Billings, Montana, sits where the open plains meet the 500-foot sandstone Rimrock cliffs that define its skyline and its outdoor identity.
When the Yellowstone River thaws each spring and the evenings stretch past 9 PM, locals don’t stay inside. They head straight for the Billings city parks that trace the riverbanks, top the Rims, and spread through nearly every neighborhood in town.
In 2026, the Billings Parks and Recreation Department manages more than 70 parks across Billings, mostly free, well-kept, and open year-round.
Whether you’re after a paved riverside loop, a rugged rimtop trail, or a shaded picnic spot, Billings city parks deliver something for every type of outdoorsperson.
Top Billings City Parks You Need to Know
Zimmerman Park: Rimrock Trails Above the West End
Ask any longtime local to name their favorite among the Billings City parks, and Zimmerman Park in Billings almost always leads the list. Perched along the Rimrocks above the West End, this park offers 4 miles of trails ranging from easy to intermediate.
Hikers and mountain bikers share these popular hiking trails in Billings, MT, daily. The sunset views over downtown are some of the best you’ll find in all parks in Billings, Montana.
Phipps Park: Panoramic Views Northwest of the City
Phipps Park in Billings, MT, is a local gem that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. This moderate 2.5-mile loop northwest of the West End offers panoramic sunrise views that rival those of most other parks in Billings, Montana.
It’s consistently rated among the best walking trails in Billings, MT, has to offer equal parts workout and reward.
Thinking about settling near these trails? Considering a move to Billings? See our buyer resources and let Cari Baxter help you find the right neighborhood for your outdoor lifestyle.
Swords Rimrock Park: Walk the Full Length of the Rims
Swords Rimrock Park runs end to end along the top of Billings’ iconic sandstone Rims. Paved sections keep it accessible for all users, while unpaved stretches add challenge for experienced hikers.
Historical markers, unique rock features, and sweeping views of the Yellowstone River Valley make this one of the most distinctive experiences in the Billings city parks system.
Pioneer Park: A Community Staple in the Heart of Billings
Pioneer Park in Billings, MT, is one of those Billings City parks that works for everyone. Wide-open fields, shaded picnic areas, and easy neighborhood access make it a weekly go-to for families across town.
The Billings Parks and Recreation Department regularly hosts community events and seasonal programs here throughout the year.
Quick-Reference Guide to Billings City Parks
|
Park / Trail |
Best For… |
Surface |
Difficulty |
|
Zimmerman Park |
Sunsets, Mountain Biking & RC Crawling |
Dirt/Rock |
Moderate |
|
Phipps Park |
Disc Golf & Sunrise Views |
Dirt |
Moderate |
|
Pioneer Park |
Families & Picnics |
Grass/Paved |
Easy |
|
Yellowstone Trail |
Jogging & Long Bike Rides |
Paved |
Easy |
|
Swords Rimrock Park |
History & Scenic Vistas |
Paved/Dirt |
Easy to Moderate |
Walking the Yellowstone River Trail in Billings
The Yellowstone River Trail in Billings is one of the most-used outdoor corridors in the city.
Starting near Riverfront Park, Billings, and Norm Schoenthal Island south of downtown, paved paths wind through tree-lined stretches along the river, ideal for walking, jogging, or a relaxed family bike ride.
Two Moon Park extends this system from the Billings Heights all the way to Coulson Park along the Yellowstone.
The paths meander below the northern bluff, offering steady river views, making it one of the most scenic stretches of the best walking trails in the Billings, MT network.
In the fall, the cottonwoods along the bank turn the entire corridor golden.
For hikers ready to push beyond the paved paths, Four Dances Trailhead offers a moderate 3-mile loop above the Yellowstone with wide-open valley views.
John H. Dover Memorial Park descends from the Heights to the river, crossing rope bridges along the way. For more trails beyond city parks, the options in and around Billings run deep.
Looking for more outdoor options in Billings? The guide to outdoor activities in Billings covers trails, parks, and recreation ideas for new and longtime residents alike.
What the Billings Parks and Recreation Department Offers in 2026
The Billings Parks and Recreation Department keeps Billings’ outdoor spaces active through every season.
Their 2026 calendar includes youth sports leagues, fitness classes, trail maintenance days, and community events spread across the Billings city parks network. New to Billings? Their programming calendar is one of the fastest ways to get connected locally.
For a wider look, explore outdoor recreation in Billings, MT, or check out fun things to do in Billings, MT, for ideas beyond the parks section.
The Billings lifestyle hub is also a solid first stop for anyone exploring what life in this city really looks like.
💡Key Takeaways
- Billings city parks include 70+ maintained green spaces, most free and open year-round.
- Zimmerman Park and Phipps Park in Billings, MT, are top picks for hiking trails in Billings, MT.
- Swords Rimrock Park has paved and natural trails with dramatic views of the Yellowstone Valley.
- The Yellowstone River Trail, Billings, connects Riverfront Park, Billings, Two Moon Park, and Coulson Park.
- Pioneer Park in Billings, MT, is the top family park and a primary venue for Billings Parks and Recreation Department events.
- Most parks in Billings, Montana, are free and within easy reach of every Billings neighborhood.
Billings Outdoor Living Starts Right Outside Your Front Door
Billings city parks aren’t just green spaces; they’re part of what makes this city feel like home.
Whether you’re jogging the Yellowstone River Trail in Billings before work, catching a sunrise at Phipps Park, or introducing your kids to Pioneer Park on a lazy Saturday, these parks in Billings, Montana, become part of your daily rhythm fast.
In 2026, Billings continues to invest in its parks and trails, cementing its place as one of Montana’s most livable cities for people who value outdoor access.
If you’re thinking about making the move, having a local expert who knows both the trails and the real estate market makes all the difference.
Ready to find your home near the trails you love? Connect with Cari Baxter on Google, a fourth-generation Montanan and top Billings real estate expert.
FAQs about Parks in Billings, MT
What are the best parks in Billings, MT?
The top-billing city parks include Zimmerman Park, Phipps Park, Pioneer Park, and Two Moon Park, all in Billings, MT. Each offers something different, from rimtop trails and riverside walks to family-friendly open space.
Are there walking trails along the Yellowstone River in Billings?
Yes. The Yellowstone River Trail in Billings runs through riverfront park billings, Norm Schoenthal Island, Two Moon Park, and Coulson Park.
These are the best walking trails in Billings, MT: paved, flat, and accessible for all fitness levels.
Which Billings parks have playgrounds for kids?
Pioneer Park and multiple neighborhood Billings city parks include playgrounds, open fields, and family picnic areas. Equipment upgrades are part of the city’s ongoing 2026 parks investment.
Is Swords Rimrock Park worth visiting?
Absolutely, Swords Rimrock Park runs the full length of Billings’ Rims with both paved and natural trail options. The views of downtown Billings and the Yellowstone River Valley from the top are genuinely hard to beat.
What are the best hiking trails near Billings?
Top picks for hiking trails in Billings, MT, include Zimmerman Park, Four Dances Trailhead, Phipps Park, and John H. Dover Memorial Park.
For a full breakdown, visit Billings’ Best Hiking Trails for more trails beyond city parks.
