Pompeys Pillar National Monument – Pompeys Pillar, Montana

Pompeys Pillar National Monument - Sign

Standing 150 feet above the Yellowstone River in Southern Montana and consisting of sandstone from the late Cretaceous Hell Creek Formation, 75 – 66 million years ago, is Pompeys Pillar National Monument. While we were staying in the area to see family, and being related to John Colter of the Lewis and Clark expedition, we made sure to check it out one evening. Although perhaps best known for the inscription left behind by William Clark of the expedition, this site boasts the markings of thousands of years of human occupation. I will share more about the monument in a minute, but first want to share a little about the interpretive center.

Pompeys Pillar National Monument - Tepee

The Pompeys Pillar Interpretive Center opened in 2006. Exhibits in the 5,700-square foot center relate the journey of Captain William Clark and his detachment, including Sacagawea and her son Pomp, down the Yellowstone River Valley in 1806. The center also addresses native culture, flora and fauna, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the historical legacy of Pompeys Pillar through the changes of the 1800s. A number of J.K. Ralston paintings and sketches are on permanent display.

Pompeys Pillar National Monument - Statue of Clark

We enjoyed walking around and checking out some of their exhibits. Of course, you can’t miss the huge tepee right out front. As you make your way inside the center you will find a bronze sculpture of William Clark between a US and Montana flag. I enjoyed reading about Sacagawea and her son on one of the displays. Another cool thing to see was a canoe on the grounds.

Pompeys Pillar National Monument - Canoe

For a little bit of history about the Lewis and Clark expedition and Pompeys Pillar National Monument from the Friends of Pompeys PIllar:  On July 3, 1806, after crossing the Continental Divide, the Corps split into separate groups so Lewis could explore the Marias River. Lewis and Clark stayed separated until they reached the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers. During their separation, Captain William Clark visited Pompeys Pillar on July 25, 1806.

Pompeys Pillar National Monument - View 1

On July 25, in Clark’s group, the nine floaters noticed a huge sandstone rock “200 feet high and 400 paces in circumference” not far from the river.  Clark climbed it and saw “Emence herds of Buffalows, Elk and wolves.” Indian pictographs were on the rock, and to them he added his name and the date: Wm. Clark, July 25, 1806.  He named the rock Pompy’s Tower (now called Pompeys Pillar) after Sacagawea’s baby, whom she carried on a cradleboard strapped to her back for the 14 months that she accompanied and aided the expedition.

Pompeys Pillar National Monument - Sacagwea

In Clark’s own words, “…at 4 P.M. arrived at a remarkable rock Situated in an extensive bottom on the Start.  Side of the river & 250 paces from it.  This rock I ascended and from it’s top had a most extensive view in every direction.  This rock which I shall Call Pompy’s Tower is 200 feet high and 400 paces in secumphrance….”

Pompeys Pillar National Monument - Signature

He also described the view from atop “Pompy’s Tower”: From the top of this Tower I could discover two low Mountains & the Rocky Mts. Covered with Snow S W. One of them appeared to be extencive and bore S. 15° E. about 40 miles. The other I take to be what the Indians Call the Little wolf Mtn. I can only see the Southern extremity of it which bears N 55° about 35 Miles. The plains to the South rise from the distance of about 6 miles the width of the bottom gradually to the mountains in that derection. A large Creek with an extencive Vally the direction of which is S. 25° E. meanders boutifully through this plain.

Pompeys Pillar National Monument - Center

Today, a boardwalk leads to Capt. Clark’s signature and to the top of the Pillar, which is the last physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. You also get a great view of the Interpitve center from the top.  As I said earlier, trails lead visitors past a replica of Captain Clark’s canoes and to a view of the 670-mile-long Yellowstone River.

Pompeys Pillar National Monument - Us

We made our way up a whole bunch of steps and I couldn’t help but think what it would have been like for Clark’s team without the stairs, and with all their gear. Wow, was all I could think when we did get to the top. It was beautiful, and you could see so for miles it seemed. Also impressive was being able to see where Clark inscribed his name and date. We took a few pictures, but mostly just sat and enjoyed the views until it started getting dark.  We headed back down with a little more knowledge about the area, and great memories.

Pompeys Pillar National Monument - Signature 2

Have you been to see Pompeys Pillar National Monument? If so, let me know what you thought about your visit. If you haven’t been, I would highly suggest a visit while in the Billings area. Happy travels.

Pompeys Pillar National Monument Visitor Information

Address:

3039 US Highway 312 Pompeys Pillar, MT 59064

Phone:

406-896-5013

Hours & Fees:

When the Monument is open (see below for season and hours), a $7 standard fee is charged for each vehicle. There is no separate fee for the interpretive center.  All valid federal recreation passes are honored at the site.

Private Vehicle Standard Fee

Rates are based on number of passengers.

6 passengers and under–$7

7-25 passengers–$12

26+ passengers–$20

2023 Season/Hours

May 1 through September 30

Main Gate: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Interpretive Center Hours:

  • May-September: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily

Commercial/Group Vehicle Fees

Commercial group rates are based on vehicle capacity.

Vehicles capable of seating 6 passengers and under–$25

Vehicles capable of seating 7-25 passengers–$40

Vehicles capable of seating 26+ passengers–$100

Directions:

The area is easily accessible from Interstate 94, using exit 23, or from State Highway 312. The monument is 25 miles east of Billings, Montana

Accessibility

The interpretive center, restrooms, parking lot and day use area are fully accessible.

Pets

Pets must be on a leash at all times.

Albuquerque, New Mexico- 8 Fun Things To Do in Duke City

Albuquerque

Hi there everyone.  In a couple of weeks, Gene and I will be heading to Albuquerque so I did some more research on the area and check out some of the things we wanted to do while in New Mexico. We have actually been to Albuquerque quite a few times and have fond memories of the Balloon Fiesta, and our Breaking Bad tour. However, there are always more things to see and do, or explore in a different city.  Thus I did some research (so you don’t have to) and found 8 must-see attractions in the area. These are in no particular order.: Continue reading “Albuquerque, New Mexico- 8 Fun Things To Do in Duke City”

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park – Georgia

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield 6While visiting some friends in Georgia and attending a convention in June of 2012, we had a great time checking out the Coca-Cola Museum as well as their capitol. One of the more interesting things we did was have dinner at  Stone Mountain and watched a laser light show on the huge monument depicting Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and Jefferson Davis during the Civil War. It was very interesting and led us to check out a few other Civil War parks and Battlefields. One such place we visited during our visit was Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. This huge park is located between Marietta and Kennesaw.

Continue reading “Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park – Georgia”

Moab, Utah -One of the Grandest Views in the West

Moab - SignSince moving to Denver, Co we have been able to take a few fun long weekend trips to Moab, Utah, and explore the beautiful parks and area. The drive is phenomenal and it is not too long of a drive from where we are currently living. For those not familiar with Moab, it is a city in Grand County, in eastern Utah, and is the county seat and largest city in Grand County. Moab attracts a large number of tourists every year, mostly visitors to the nearby Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

Continue reading “Moab, Utah -One of the Grandest Views in the West”

Palo Duro Canyon Park – The Grand Canyon of Texas

Palo Duro Canyon Park 1While in Amarillo, Texas November of 2020, we decided to take a drive through the Palo Duro Canyon Park. It is not very far from Amarillo, about ½ hour, so definitely something to do while in the area, especially if you have pets and want to explore some nature.  It is a huge canyon, apparently the second largest canyon in the US (behind the Grand Canyon of course). Not surprisingly it is often referred to as The Grand Canyon of Texas.

Continue reading “Palo Duro Canyon Park – The Grand Canyon of Texas”

Canyonlands National Park – Moab, Utah

Canyonlands 7On our first trip to Moab, Utah we had wanted to do Arches National Park one day, and Canyonlands National Park the next day, however, we quickly realized that wasn’t going to happen as Arches National Park was just too big. We were disappointed with our limited amount of time in Moab, but it did give us a great reason to come back. It was definitely on our must-see list the next time we were in the area. were able to visit on a trip in February of 2021.

Continue reading “Canyonlands National Park – Moab, Utah”

Devils Tower National Monument – Devils Tower, Wyoming

Devils TowerIn June of 2015 we took a road trip to visit the North Dakota and South Dakota State Capitols. While on the way, we took a side trip to see Devils Tower in Wyoming. It was quite fascinating to see. It is located above the Belle Fourche River and is actually part of the Black Hills. The tower is igneous and rises dramatically 1,267 feet above the surrounding terrain and the summit is 5,114 feet above sea level.
The monument’s boundary encloses an area of 1,347 acres, and interestingly enough, was the first declared United States National Monument, established on September 24, 1906, by President Theodore Roosevelt.

Continue reading “Devils Tower National Monument – Devils Tower, Wyoming”

Sun Safety Tips to Remember While Traveling this Summer

Sun - Girl in FieldDoing some mountain biking or hiking this summer? Hitting the beach or a river? Maybe a short trip to your local pool?  Wherever you like the Beach or the Mountains, or whatever you like to do for fun during the summer, be wary of the rays from the sun. As you may well know, studies show that exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer, may also cause eye problems, weaken your immune system, and give you skin spots, wrinkles, or “leathery” skin. This is caused by invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Sun - BoardwalkAlthough no one, no matter which skin type, is immune to the effects of UV. However, those with pale skin, blond, red, or light brown hair, been treated for skin cancer, or a family member who’s had skin cancer need to be especially cautious. This post is a little late this year, but The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has designated the Friday before Memorial Day as “Don’t Fry Day.” The goal?  To make sure people stay safe in the sun and protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors—on “Don’t Fry Day” and every day. Here are some suggestions to help you have a nice summer day outing while being safe.

USE SUNSCREEN

Sun - SunscreenI feel this is the truly most important thing to put on before heading out. I have really pale skin and fry in about ½ without sunscreen on. I just burn, then peel. Not much fun. L One important thing to mention about sunscreen is to FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS. A lot of people will put it on before they head out for the day and think they are good. They are not. Most sunscreen products need to be reapplied every 90 minutes to 2 hours. I’ve also seen people who don’t apply enough. It is suggested to use about 1 ounce of sunscreen (about a shot glass or palmful) should be used to cover the arms, legs, neck, and face of the average adult.

Sun - Sunscreen 2The other thing to consider about sunscreen is the sun protection factor (SPF). There are sunscreens products with a broad spectrum of protection, but it is suggested to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Sunscreens labeled with SPFs as high as 100+ are available. Higher numbers do mean more protection, but many people don’t understand the SPF scale. SPF 15 sunscreens filter out about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 sunscreens filter out about 97%, SPF 50 sunscreens about 98%, and SPF 100 about 99%. Thus the higher you go, the smaller the difference becomes. However, remember no sunscreen protects you completely.

WEAR A HAT

Sun - Floppy HatIt is very important to wear a hat outside, preferably one with a 2 to a 3-inch brim. The brim helps to protect the ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp. If you don’t have one of those, wearing a large handkerchief or bandana under a baseball cap will work in a pinch.

WEAR SUNGLASSES

Sun - SunglassesWearing sunglasses not only protects the delicate skin around your eyes, but it also protects the eyes as well. When picking out a pair of new shades, don’t assume the sunglasses provide any UV protection. Make sure the label says “UV absorption up to 400 nm” or “Meets ANSI UV Requirements”. I like the wraparound glasses myself as it also blocks light coming in From the side.

HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE

Sun - WaterOur bodies are made up of about 60% water, and every system depends on water. Just one cute little water bottle isn’t going to be enough to keep you hydrated all day long. Studies show that you should be drinking 1 liter of water every hour. Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol. Fruits are an excellent source of water, such as watermelon which is 90% water. Oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, and melons are also strong contenders.

FIND SOME SHADE

Sun - Beach 4Reduce time in the sun, especially between 10-2 as that is when the sun is the strongest. Don’t be fooled by a cloudy day. They can be more dangerous because you don’t feel hot and thus stay out longer than you may have planned. Take a lawn chair and find a nice shady spot near a tree or structure. If you can’t find one of those, a large umbrella works great too. Have fun, but be safe out there. Spending your vacation in a hotel room with a sunburn is not a fun way to spend your valuable vacation time.  Let me know if you have any other great tips and I will add them to this post. Thanks in advance.

White Water Rafting – Six White Water Rivers to Paddle this Summer!

White Water RaftingI have always loved the water but forgot how much until I was working on my Beach, Mountains, or Best of Both Worlds post. It made me stop, reflect, and acknowledge that it has been too long since I hit the beach or a stream. It also saddened me to realize that I have never been White Water Rafting. That is unless you count the Big Foot Rapids ride at Knott’s Berry Farm, which I don’t. lol It was fun and all, but I would love to experience the real thing one day. With that in mind, I did some research and found 6 rivers that I would love to explore via rafting.  I am going to start with the Salmon River in Idaho. Continue reading “White Water Rafting – Six White Water Rivers to Paddle this Summer!”

Bruneau Dunes State Park, Idaho – The Land of Sand

Bruneau-State-Park-1While in Idaho in May 2014 to see the State Capitol and spend time in Twin Falls, we visited the Bruneau Dunes State Park. It is a 5-mile loop trail located near Bruneau, Idaho. The park is about halfway between Boise and Twin Falls. Thus it was a perfect place to take a driving break on our way from the Capitol to Shoshone Falls. Continue reading “Bruneau Dunes State Park, Idaho – The Land of Sand”