Medicine Rocks

Medicine Rocks State Park encompasses 330 acres of uniquely eroded sandstone formations in Carter County in southeastern Montana. Native peoples considered these fantastically sculpted rocks to hold spiritual power, and the formations remain one of Montana's most unusual landscapes.

The prairie surrounding the formations supports mule deer, pronghorn, coyotes, and various raptors. Sharp-tailed grouse perform their courtship dances in spring. Rattlesnakes inhabit the rocky crevices. The remote location supports diverse prairie wildlife.

Native mixed-grass and short-grass prairie surrounds the sandstone formations. Ponderosa pines grow in sheltered areas among the rocks. Juniper and sagebrush add variety. Moss and lichens colonize the rock surfaces, contributing to erosion patterns.

The sandstone formations were deposited during the Oligocene epoch and sculpted by wind, water, and frost into bizarre pillars, arches, and caves. Honeycomb weathering, caused by differential erosion, creates intricate surface patterns. The formations rise 80 feet above the prairie.

Southeastern Montana experiences extreme continental climate with very hot summers and bitterly cold winters. Annual precipitation averages about 13 inches. The open prairie is exposed to strong winds year-round.

Native peoples including the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Crow considered the rocks sacred and left petroglyphs and carvings on the soft sandstone. Sitting Bull reportedly camped here. The rocks were a place of vision quests and ceremony.

Medicine Rocks was designated a state park in 1957 to protect the unique geological formations and their cultural significance. Theodore Roosevelt visited in 1883 and called the formations 'as fantastically beautiful a place as I have ever seen.'

Walking among the sandstone formations is the primary activity. Historic carvings and petroglyphs add cultural interest. The night sky in this remote location is spectacular for stargazing. Photography of the formations is popular.

The park offers 12 campsites and day-use facilities. It is located about 25 miles south of Baker on Highway 7 in remote southeastern Montana.

Protection of the soft sandstone from vandalism and unauthorized carving is an ongoing challenge. The park preserves both geological and cultural resources in one of Montana's most remote areas.