pictograph cave state park

The pictographs on the cave walls were hard to see because of deteration probabaly caused by polution......

A quiet oasis in a beautiful little valley containing a cave containing many pictographs including one of the first depictions of rifles along with shield warrior, bears and deer and around 30,000 artifacts have been found and a number of grave sites. The paths to main cave are very good and accessable by all. But there is a dirt track to whispering cave - this acts like a big parabolic microphone and enabled us to hear a mum telling her kids off in the valley below (well out of normal hearing range). It was also lovely to get up close to a yellow bellied marmot.

A nice mellow trail up to the pictographs and most of them visible. The fact that you can see some of the images so well after so long is amazing, I think the distance to protect them is what hurts visibility. I see people saying to bring binoculars, that's a good idea but won't hurt the experience without. The trail loops around, back down to the entrance and a well maintained picnic area with (at the time) tepees up. We had lunch under a tree while looking up at the stone walls above. A bit small and popular for a state park so expect to run into people.*PANDA BEAR PAW OF APPROVAL, ON LEASH DOG FRIENDLY:)*

How could anyone rate a piece of posterity like this. My schoolmates and I would go here on field trips often.

A lovely ride out to the cave and so close to town! Bring binoculars so you can see the pictographs up close.

Fascinating exploring the history of the area surrounding Billings, MT. Realizing how long people had inhabited the area. Most of the trail is an easy walk. Great picnic area also. There were also lots of cottontail bunnies.

Did this as an afternoon event and it was worth the trip. There are multiple caves that have Pictographs some dating back 9000 years. The visitor center was very friendly and informative. There is a self guided tour and a small gift shop. I picked up a hat. The grounds are outstanding and the history more than a little awe inspiring. It is a great place to spend a couple of hours while in Billings.

I took my Grand daughters ( ages 2, 4, and 8 ) here to experience nature. We had a picnic and then hiked for two hours. They all had a fantastic time. There is no playground but plenty of low hanging branches on trees for climbing in the picnic area, which they loved, including the 2 year old. A porta potty type restroom is available by the picnic area, but there is a restroom available inside the visitors center. The hike can be a little steep up to the caves, but my 2 year old was able to make the climb on her own. However I think wheelchairs would have a difficult time of it. The pictographs are not much to look at, but that was not why we went. I got some stunning photos of the area and some really cute ones of my grandkids on those tree branches. Take I90 to exit 252 and follow the signs, it's really easy to get too. If you're car does not have a Montana licence plate it will cost you 5 dollars.

We spent about an hour on our self-guided tour at a cost of $5. The park supervisor explained how people of ancient times would travel through the area to hunt or gather plant material for food or medicinal purposes and would use the caves as shelter during these trips.The scenery surrounding the area is just spectacular and very interesting to see the geological rock formations. It is well worth the time to drive out to see. It is about 8 miles off of the main road. We enjoyed it a lot.

The actual site was more interesting than the pictographs. You could only see one small part of one of them still in place. We didn't have time to see the Visitor's center as it had just closed when we arrived. That might have helped. But there was really nothing much left although the site was very interesting and reminded me somewhat of Mesa Verde in how it was positioned.

If you are already in the area, this is an interesting diversion for thirty minutes or so. There is a $5 charge and not much to see. I would not go out of my way to see this again, but it was fine for a one stop visit.

The drive to the state park is a beautiful drive, especially in the morning. We arrived a little after 8 a.m. A comfortable time of day in August. The surface of the trails is very good and safe. The interpretive signage is great and the caves are fascinating. The visitors center and the rangers are very helpful also. Many great photo ops.

This was a perfect way to spend an hour or so outside on a gorgeous Montana day. Sure the pictographs are faint but we expected that with their age. The point is they exist for us to enjoy. The few artifacts in visitor center were also interesting. We enjoy history and trying to imagine life back then. Well worth our time to visit.

It was awesome to see a part of history although Mother Nature is slowly dissolving it from view. It is very faint, but cool to see.

The tour is self-guided and the cave pictographs are hard to see. There is explanations at each of the caves to give you and idea of what you are seeing. Good place for a short walk, approximately 20 minutes. Visit the information centre first.