Skip to main content
Go to search page

STATE PARKS MENU

Alt image text here

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.

About the 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 3/4 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

  • Archaeology
  • Cultural
  • Education
  • Heritage
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Photography
  • Picnicking
  • Visitor Center
  • Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Some amenities are seasonal. Check with the park for availability.

  • ADA Accessible
  • Gift Shop
  • Grills/Fire Rings
  • Interpretive Display
  • Maps
  • Pets Allowed
  • Picnic Shelter
  • Toilets (Flush)
  • Toilets (Vault)
  • Water

Seasons & Hours

Hours listed below are normal operating hours and may not apply when there is a special restriction or closure. Check Alerts and Closures in the tab below.


Park

Summer Hours
Park and Visitor Center
Third Friday in May-Third Sunday in September
Open Daily
Park: 9 am - 7 pm
Visitor Center: 10 am - 5 pm

Winter Hours
Park and Visitor Center
Third Monday in September - Third Thursday in May
Open Wednesday - Sunday
Park: 9 am - 5 pm
Visitor Center: 10 am - 4 pm
Closed Monday & Tuesday, and Thanksgiving, Dec. 24, 25, 31 & Jan. 1

Park Rules

Volunteer

Contact the park manager for open volunteer positions at Pictograph Cave State Park.

For complete position descriptions, application forms, and details about Montana State Parks volunteer programs, visit the Volunteers page.

Fees

Montana Residents

  • Montana residents who pay the $9 state parks fee with their annual vehicle registration have no daily entrance fees to state parks. For residents who don't include this in their vehicle registration, non-resident day use fees apply.

 

Nonresidents

  • Day use entrance fee with a vehicle: $8
  • Day use entrance fee as a walk-in, bicycle or bus passenger: $4
  • With a Nonresident Entrance Pass: Free

Alerts & Closures

Restrictions and Closures

See a current list of Restrictions and Closures on State Parks and other FWP lands that may be affected by floods, fire, drought or major maintenance activities.

Contact Information

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

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

Take a Look Around

Enjoy this aerial tour of Pictograph Cave State Park

The park has a pleasant 3/4 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. 

Pictograph Cave State Park

Address

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

Find a Park >
Park map

View the park map to learn more about amenities, parking and camping details

View Park Map 
Park fees

Learn about fees and regulations for all Montana State Parks

View Fees >

Meet The Park Manager

Richard Tooke

Richard Tooke was born and raised in Montana. He is an avid backpacker and fly-fisherman. He was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ecuador for 2 years, graduated from the University of Montana, and for over 20 years traveled the world as a student and classroom teacher. He worked a summer season as an Interpretive Guide at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park and has served as Park Ranger at Pictograph Cave State Park since 2012. He was promoted to Recreation Manager in June 2023.

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

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

Photo of Pictograph Cave State Park