Bring your red flashlight and you're set for a late-night adventure at the Acton Recreation Area. On the outskirts of Billings and away from city lights, this location is ideal for a night of stargazing. 

The dramatic landscape at Acton is rich in rock, animal and plant diversity. The tall ponderosa pine trees set against a sandstone or shale backdrop are truly stunning. Visitors can explore this wild area year-round by way of horse, bike or foot. Camping is popular in this area, as well as hunting (when in season), and vault toilets are available.

The Acton Recreation Area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and contained within the Hoskins Basin Archaeological District, which houses remains from aboriginal wooden dwellings. Many of these dwellings have been lost, in part, due to environmental damages over the years, making this site very rare and highly protected. Visitors may explore on foot in the Hoskins Basin Archaeological District, but vehicles are not permitted.

During the Day

• Go horseback riding.
• Hike or bike the Underdog trail.
• Explore the area in search of remains from aboriginal wooden dwellings.

Photo: Ian Hanson

Getting There

FROM ACTON: Go 2 miles north on HWY 3, turn right onto Oswald Road and go 6½ miles to Heag Road. Turn right and go 2½ miles to the parking lot.