10 Easy Road Trips From Billings, Montana (All Outside Yellowstone County)
If you’re based in
Billings, Montana and itching to hit the open road, you’re in luck. Within just a couple of hours, you can reach some of the most surprising and beautiful spots in the state—without ever leaving for days at a time.
The best part? Every one of these road trips is
outside Yellowstone County. We’re heading out into:
- Big Horn County, MT
- Carbon County, MT
- Golden Valley County, MT
- Musselshell County, MT
- Rosebud County, MT
- Stillwater County, MT
- Treasure County, MT
Think of this as your simple guide to
short road trips from Billings—ideal for a Saturday escape or a quick overnight adventure.
1. Hike and Explore in Red Lodge (Carbon County)
Red Lodge is one of those places people from Billings go back to again and again. It’s about a 60–70 mile drive southwest, and the ride itself already feels like a mini vacation.
Why go:
Red Lodge has small-town charm, mountain views, and easy access to trails. In summer, you’ll see bikes on trucks and families grabbing ice cream. In winter, skiers and snowboarders roll through town with wet boots and rosy cheeks.
Things to do near Red Lodge:
- Walk the historic downtown and pop into local shops.
- Take a short hike on nearby forest trails (many are family-friendly).
- Have a leisurely lunch with a mountain view.
If you’ve only ever passed through on your way to the Beartooth Highway, try slowing down and staying a few hours. It’s worth it.
2. Scenic Drives and River Time in Columbus (Stillwater County)
Head west from Billings along I‑90 for about 40–45 minutes, and you’ll land in
Columbus, Montana. It’s a quiet town that many people just zip past, but it’s a great base for a short day trip.
Why go:
The
Stillwater River and the Yellowstone River run nearby, and the hills and ranchland around town make for relaxing scenery.
Ideas for your visit:
- Pack a picnic and enjoy it by the river.
- Try fishing if you’ve got gear and a license.
- Explore local backroads and pull over for photos of the rolling landscape.
It’s the kind of spot where you can actually hear yourself think—a nice balance to city life in Billings.
3. Step Back in Time on the Crow Reservation & Little Bighorn Area (Big Horn County)
Drive southeast from Billings into
Big Horn County and the Crow Reservation area. While you’ll want to respect tribal lands and private property, the general region around the
Little Bighorn is rich with history and big-sky views.
Why go:
Open prairies, rugged breaks, and the sense that you’re standing in a place where important stories unfolded. Even a simple drive through the area feels different—slower, more thoughtful.
How to enjoy the area:
- Take a relaxed drive through Crow country and note the changes in land and sky.
- Stop at scenic pullouts to look for wildlife and birds of prey.
- Bring a thermos of coffee and just sit and watch the clouds move.
You’ll come home with that “I was really out there” feeling, even if you only spent half a day on the road.
4. Big Skies and Backroads in Rosebud County
Head east from Billings and you’ll roll into
Rosebud County, a place of wide-open space and classic Eastern Montana scenery.
Why go:
This is perfect for people who love the idea of a
“nothing but horizon” drive. You won’t find big crowds, but you will find peace, long stretches of highway, and plenty of room to breathe.
What to do:
- Plan a backroads loop drive from Billings into Rosebud County and back.
- Stop at small-town cafes for a slice of pie or a burger.
- Pull off on safe shoulders to take sunset or storm-cloud photos.
If you’ve ever wanted to understand what people mean by “Big Sky Country,” a simple drive east will explain it better than any brochure.
5. Canyon Views and River Adventures Near Absarokee & Nye (Stillwater County)
From Billings, head toward Columbus and then continue southwest toward
Absarokee and
Nye in Stillwater County. This area is one of the most scenic spots within a couple of hours of Billings.
Why go:
The
Stillwater River carves through canyon country here, with dramatic rock walls, fast-moving water, and thick forests.
How to spend the day:
- Drive the river road and stop at pullouts to watch rafters and kayakers.
- Take a short, easy stroll along the river for fresh air and photos.
- Pack a cooler and find a safe spot to relax by the water.
On a hot summer day, the cool air coming off the river feels like natural air conditioning.
6. Gravel Roads and True Quiet in Golden Valley County
If you don’t mind a little dust on your car,
Golden Valley County is a great choice. It lies northwest of Billings, and you’ll reach it in around an hour or so, depending on your route.
Why go:
This is rural Montana at its core: ranchland, gravel roads, and small towns where time moves slower.
Road-trip ideas:
- Pick a small town in Golden Valley County as your target and plan a simple out-and-back drive.
- Stop to photograph old barns, fences, and windmills (from public roads only).
- Watch for deer, antelope, and hawks—keeping an eye on the road, of course.
It’s a good reminder that you don’t need a big “attraction” for a trip to be memorable. Sometimes the drive itself is the main event.
7. Prairie and River Country in Treasure County
Ever driven through a place and felt like you stepped into a classic Western movie? That’s what parts of
Treasure County feel like.
Why go:
Treasure County is small and quiet, but it’s right along the Yellowstone River and surrounded by open prairie.
Things to enjoy:
- Take a scenic drive parallel to the Yellowstone River.
- Look for birds, especially in the mornings and evenings.
- Visit a local diner or gas-station café for coffee and conversation.
If you’re a photographer or just love peaceful drives, this is an easy day trip from Billings that doesn’t require much planning.
8. Country Roads and Ranchland Around Big Timber (Stillwater Area Gateway)
While Big Timber itself sits just over the line in a different county, the approach from Billings takes you through
Stillwater County and gives you plenty to see even before you cross any boundaries.
Why go:
Between Columbus and the Big Timber area, you’ll find rolling hills, ranches, and views of distant mountains. It’s a very “postcard Montana” stretch of highway.
Make the most of the drive:
- Stop at safe pullouts to soak in the view and snap photos.
- Turn off onto side roads (where legal and safe) to get away from the main highway.
- Bring snacks so you can linger without rushing back to town.
If you’re coming from Billings, you can easily do this as a half-day loop: west on I‑90 and then back the way you came.
9. Rolling Hills and Small-Town Charm in Musselshell County
Head north from Billings and you’ll reach parts of
Musselshell County. This is another area where the big draw is the landscape itself.
Why go:
It’s a mix of prairie, low hills, and river valleys. You’ll see farms, ranches, and wide views that stretch for miles.
What to do there:
- Plan a loop that takes you into Musselshell County and back to Billings via a different route.
- Stop in small towns for fuel, snacks, and a quick walk around.
- Bring binoculars and look for wildlife from the roadside.
If you grew up in a city, a day in Musselshell County can feel like visiting a completely different world—one that’s just a short drive away.
10. Roadside Picnics and River Stops Along the Yellowstone (Rosebud & Treasure Counties)
For a simple, low-stress getaway, follow the
Yellowstone River east from Billings into
Treasure County and
Rosebud County.
Why go:
The river acts like a companion for much of your drive. You’ll get views of cottonwood trees, bluffs, and that wide, winding waterway that shaped so much of Montana’s history.
How to enjoy it:
- Pack a cooler with sandwiches, fruit, and cold drinks.
- Stop at riverside pullouts where it’s safe and allowed.
- Take your shoes off, sit on the tailgate, and listen to the water for a while.
You don’t need a big itinerary here. Just drive, stop where it feels right, and let the river set the pace.
Tips for Short Road Trips From Billings, Montana
To make the most of these quick
Billings road trips, a little planning goes a long way.
Before you go:
- Check the weather forecast; Montana conditions can change fast.
- Top off your gas tank, especially if you’re heading into more remote areas.
- Bring water, snacks, and a paper map as backup.
On the road:
- Respect private land and tribal lands—stay on public roads and marked areas.
- Drive slowly on gravel and watch for wildlife.
- Leave places as clean (or cleaner) than you found them.
These are all
short trips from Billings, but they still offer a genuine taste of Montana’s wild side.
Ready to Plan Your Next Billings Road Trip?
Living in or visiting Billings, Montana, means you’re surrounded by counties full of rivers, ranches, and wide-open skies. Whether you head to Red Lodge, Columbus, Musselshell County, or the quiet corners of Treasure and Rosebud, you don’t have to drive far to feel like you’ve stepped into a different world.
Which of these
10 road trips from Billings would you try first?
Have you discovered a favorite backroad or small town outside Yellowstone County?
Share your ideas in the comments and tell us about your own Montana adventures. If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for new things to do near Billings—your next weekend escape might be just one short drive away.
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