Destination
Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness
Explore nearly one million acres of wild mountain country with rugged peaks, alpine lakes, glaciers, high meadows, Yellowstone River headwaters, wildlife habitat, solitude, and true Montana backcountry adventure.
Region
South-central Montana and northern Wyoming, across the Absaroka and Beartooth mountain ranges
Best For
Backpacking, hiking, horse pack trips, fishing, wildlife viewing, alpine lakes, solitude, photography, and rugged wilderness travel
Nearby Highlights
Granite Peak, Beartooth Highway, Paradise Valley, Yellowstone River headwaters, alpine lakes, glaciers, Custer Gallatin National Forest, and Yellowstone National Park gateway country
local charm
A vast wilderness shaped by volcanic peaks, ancient rock, alpine basins, mountain goats, grizzly habitat, Crow heritage, and some of the wildest high country in the Northern Rockies
Tour Overview
Vast Wilderness Where the Absaroka and Beartooth Ranges Meet
The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness protects nearly one million acres of pristine mountain country along the Montana-Wyoming border. Established by Congress in 1978, this wilderness spans portions of the Custer Gallatin, Shoshone, and surrounding national forest lands, bringing together two distinct and dramatic mountain ranges.
The Beartooth Range is known for ancient granite and metamorphic rock, rugged peaks, high plateaus, glaciers, and hundreds of alpine lakes. The Absaroka Range, named from the Crow Tribe’s name for themselves, rises with volcanic formations, cliffs, deep canyons, and dramatic terrain leading toward Yellowstone National Park.
Together, these ranges create one of the most remarkable wilderness landscapes in the American West. Hikers, backpackers, anglers, horse pack travelers, photographers, and wildlife watchers can experience forests, alpine meadows, tundra, snowfields, remote lakes, and some of Montana’s highest country.
Nearly One Million Acres
The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness covers roughly 944,000 acres of rugged, roadless mountain country across Montana and Wyoming.
Montana’s Highest Peaks
The wilderness includes Granite Peak, Montana’s highest summit, along with several high alpine basins, ridgelines, and glaciated landscapes.
Alpine Lakes & Headwaters
Hundreds of alpine lakes and the headwaters of the Yellowstone River help define this wild and water-rich mountain region.
Wildlife Habitat
The area supports elk, deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, black bears, grizzly bears, and other wildlife tied to high-elevation wilderness habitat.
Scenic Drives & High-Country Views
The Beartooths are known for ancient rock formations, rugged summits, alpine lakes, glaciers, high plateaus, and dramatic views from the Beartooth Highway.
Absaroka Mountains
The Absarokas bring volcanic peaks, cliffs, canyons, forested slopes, and a striking mountain backdrop near Paradise Valley and Yellowstone country.
Granite Peak
At 12,799 feet, Granite Peak is Montana’s highest point and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the wilderness.
Yellowstone River Headwaters
The wilderness protects important headwater country for the Yellowstone River, one of the defining waterways of the Northern Rockies.
Best Times to Visit
Summer
Backpacking, hiking, horse pack trips, alpine lake fishing, wildflower meadows, high-country views, and better access as snow recedes.
Fall
Cooler temperatures, golden alpine color, quieter trails, wildlife movement, crisp mountain air, and dramatic wilderness photography.
Winter
Snowfields, solitude, extreme mountain conditions, and remote winter travel best suited for experienced backcountry users.
Spring
Lower-elevation access, rushing streams, lingering snow, wildlife movement, greening valleys, and limited high-pass travel until conditions improve.
Ready to Plan Your Montana Adventure?
Let's Create an Experience that's as Unique as You
Contact Us to Begin Your Custom Montana Experience
