10 Amazing Caves in Montana (From Popular Spots to Hidden Treasures)

Montana is known as the Treasure State and is home to more than 300 amazing caves awaiting exploration. The caves in Montana are not only excellent places to visit but also hold a precious collection of natural resources. With a diverse and rich history, these caves play a vital role in Montana’s ecosystem.

These underground marvels serve as crucial contributors to groundwater movement and provide sanctuary to endangered animal species. In this article, we will unveil the amazing caves in Montana, offering an unforgettable journey beneath the surface.

1. Lookout Cave

If you have a passion for history, Lookout Cave should be on your list of must-visit destinations in Montana. This cave, situated in north central Montana, was initially discovered in 1920.

It can be found in Phillips County and is home to the most extensive collection of pictographs in north-central Montana. These pictographs and the cultural artifacts discovered within the cave provide invaluable insights into the cultures of the Northern Plains.

To reach Lookout Cave, you’ll need to travel approximately two and a half hours north of Billings in Phillips County. 

When we think of caves, we often imagine them being deep underground. However, Lookout Cave provides a unique experience as it opens up high on the mountainside. This allows visitors to enjoy breathtaking mountain views from right outside the cave!

Lookout Cave is exceptionally well-preserved, providing a fascinating glimpse into life in the area from ancient times. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe numerous pictographs, including depictions of bison, handprints, lines, and smears. The cave also contains artifacts and tools that date back to the Late Prehistoric Period.

2. Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park

The Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park in Whitehall is a favored destination for those fascinated by caves. This remarkable park offers visitors a chance to explore intricately adorned caves boasting an impressive array of unique rock formations and crystals.

These caves in Montana have a fascinating history. Approximately 325 to 365 million years ago, layers of calcium-rich sea organisms accumulated, giving rise to the limestone that constitutes the caverns. Over time, the slightly acidic groundwater worked its magic, dissolving the limestone and shaping the caverns we see today. 

Around 70 million years ago, during the Laramide Orogeny, the reddish stone was uplifted to its present size, creating magnificent caves like the Lewis and Clark Caverns.

Spanning an expansive area of 3,015 acres, this park offers visitors an abundance of sights to discover and explore. Although it may be challenging to spot them, these caves provide a sanctuary for a colony of female bats, estimated to number between 50 and 150. You can find the entry point of Lewis and Clark Caverns at an elevation of 4,300 feet, and the cavern section reaches an impressive height of 5,300 feet.

Whether you visit during the warm months or the colder seasons, Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park welcomes guests year-round. To truly make the most of your visit, I highly recommend booking a guided tour, which you can easily do through the park’s official website.

3. Bighorn Cavern

Bighorn Cavern is a fascinating cave situated within the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, spanning Montana and Wyoming. Located in south-central Montana, this cave is recognized as the state’s most extensive cave system! 

While Bighorn Cavern is an ancient cave that formed over millions of years through erosion and rock transformations, it only gained public attention in 1961.

You can explore the cave in groups of three to six people, with a maximum of two groups allowed inside at a time. Entry into the cave involves using ropes, as there is a 70 to 80-foot entrance.

With an impressive length of at least 14 miles (the cave system could be larger as it has not been fully explored), visitors can marvel at various formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, stalagmites, columns, and aragonite needles. The diverse collection of crystal formations is a major highlight of this cave.

If you’re planning to venture into Bighorn Cavern, it’s crucial to be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, have the right equipment, and secure a permit from the Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center. Exploring this cave is no walk in the park, to say the least!

4. Lick Creek Cave

Cave explorers have extensively explored and maintained some of Montana’s caves, while others remain in their natural “wild” state. Lick Creek Cave, located in northern Montana, is a prime example of a wild cave and is a popular destination for cave enthusiasts. However, finding the cave can be a bit challenging!

Unlike tourist-friendly caves with guided pathways and handrails, Lick Creek Cave requires experienced guides to navigate its passages. While it is not considered a difficult cave to explore, caution is still necessary as unfamiliarity with the layout can pose risks.

Unfortunately, in the past, Lick Creek Cave has suffered from littering and graffiti. However, recent efforts have been successful in reducing these issues and preserving the cave’s natural beauty.

One of the most remarkable features of Lick Creek Cave is its impressive Cathedral Room, which happens to be the largest cave room in Montana. This expansive space is so vast that it could easily accommodate a Boeing 747 airplane. Stepping into the Cathedral Room provides a refreshing change as the air feels cooler and crisper compared to the tight passages and crawl spaces encountered along the way.

5. Big Ice Cave

Nestled in Montana, Big Ice Cave is a frozen wonder that promises an unforgettable adventure. While it requires some effort to reach, the trip is well worth it, and you don’t need any excellent caving or hiking experience to explore it. However, do note that accessing the cave in winter can be challenging or even impossible. As the name would suggest, ice covers much of Big Ice Cave and the cave system stays below freezing year round due to the insulation created by the limestone surfaces.

Upon reaching the picnic area, you’ll encounter the entrance to the cave, which involves a steep descent. Thankfully, a staircase, platform, and wooden boardwalk inside the cave make it easily accessible, even for children.

Don’t forget to bring a flashlight when venturing into the cave, as there is no natural light inside. Water continuously drips from fractures in the ceilings and cave walls, forming mesmerizing ice speleothems on the cave floor. Adequate air circulation and insulation play crucial roles in maintaining these ice formations throughout the year, even when the summer sun is shining at the surface.

Big Ice Cave offers a perfect summer day adventure, providing a cool respite from the outside heat. Remember to bring a jacket, as the cave remains chilly.

The best part is there is no fee or permit required, and you can freely explore the cave without any guided tours.

6. Devil’s Chute Cave

Situated in the remote Snowy Mountains, Devil’s Chute Cave is an awe-inspiring ice cave that beckons experienced spelunkers and cave enthusiasts. It presents a perfect destination for those seeking a thrilling adventure. 

To reach this icy cave, you can choose between two scenic trails: the Grandview trailhead at Crystal Lake or the West Peak Trail. Both routes offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and will guide you to Devil’s Chute Cave. It’s crucial to ensure you have the proper gear before entering the cave.

Upon arrival, you’ll feast your eyes on one of Montana’s finest wild ice caves. However, exercise extreme caution and respect your surroundings. Only enter the cave if you possess both the necessary experience and appropriate gear to do so.

Devil’s Chute Cave poses a considerable challenge, but the sense of accomplishment upon visiting is truly rewarding. Navigating elevation changes and traversing dense forests are part of the adventure. This wild ice cave sits at an impressive elevation of around 8,000 feet which is contributing factor to how the ice remains in the cave year-round.

7. Tears Of The Turtle

The Tears of the Turtle Cave is a natural marvel that can be found in the western side of Montana in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. This off the beaten track destination is recognized as being the deepest cave in the United States. The cave’s entrance was only unearthed in 2006, marking it as the most recent discovery among the country’s caves. The cave was named “Tears of the Turtle” by 2 spelunkers who rappeled into the cave. They said, “We’d cry if we could make the descent” because of how brutal the descent was, and “we’d cry if we couldn’t” because of the disappointment of not making it to the bottom.

Found on Turtlehead Mountain, Tears of the Turtle Cave is difficult to access, and entry is only limited to highly experienced cavers. While the exact extent of the cave’s depth remains unknown, surveys have reached an impressive 1863.8 feet.

It’s important to note that Tears of the Turtle Cave is characterized by its muddy terrain and lack of intricate geological features. So, this may not be the ideal choice if you’re seeking a cave with abundant decorations and geological wonders. However, if you’re looking to explore a lesser-known cave in Montana, Tears of the Turtle Cave is a perfect fit.

I strongly recommend venturing into this cave with an experienced spelunker by your side. If you manage to reach the cave’s deepest point, you will join the ranks of a select few who can claim this remarkable achievement.

8. Indian Cave

Numerous caves nestled in the limestone cliffs along the Smith River are home to red ochre pictographs, the handiwork of the area’s earliest residents.

Among these caves, Indian Cave stands out as it is adorned with various historical paintings, both representational and abstract. Indian Cave showcases impressive examples of these ancient artworks. When visiting the Smith River Caves, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution as both the limestone surfaces and the delicate paintings they embellish are highly fragile.

One of Montana’s finest hiking trails will take you to this cave, and once you arrive, prepare to be awestruck by the breathtaking views from its entrance.

Indian Cave holds the distinction of being one of the most painted sites in central Montana. It also stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the area. 

9. Royce Cave

Hidden within the Pryor Mountains, Royce Caves remain relatively unknown to many. While you may need to stoop to enter, the interior opens up to provide ample space for comfortable walking. 

I recommend bringing your flashlight or a headlamp to fully appreciate the cave’s features, which include stalactites clinging to the ceiling. Keep an eye out for the unique formation known as moonmilk, a creamy white deposit adorning the walls and ceiling.

If you’re looking for more adventure, the Pryor Mountains offer a wealth of sinkholes, caverns, caves, and tunnels to explore. However, locating entrances to these remote natural wonders can be a challenge. 

While Royce Cave was discovered some time ago, little effort has been made to investigate the existence of additional tunnels. As a result, there isn’t much information available, leaving you with the opportunity to embark on your own exploration and uncover the secrets that lie within!

10. Pictograph Cave 

Finishing up my list of the most amazing caves in Montana is Pictograph Cave. This cave is situated within Pictograph Cave State Park, and the cave is the crown jewel within the park. Alongside two other main caves, Pictograph Cave stands out with its impressive dimensions, measuring approximately 160 feet wide and 45 feet deep. A well-maintained paved trail connects the various significant sites within the park, providing easy access for visitors.

The caves offer a chance to observe the red ochre artwork created by the region’s first settlers. It’s a location that encourages reflection on the beginnings of early human life in Montana.

The ancient hunters who once used these caves as a refuge left an impressive heritage of more than 100 pictographs and relics. The most ancient cave art is believed to be around 2,000 years old, providing a fascinating peek into history.

One noteworthy feature of Pictograph Cave is its fully ADA-accessible trail, making it a welcoming destination for people of all abilities.

For those curious about ancient native american history, Pictograph Cave presents an exciting experience. The cave served as a campsite for hunters in prehistoric times, and the artifacts and pictographs left behind offer valuable insights into their way of life. These captivating images provide a window into the past, offering a glimpse of the era’s cultural significance. With artwork spanning from over 2,000 years ago to as recent as 200 to 500 years ago, Pictograph Cave offers a fascinating journey through time.

Summary Of Amazing Caves In Montana