The Rimrocks

The defining geographical feature of Billings, a continuous band of sandstone and volcanic rock cliffs that runs along the northern edge of the city for several miles. From the top — accessible by car or by several hiking trails — the view takes in the entire Yellowstone Valley, the city below, and on clear days the snow-capped Beartooth Mountains to the southwest.

Rimrock Trail (about 3 miles one way) follows the top of the escarpment and is the most popular walking route. Phipps Park at the east end of the Rims has picnic tables and a good overlook. The Rimrocks are also home to prairie falcons, which nest in the cliff faces and can often be seen riding thermals above the city.

things to do sight
A story
The sandstone rimrock formations are the remnants of a massive lava flow that covered this part of eastern Montana around 50 million years ago. The softer rock beneath eroded away over millennia, leaving the harder volcanic capstone perched like a lid above the city. The Crow people called the cliffs Áakbaaliia — "the high cliffs" — and used them as hunting grounds for driving bison herds over the edge.