Berkeley Pit Viewing Stand
Witness the immense, toxic beauty of a former copper mine, now a vibrant, flooded pit with a rich industrial history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Berkeley Pit Viewing Stand
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the immense, toxic beauty of a former copper mine, now a vibrant, flooded pit with a rich industrial history.
"It’s amazing how beautiful something deadly can be."
Confirm Admission Price
Fees can change; check ahead to avoid surprises. It's a small price for a unique view. :moneybag:
Check Operating Hours
Hours may not always be updated online. Verify before you go to ensure access. 🕐
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.3 · 880 reviews
Type
Landmark
Website
pitwatch.orgHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Vast, Toxic Pit
Main viewing area
Witness the immense scale of the former copper mine, now a stunningly colored, toxic lake.
Informative Signage
Viewing area
Learn about the pit's history, geology, and the ongoing environmental challenges it presents.
Gift Shop & Souvenirs
Entrance building
Browse unique items and support the site's conservation efforts while taking home a memento.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Cost and Hours
Embrace the Unique Landscape
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Need Tips for traveling to Montana
Hello Reddit. I am going to Butte, Montana with my husband and his mom and step dad to visit the step dad’s sister who lives there. I love hiking and lake swimming and always look for the hardest and most scenic trails when picking my hikes. I’ve wanted to visit Montana for so…
Confirm Admission Price
Fees can change; check ahead to avoid surprises. It's a small price for a unique view. :moneybag:
Check Operating Hours
Hours may not always be updated online. Verify before you go to ensure access. 🕐
Is it reasonable to try to see Yellowstone and glacier national park in 1 week? UPDATE
Hi everyone. About a month ago I asked for some advice about a trip to your state to visit glacier and yellowstone. A lot of you had some great input and advice and I just came back from my trip. We only had accommodations set-up for the first 2 nights and just kinda winged the…
Planning on heading to Montana Tech for Mechanical Engineering. Any advice?
As a Louisiana citizen, this fall i’m hoping to attend Montana tech and i was curious about the school but there is hardly anything about it online. Any advice or comments Montana residents?
Appreciate the History
Read the signs to understand the pit's significant industrial and environmental story. 📜
Unique Photo Opportunity
The colors are surreal! Capture the beauty of this man-made wonder. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Confirm Admission Price
Fees can change; check ahead to avoid surprises. It's a small price for a unique view. :moneybag:
Check Operating Hours
Hours may not always be updated online. Verify before you go to ensure access. 🕐
Appreciate the History
Read the signs to understand the pit's significant industrial and environmental story. 📜
Unique Photo Opportunity
The colors are surreal! Capture the beauty of this man-made wonder. :camerawithflash:
Support Conservation
Your admission fee helps fund bird deterrents and ongoing site management. :dove:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Berkeley Pit Viewing Stand a unique and historically significant site, offering a striking visual of industrial impact. While some find the admission fee a bit high for a brief visit, many agree it's worth seeing once for its surreal beauty and educational value, especially to support conservation efforts.
"This is a tough one to review. It’s a very interesting spot with a wild history. I think it’s good to see it at once as a reminder what humans can do to the earth. The gentleman working there was very nice and they had beautiful items for sale.
But $6 is a lot to just look at the pit. Not to mention the amount and the web site are not updated. The hours and cost is incorrect.
Still, I’m going to rate it four stars because I think it’s worth seeing once and it supports the bird deterrents. If it was still $3 and the web site updated I’d rate it 5.
It’s amazing how beautiful something deadly can be."
Bonnie Creevy
"Super unique and interesting place to see if you're in Butte! Tons of informative signs to tell you what's going on, and why the water is so delicious looking yet so toxic!
Grab some cool souvenirs in the shop too!"
Jonathan Kreidler
"Very interesting quick stop for sure. It's our history and it's ongoing..... Well done sight but the price went from 3$ to 6$ which is a bit much and it did make me a bit sad which is why its a4 star. Not tons of RV parking but it was fairly empty when we visited."
Nancy Needham
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Berkeley Pit Viewing Stand is located in Butte, Montana. It's accessible by car, with some parking available, though it might be limited for larger RVs. The site is well-marked once you're in the Butte area.
Information on public transportation directly to the viewing stand is limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method of access.
Use GPS navigation to 'Berkeley Pit Viewing Stand' or 'Butte, Montana'. The site is a prominent landmark in the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees can vary, with past prices ranging from $3 to $6 per person. It's recommended to confirm the current price upon arrival or check their official (though sometimes outdated) website. +1
Operating hours are typically set but may not always be accurately reflected online. It's best to check on the day of your visit or call ahead.
Tickets are usually purchased on-site at the gift shop, which also serves as the admission point.
While specific hours vary seasonally, the viewing stand is generally open during daylight hours. It's advisable to confirm seasonal availability.
📸 📸 Photography
Midday can offer bright colors, but early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and enhance the visual appeal of the pit's unique landscape.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. Be mindful of any posted signs regarding commercial photography or drone usage.
The striking, unnatural colors of the water, caused by mineral concentrations, create a surreal and captivating scene that is highly photogenic.
🎫 🌍 Environmental Impact
The water is toxic due to high concentrations of heavy metals and acids leached from the exposed ore and rock over decades of mining.
Efforts include managing water levels and implementing bird deterrents to prevent wildlife from entering the toxic water. Your admission fee supports these efforts.
Absolutely not. The water is extremely toxic and dangerous. Swimming or any water activities are strictly prohibited.
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