Pipestone, Montana: Mysterious Ringing Rocks
A big pile of rocks. Hit them with a hammer, and they ring like bells. Warning -- bad roads, and watch for bears.
- Address:
- Unnamed Rd, Pipestone, MT
- Directions:
- Very poorly marked. I-90 exit 241 (Pipestone). Drive east on a gravel road that parallels the freeway for about three-fourths of a mile, then turn north on a gravel road, cross the railroad tracks, and continue north for about three miles on a poorly maintained dirt road. Road is narrow and makes sharp turns. A high clearance vehicle is recommended, as is bear spray. And bring a hammer!
- Admission:
- Free.
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Visitor Tips and News About Mysterious Ringing Rocks
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One of the highlights of our cross-country journey. Well worth the adventure to reach the rocks. However, the rock field is remote. Do not attempt to visit if you are not comfortable with winding, steep dirt roads -- off-road-type conditions. Do not go if it is muddy. Watch for bears. When you finally see a "parking area" with a split-rail fence, you may want to park there and walk the last bit up the last hill if your car has low clearance. You will see a large Forest Service sign describing the rocks when you get to them!
[Fraggle, 09/06/2012]Do not take trailers! The directions are spot on. This is a long rugged road but well worth the drive. We did not see anyone going to the Ringing Rocks or back out. Make sure you have plenty of gas and supplies in case of emergency. No cell service. You are on your own. All that said, this was probably one of the highlights of our trip, I think mainly because you know how few have visited them. You will not need a hammer -- just use a smaller rock that you can find there. But respect the find and leave the rock.
[Kris.L., 03/02/2012]This place is REALLY difficult to get to, so much so that I'd almost advise against it. That said, I was stupid enough to drive a large van here and some of the trail had me sweating! Gravel? No, try winding, narrow dirt trail that might leave you stranded in the worst way if you're not lucky and/or there was rain recently. I have to say, though, getting back out was WAY easier than getting in and you are rewarded with a phenomenon like no other. You can just use other rocks, you don't need a hammer. You can climb the pile and it sounds like you're hitting pipes. If RoadsideAmerica allows video (I'm writing this on my phone), I'll submit some. Somewhat fascinating, but tricky to get to. Use your judgement on this one.
[Thomas, 04/28/2011]
Ringing Rocks Something rare and unusual. Something that is only found in 5 places on this planet: Mexico, England, Western Australia, and Pennsylvania. One of the places is right here in Montana, between Butte and Whitehall; right off I-90. It is the "ringing rocks". Yes, rocks that sound like an out of tune bell, when struck with a hammer, right here in Montana!
[Jo Cruse, 07/28/2010]Nearby Offbeat Places
- Evel Knievel's Last Jump - His Grave, Butte, MT - 13 mi.
- Our Lady of the Rockies, Butte, MT - 13 mi.
- Statue of Auditor, the Strip Mine Dog, Butte, MT - 15 mi.
- Historic Dumas Brothel Museum, Butte, MT - 15 mi.
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