Gallatin Mountains
-
Attractions //
The Gallatin Mountains in Montana is a mountain range of superlative beauty.
MONTANA'S GALLATIN MOUNTAINS
Deriving its name from Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in honor of Albert Gallatin, Secretary of the Treasury under President Thomas Jefferson, the Gallatins are almost 50 miles long. They begin in Yellowstone Park at Mount Holmes and continue northward to its official end near Bozeman, Montana. At 10,992 feet, Electric Peak is the highest elevation.
Named by Lewis and Clark in honor of Albert Gallatin.
THE GALLATIN MOUNTAINS – BEAUTIFUL AND WILD
Such abundance does the beautiful and wild land of the Gallatin Mountains offer that one hardly knows where to begin.
This Montana range contains essential wintering and birthing grounds for some of the nation's largest herds of elk and moose. The wolf population is re-emerging in the Gallatin Mountains after a 70 year absence, and 23 plant and animals species listed as threatened, endangered or sensitive exist here.
The Gallatin Mountain Range is also a vital wildlife corridor that links the Yellowstone region with the Northern Continental Divide ecosystem and points north to the Yukon.
The Gallatins host some of the nation's largest herds of elk and moose.
THE GALLATIN MOUNTAINS INSPIRE AWE AND MYSTICAL REVERENCE
The Gallatin Mountains also contain the world's most extensive petrified forest, with nearly 26,000 acres designated a Special Management Zone.
Steep forested slopes rise directly from the banks of the Gallatin River. Stunning sandstone outcroppings of yellowish red hues jut from the mountains, and in some places rock slabs drop directly to the river. Awe and mystical reverence are hard to escape when beholding such spectacular views.
The world's most extensive petrified forest is in the Gallatins.
THE GALLATIN RANGE – HOME OF BLUE RIBBON FISHERIES
The Gallatin Range presents 1,740 miles of fishable streams and rivers, and 700 high mountain lakes and reservoirs. Blue ribbon fisheries, naturally, are plentiful.
As for whitewater rafting, the Gallatin River is one of the premier rivers in the west. Early summer is high water season. A more powerful and technical river with the mountain snow run-off, it significantly contributes to an unforgettable experience.
Hundreds of fishable streams, rivers, and mountain lakes exist in the Gallatins.
ENDLESS HIKING AND SKIING IN MONTANA'S GALLATIN MOUNTAINS
With 2,200 miles of trails, the hiking opportunities are endless in the Gallatin Range. The Gallatin Divide Trail, in particular, is one of the nation's best mountain crest trails.
The best also abounds during the winter season. Mountain peaks receive 400 inches of snow annually, and cross-country skiing trails are numerous and diverse. Whether it's backcountry skiing or snowmobiling, winter offers exciting adventures in the glorious and wild Gallatin Mountains.
This isn't just a mountain range in Montana - it's a spellbinding empire!
The Gallatins are a spellbinding empire!
Other Online Resources
More about Montana's mountains.
Something not quite right? .
