the way, you might spot deer moving quietly through the grass, pelicans gliding across the lake, or bald eagles perched high in the treetops, all perfect subjects for a scenic photo.
Four Dances Recreation Area
Four Dances Recreation Area offers a more secluded escape into Montana’s wide-open beauty. Here, the trails lead you across open prairie grasses dotted with wildflowers and toward dramatic cliff-top overlooks that drop into the winding Yellowstone River below. With the sky stretching endlessly overhead and the city far in the distance, it is a peaceful place for unhurried walks and moments of quiet reflection.
Swords Park
Swords Park features broad trails that trace the edge of the sandstone Rimrocks, giving you elevated vantage points over downtown Billings, the Yellowstone River, and the distant Beartooth Mountains. Scenic overlooks along the route invite you to pause, breathe in the crisp air, and watch the changing light sweep across the valley. It is perfect for a relaxed walk, a leisurely bike ride, or simply sitting and soaking in the horizon.
Skyline Trail
Skyline Trail, running through Swords Park, links into the larger Rimrocks trail network and offers one of the most accessible ways to enjoy the area’s big views. This paved, multi-use path is ideal for walkers, runners, and cyclists, with panoramic viewpoints that seem to stretch forever, from the curve of the river below to the far-off peaks that rise against the Montana sky.