Zimmerman Park Billings Montana
Zimmerman Park offers stunning Rimrock views, diverse trails for hiking & biking, and is an RC crawler's paradise.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
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Best Time
Golden hour light & cooler temps
Zimmerman Park Billings Montana
Best Time
Golden hour light & cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Zimmerman Park offers stunning Rimrock views, diverse trails for hiking & biking, and is an RC crawler's paradise.
"An RC Crawler's Paradise with Stunning Views and Amazing Trails!"
🐶 Off-Leash Fun for Pups
Dogs can roam off-leash on most dirt trails, but keep them leashed on the asphalt Skyline Trail.
📸 Capture Breathtaking Views
The Rimrocks offer incredible city views, ideal for photography and memorable moments.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rimrock City Views
Along the Rimrocks
Panoramic vistas of Billings spread out below, perfect for photos and soaking in the scenery.
Diverse Hiking & Biking Trails
Throughout the park
A network of dirt trails catering to all levels, from easy strolls to challenging rides.
RC Crawler Paradise
Rocky areas and varied terrain
An acclaimed spot for RC crawlers with challenging rocks and diverse landscapes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Etiquette & Dog Rules
Best Time for Views & Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐶 Off-Leash Fun for Pups
Dogs can roam off-leash on most dirt trails, but keep them leashed on the asphalt Skyline Trail.
📸 Capture Breathtaking Views
The Rimrocks offer incredible city views, ideal for photography and memorable moments.
🚴♀️ Bike the Zimmerman Trail
Enjoy a scenic ride with advice to lower your center of gravity on berms for better control.
⛰️ Explore Diverse Terrain
From slickrock to rocky sections, the park is an RC crawler's dream with varied challenges.
Views of West End Billings from Zimmerman Park
Tips
from all over the internet
🐶 Off-Leash Fun for Pups
Dogs can roam off-leash on most dirt trails, but keep them leashed on the asphalt Skyline Trail.
📸 Capture Breathtaking Views
The Rimrocks offer incredible city views, ideal for photography and memorable moments.
🚴♀️ Bike the Zimmerman Trail
Enjoy a scenic ride with advice to lower your center of gravity on berms for better control.
⛰️ Explore Diverse Terrain
From slickrock to rocky sections, the park is an RC crawler's dream with varied challenges.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Zimmerman Park is highly praised for its breathtaking city views from the Rimrocks and its extensive network of trails suitable for hiking, biking, and RC crawling. Visitors appreciate the off-leash dog-friendly environment on most trails and the accessibility for various activity levels. Some older reviews mentioned broken glass, but the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting it as a must-visit natural gem in Billings.
"Excellent hiking area for you and pups. Is off leash once on trail unless you walk the asphalt edge skyline trail where dogs should be leashed.
Great city views right off the rims."
Kristy Savaria
"Zimmerman Park, Billings, Montana: An RC Crawler's Paradise with Stunning Views
For RC crawler enthusiasts in Billings, Montana, Zimmerman Park is widely considered a top-tier destination. Reviews from the RC crawling community consistently highlight its excellent terrain and breathtaking scenery, making it an ideal spot for both casual runs and more challenging crawling sessions.
What makes Zimmerman Park great for RC crawling:
* Diverse Terrain: The park boasts an "amazing network of trails and rocks to play on," with options ranging from traditional singletrack to slickrock. This variety allows for different levels of difficulty, catering to both beginners and experienced crawlers. You'll find challenging sections with roots, rocky areas, and opportunities for stunts, while other parts are smoother and more accessible.
* Abundant Rock Formations: The park is known for its "incredible" and "amazing rocks," providing ample obstacles and features for technical crawling. This natural rock garden is a major draw for the RC crawling community.
* Beautiful Views: Situated along the "Rims," Zimmerman Park offers "breathtaking views of Billings below." The scenic backdrop adds another layer of enjoyment to your RC adventures, making it a great place to capture impressive photos and videos of your rig in action.
* Community Presence: There's an active RC crawling group that meets up at Zimmerman Park, indicating a welcoming environment and the potential to connect with other hobbyists.
While some older reviews mention broken glass in certain areas, the overall sentiment from the RC crawling community is overwhelmingly positive, with many considering it a "paradise" for the hobby. It's a fantastic place to test your RC crawler's capabilities while enjoying the natural beauty of Montana."
Mark M
"This is a great place to hit trails fast and has a difficulty range from very easy to hard"
Josh Spainhower
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Zimmerman Park is located atop the Billings Rimrocks. Access is typically via Rimrock Road, with several parking areas available along the park's perimeter. It's easily accessible by car, and many visitors find it a convenient spot to start their exploration of the Rimrocks.
Yes, there are multiple parking areas throughout Zimmerman Park, especially along the Skyline Trail. These lots can fill up, particularly on weekends, so arriving earlier is recommended.
Ride-sharing services can drop you off at the park's entrances. However, pick-up might be less reliable depending on the specific location within the park, so it's good to have a backup plan or coordinate with your driver.
The park features a network of dirt trails and the paved Skyline Trail. Using a trail map or a GPS app can be helpful for exploring the various routes and finding specific points of interest.
While there are parking areas, very large RVs might find it challenging to navigate some of the access roads and parking lots, especially during busy times. Standard vehicles should have no issue.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Zimmerman Park is a public park and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. It's free to access and enjoy the trails and views.
Zimmerman Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. There are no official closing times posted, but it's advisable to leave before it gets completely dark for safety reasons.
No permits are required for general hiking, biking, or enjoying the park's natural features. However, if you plan on organizing a large event, you may need to check with the city of Billings Parks and Recreation.
While there are no specific reservation systems for picnic spots, you can find many scenic areas to set up. For larger gatherings, it's best to arrive early or consider a weekday visit.
There is no admission fee for RC crawling at Zimmerman Park. It's a public space, and enthusiasts are welcome to bring their vehicles to enjoy the terrain.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers a variety of trails. The paved Skyline Trail provides easy access to city views, while the numerous dirt trails offer more challenging terrain for hikers and mountain bikers.
Absolutely! Zimmerman Park is very bike-friendly with a network of trails suitable for various skill levels. Riders often praise the berms and challenging sections.
Yes, Zimmerman Park is known for its climbing routes along the Rimrocks, attracting climbers looking for a challenge with a scenic backdrop.
You can expect breathtaking panoramic views of Billings and the surrounding landscape from the top of the Rimrocks. It's a prime spot for photography.
The paved Skyline Trail is suitable for families with strollers and young children. Some of the dirt trails can be steep or rocky, so assess them based on your children's abilities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, Zimmerman Park does not have any restaurants or cafes within its boundaries. It's a natural park setting, so plan to bring your own food and drinks.
The closest dining options are located in Billings, a short drive down from the Rimrocks. You'll find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and fast-food establishments in the city.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. There are many scenic spots throughout the park where you can enjoy a meal with a view. Remember to pack out all your trash.
It's best to purchase snacks and water before heading up to Zimmerman Park, as there are no convenience stores or vendors within the park itself.
Billings offers a range of cuisines, from classic American diners and steakhouses to Mexican and Italian options. You'll find something to suit most tastes.
📸 📸 Photography
The Rimrocks themselves offer the most dramatic backdrops for photos, with sweeping views of Billings. Look for interesting rock formations and vantage points along the trails.
Early morning and late afternoon, during the 'golden hours,' provide the best lighting for photography, casting a warm glow over the landscape and city.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check current FAA and local city ordinances regarding drone usage in public parks before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive city views. For climbing or RC crawler shots, a telephoto lens can be useful. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
The overlook points along the Skyline Trail are iconic. Also, explore the unique rock formations for creative shots, especially if you're into RC crawling photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with older children who enjoy a bit more adventure, the network of dirt trails offers opportunities for exploration. Always supervise children closely, especially near the Rimrocks, and ensure they wear appropriate footwear for the terrain. The park's open spaces are also ideal for kids to burn off energy in a safe, natural environment.
RC Crawler Enthusiasts
The stunning backdrop of the Billings cityscape adds an extra layer of appeal, offering fantastic opportunities for capturing impressive photos and videos of your RC rigs in action. Many RC groups organize meetups here, indicating a welcoming and active community. It's the perfect spot to test your crawler's capabilities while enjoying the natural beauty of Montana.
Active Adventurers (Hikers & Bikers)
It's advisable to wear sturdy hiking boots or cycling shoes, as the terrain can be uneven and rocky. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, and be mindful of other trail users. The park's accessibility and diverse trail options make it a go-to spot for locals and visitors looking to get their adrenaline pumping amidst beautiful scenery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Zimmerman Park
When venturing onto the trails, it's important to be aware of other park users. Hikers and bikers share many of the same paths, so courtesy and communication are key. The terrain can be uneven and rocky in places, so wearing appropriate footwear is highly recommended. The park's natural beauty is best enjoyed when respecting the environment; stick to marked trails to prevent erosion and protect the delicate ecosystem of the Rimrocks.
For RC crawler enthusiasts, Zimmerman Park is often described as a 'paradise.' The abundance of natural rock formations, varied inclines, and diverse surfaces provide an excellent playground for testing the capabilities of RC vehicles. The community actively uses and recommends this park for its challenging and engaging crawling opportunities.
Capturing the Iconic Views
Beyond the sweeping cityscapes, the park's unique rock formations offer compelling subjects for photographers. These natural sculptures, carved by time and elements, create interesting textures and shapes that can be creatively incorporated into shots. Whether you're a professional photographer or just enjoy snapping pictures with your phone, Zimmerman Park provides ample opportunities for stunning imagery. Remember to bring your camera and explore different angles to capture the essence of this beautiful Montana landscape.
For those interested in drone photography, it's crucial to be aware of and adhere to all relevant FAA and local regulations. Always prioritize safety and respect for other park visitors when operating drones.
Dog-Friendly Adventures
However, it's important to note that dogs must be kept on a leash when walking along the paved Skyline Trail. This ensures the safety and comfort of all visitors, especially those who may be less comfortable around off-leash animals. Responsible pet ownership is key, so always be prepared to leash your dog when necessary and clean up after them.
The park's natural beauty and open spaces make it an ideal spot for a leisurely walk or a more vigorous hike with your canine friend. The stunning views serve as a beautiful backdrop for your adventures together.
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