Four Dances Recreation Area

Location and Geography

Four Dances Recreation Area is a 765-acre public land area located approximately 2 miles east of downtown Billings, Montana. The area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is designated as a Special Recreation Management Area and an Area of Critical Environmental Concern.

The recreation area is situated on a plateau bordered by Coburn Road on the east side. Its western boundary is defined by the Yellowstone River, with the plateau edged by cliffs that drop 200 to 500 feet to the river below.

Natural Environment

The landscape primarily consists of native sagebrush and grassland ecosystems, with ponderosa pine found in rocky outcrop areas near the river cliffs. A cottonwood riparian zone can be observed along the Yellowstone River.

Historical Significance

Four Dances Recreation Area was established through cooperative efforts between landowners, the Yellowstone River Parks Association, and the BLM to preserve undeveloped open space near Billings.

The area's name honors Chief Four Dances, an important religious and military figure in Crow Nation history. The site is traditionally recognized as a fasting location used by Four Dances in the 1830s.

Activities and Features

The BLM's primary objective for Four Dances is to protect the open space and its natural and cultural resources while providing opportunities for dispersed public recreation.

Visitors can engage in activities such as hiking, wildlife watching, nature photography, and environmental education. The area offers scenic views of the Yellowstone River and surrounding landscape.

Regulations

To protect the area's values and ensure public safety, certain activities are prohibited. These include horseback riding, use of fireworks, hang gliding, rock climbing, paintball activities, discharging firearms, and exercising pets off-leash.

The recreation area is open for non-motorized day use only.