Montana is blessed with diverse geographical features, ranging from mountains to lakes and rivers. Besides these, about 300 caves also exist in the Big Sky Country, as the state is often nicknamed officially. Though some of them, like Pictograph Cave and Ice Caves, are accessible by treading along trails, others like Ophir Cave, have deep shafts requiring vertical caving skills to witness the hidden geological wonders within. All these Montana caves can be self-explored at your own pace, except Lewis and Clark Caverns that require you to be a part of a guided tour.
One of the state’s most popular tourist attractions, Lewis and Clark Cavern State Park feature spectacularly adorned limestone caverns. The colorful lights highlighting the formations like stalagmite, stalactite, and other rock features are indeed a feast to the eye. Only guided tours from May to October allow visitors to access the cave.
Things to do around here: Several amenities keep visitors busy after their exploration, like a gift shop, a state-of-the-art visitor center, an amphitheater, and numerous hiking trails. If planning to extend your stay, you can get overnight accommodations in campsites, cabins, or a tipi by registering online.
Hours of operation: 10 am to 4 pm
Royce Caves, located in the Pryor Mountains, are not much known to anyone. Though you will have to stoop to get into it, the interior is broad and big enough for you to walk comfortably. Do bring your flashlights to see the cave features like stalactites clinging to the ceiling. However, the unique formation is the moonmilk, a creamy white deposit on the walls and ceiling.
Things to do around here: You can explore other sinkholes, caverns, and caves of the Pryor Mountains.
Hours of operation: 24 hours
Located near Billings, Pictograph Cave State Park is home to three caves, Pictograph, Middle, and Ghost Caves. Among these Pictograph Cave is the deepest, mostly visited for the pictographs carved on them several years ago by the prehistoric hunters. Its archaeological significance has earned it the designation of National Historic Landmark. Do bring a pair of binoculars to observe these rock paintings, like the images of animals and warriors.
You can access these caves by treading on a short loop trail from the parking lot. Along the way, the various interpretive displays will help you understand the area’s natural features and prehistoric paintings.
Things to do around here: With the help of your binoculars, you can also spot several bird species flying around within the state park premises. There’s also a picnic area and a gift shop here. If you want to learn more about the paintings and artifacts, you can head to the Visitor Center where more interpretive displays are available.
Hours of operation: 9 am to 5 pm
Ice Caves within Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest sit on the Snowy Crest. It is a limestone formation in which water seeping in freezes to form stunning columns. You can witness them throughout the year. There’s a 5 mile Ice Cave Trail leading to these ice caves. It is rated moderately difficult due to the steep climb all the way to the destination. Do carry enough water as you won’t find any on the trail.
Things to do around here: Don’t miss taking in the views of the surrounding mountains from the top of Snowy Crest.
Hours of operation: 24 hours
Ophir Cave is in a secluded location within Helena National Forest. Experienced spelunkers with vertical caving skills can access it without much hassle. However, if you are a beginner, it is better to keep away or explore it under the guidance of an expert as there have been reports of fatal accidents here.
It starts with a crawl to get into the cave’s entrance, from which it drops vertically to the pit area. Make sure to be well-equipped with your caving gears before attempting the climb down. You will have to squeeze through narrow passages before reaching the bottom. Prepare to get muddy once you reach the bottom and start exploring. Several stalactites, stalagmites, and other features have formed beautiful formations that you would enjoy seeing here.
Things to do around here: You can enjoy the scenic views in the vicinity. A picnic would also be ideal after the tiring exploration.
Hours of operation: 24 hours
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