Montana State Parks :: Pictograph Cave

Pictograph Cave

STATE PARK

The Pictograph, Middle and Ghost caves were home to generations of prehistoric hunters. A loop trail allows visitors to view the rock paintings, known as pictographs, that are still visible in Pictograph Cave. Start your visit at the new visitor center.

SEASON AND HOURS
Summer Hours
Memorial Day - Labor Day
Park and Visitor Center Open Daily
Park: 8 am - 8 pm
Visitor Center: 9 am - 7 pm

Shoulder Season
September, April and May
Park and Visitor Center Open Daily
Park: 10 am - 6 pm
Visitor Center: 10 am - 5 pm

Winter Hours
October - March
Park and Visitor Center Open Wednesday - Sunday
Park: 10 am - 5 pm
Visitor Center: 10 am - 4 pm

Park and Visitor Center Closed: Thanksgiving, Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1

LOCATION
3401 Colburn Road
Billings, MT 59101
Latitude/Longitude: (45.73800 / -108.43300)

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MEET THE PARK MANAGER
Photo of Jarret Kostrba, Pictograph Cave State Park Manager

Jarret Kostrba is Park Manager at Pictograph Cave State Park. He began with Montana State Parks in 2004 and since then has worked at Missouri Headwaters, Madison Buffalo Jump, Bannack, Cooney and Pictograph Cave state parks. Jarret has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Montana-Western in Environmental Interpretation, with several minors in the natural sciences. In his free time, Jarret enjoys exploring the mountains, rivers, canyons and caves of this great state with his daughter, wife, and Lab, Doogie.

CONTACT

CONTACT INFO
Mailing Address:
Pictograph Cave State Park
3401 Coburn Road
Billings, MT 59101

Phone: 406-254-7342
Email: jkostrba@mt.gov

Pictograph Cave

STATE PARK

Pictograph Cave State Park is a place to contemplate the origins of human habitation in Montana. The Pictograph Cave site was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1964, because of its archeological significance. Today's visitors can enjoy a unique opportunity to explore the mystery of this extraordinary site and tour the new visitor center.

Prehistoric hunters who camped in Pictograph Cave left behind artifacts and over 100 pictographs, or rock paintings. The oldest rock art in the cave is over 2,000 years old.

Their interpretations are still subject to debate. The images of animals, warriors and even rifles tell a story that has lasted thousands of years.

The park's three main caves - Pictograph, Middle, and Ghost cave - were home to generations of prehistoric hunters. The caves were carved from the Eagle sandstone cliff by the forces of water and wind. The first recorded discovery of artifacts and paintings in the caves was made in 1936.

Approximately 30,000 artifacts, ranging from stone tools, weapons, paintings and the instruments used, were excavated from the site. The pigments used in the rock art provide researchers to date when people inhabited the region and give insights into their lifestyle. The artifacts discovered allow researchers to pinpoint which native peoples used the caves and when they inhabited the region.

The park has a pleasant 1/4 loop trail to the caves, with interpretative displays along the route identifying and explaining the natural features, the prehistoric paintings and vegetation found in the area. Pictograph Cave is the deepest of the three main caves, at approximately 160 feet wide and 45 feet deep. Visitors are advised to bring binoculars to get a better view of the rock art. Allow at least an hour to enjoy the park, it's visitor center and trail. Also an excellent site for bird watching. There are picnic facilities available for day use only, but no camping is permitted.

Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the new Visitor Center's interpretive displays and gift shop.

The park is 23 acres in size and 3,500 feet in elevation.

Activities Available