Tour Overview

A Gem-Rich Mountain Range of Wildflowers, Ridgelines, and Roadless Beauty

The Sapphire Mountains stretch for roughly 60 miles across Southwest Montana, forming a scenic divide between the Bitterroot Valley and Flint Creek Valley. Though not the tallest mountains in the state, the Sapphires are known for their rugged ridgelines, broad forested slopes, seasonal wildflowers, and expansive views across neighboring peaks and valleys.

Kent Peak rises to 8,999 feet as the highest summit in the range, joined by other notable high points such as Congdon Peak, Fox Peak, Dome Shaped Mountain, and Bare Hill. The range’s extensive forest road network, shaped in part by its logging history, now provides access to hiking trails, overlooks, wilderness areas, and backcountry routes for visitors seeking a quieter mountain experience.

The Sapphire Mountains are also deeply tied to Montana’s gemstone history. Named for the sapphire deposits mined here in the early 20th century, the range once produced more than 40 tons of sapphires before the market declined after World War II. Today, gem-quality sapphires can still be found in the region, with Rock Creek remaining one of Montana’s most productive sapphire mining areas.