- Region
- MT/WY, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current permit, fee, reservation, …
- Managed by
- U.S. Forest Service
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Photos of Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness
How to get there
The wilderness is in south-central Montana and northern Wyoming, immediately north of Yellowstone National Park. Confirm a trailhead and its approach with the U.S. Forest Service before arranging transportation; no specific road approaches or trailhead directions are established here.
Sources: fwp.mt.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
MT/WY, USA · United States
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Surfing
- Hiking
Two ranges with different terrain
The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness lies just north of Yellowstone National Park, mostly in south-central Montana, with a small portion in northern Wyoming. Its two mountain ranges offer noticeably different settings for a trip. The Beartooths rise into high granite plateaus, bare crags, and deep canyons, with many summits exceeding 12,000 feet. Granite Peak, Montana’s tallest mountain at 12,799 feet, stands above the Beartooth Plateau. Small lakes occupy glacial cirques among the rocks, and broad stretches of treeless tundra leave travelers exposed to the weather. The Absarokas have more vegetation: dense forests, broad mountain meadows, and winding streams. Mt. Cowan reaches 11,206 feet in that range. Choose between these landscapes with exposure and terrain in mind, rather than treating the wilderness as one uniform hiking destination.
Planning a hiking or backpacking trip
More than 700 miles of hiking trails provide access across the wilderness, with opportunities for backpacking and off-trail travel in both ranges. Wilderness pack trips also have a long history here, often with outfitter support. That extensive trail network does not mean travel is straightforward throughout the season: trails are often under snow until early July. On the Beartooth Plateau, elevations of 9,000 to 10,000 feet, boulder-strewn ground, and deeply cut canyons make terrain an important part of route selection. Cold and wind can arrive on any day of the year, so carry insulation and weather protection even for a summer trip. Check current snow and trail conditions before settling on an itinerary. Confirm permit requirements and applicable trip rules with the U.S. Forest Service before departure.
Wildlife, water, and fragile alpine ground
The forested valleys support moose, elk, mule deer, and grizzly bears; the Absarokas also hold black bears, wolves, coyotes, marmots, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. Wildlife is less abundant in the harsher Beartooth high country, where pikas and occasional goats or sheep occupy barren terrain. Plan food storage and camp routines for bear country, and give wildlife space rather than approaching for a closer look. Lakes and streams in both ranges hold trout, while summer mosquitoes make insect protection a practical part of the packing list. Water should be treated before drinking. When snow melts, wildflowers spread across the plateau, but the alpine tundra is extremely fragile. Favor durable surfaces for breaks and travel, and avoid trampling vegetation when moving away from established trails.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 45.2696, -109.9680
- Latitude (DMS)
- 45° 16′ 10.6″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 109° 58′ 4.9″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
The Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness is located in south central Montana, with a small portion in northern Wyoming, just north of Yellowstone National Park. The Wilderness is home to Montana's tallest peak...
Key takeaways
- Region: MT/WY, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 45.270, -109.968
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
Animals around Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness
Two ranges with different terrain
The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness lies just north of Yellowstone National Park, mostly in south-central Montana, with a small portion in northern Wyoming. Its two mountain ranges offer noticeably different settings for a trip. The Beartooths rise into high granite plateaus, bare crags, and deep canyons, with many summits exceeding 12,000 feet. Granite Peak, Montana’s tallest mountain at 12,799 feet, stands above the Beartooth Plateau. Small lakes occupy glacial cirques among the rocks, and broad stretches of treeless tundra leave travelers exposed to the weather. The Absarokas have more vegetation: dense forests, broad mountain meadows, and winding streams. Mt. Cowan reaches 11,206 feet in that range. Choose between these landscapes with exposure and terrain in mind, rather than treating the wilderness as one uniform hiking destination.
Planning a hiking or backpacking trip
More than 700 miles of hiking trails provide access across the wilderness, with opportunities for backpacking and off-trail travel in both ranges. Wilderness pack trips also have a long history here, often with outfitter support. That extensive trail network does not mean travel is straightforward throughout the season: trails are often under snow until early July. On the Beartooth Plateau, elevations of 9,000 to 10,000 feet, boulder-strewn ground, and deeply cut canyons make terrain an important part of route selection. Cold and wind can arrive on any day of the year, so carry insulation and weather protection even for a summer trip. Check current snow and trail conditions before settling on an itinerary. Confirm permit requirements and applicable trip rules with the U.S. Forest Service before departure.
Wildlife, water, and fragile alpine ground
The forested valleys support moose, elk, mule deer, and grizzly bears; the Absarokas also hold black bears, wolves, coyotes, marmots, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. Wildlife is less abundant in the harsher Beartooth high country, where pikas and occasional goats or sheep occupy barren terrain. Plan food storage and camp routines for bear country, and give wildlife space rather than approaching for a closer look. Lakes and streams in both ranges hold trout, while summer mosquitoes make insect protection a practical part of the packing list. Water should be treated before drinking. When snow melts, wildflowers spread across the plateau, but the alpine tundra is extremely fragile. Favor durable surfaces for breaks and travel, and avoid trampling vegetation when moving away from established trails.
Sample itineraries
- Absaroka Forest and Meadow Day · 1 day
Plan a day hike on a confirmed trail through the Absarokas' forested valleys and broad mountain meadows. Keep the turnaround flexible and watch for wildlife near streams. Select the access point and trail with the Forest Service before departure.
- Beartooth Plateau Backpack · 3 days
Use this as a planning outline, not a mapped route: hike toward the Beartooth Plateau, spend a day exploring its lake-and-granite terrain, then return. Confirm trails and camping options before departure. Allow for lingering snow, exposed terrain, and weather that may force a shorter trip.
- Absaroka Valley Backpack · 2 days
Build an overnight trip around the Absarokas' forest-and-meadow terrain rather than the higher Beartooth plateaus. Follow a confirmed trail, choose camping arrangements with current Forest Service guidance, and return the next day. Plan food storage carefully in grizzly and black bear country.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Before the early-July snowmelt
Do not assume trails are clear: much of the network often remains under snow until early July. High-country plans need flexibility, navigation skills, and protection from cold and wind.
Summer
Early July snowmelt onward
Wildflowers emerge as plateau snow melts, and more trails become accessible. Summer mosquitoes can be abundant. Treeless Beartooth terrain offers little shelter, and cold, wind, and unpredictable weather remain concerns.
Fall
Fall
Treat the high plateaus as exposed mountain terrain, not an extension of mild valley conditions. Cold and wind can strike any day. Confirm current snow and trail conditions before committing to a high-country itinerary.
Winter
Winter
Plan conservatively around snow, cold, and exposed terrain. The Beartooth Plateau's treeless expanses and sharp canyon edges leave little margin for poor visibility or inadequate navigation. Confirm access and conditions with the Forest Service.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Before the early-July snowmelt | Do not assume trails are clear: much of the network often remains under snow until early July. High-country plans need flexibility, navigation skills, and protection from cold and wind. |
| Summer | Early July snowmelt onward | Wildflowers emerge as plateau snow melts, and more trails become accessible. Summer mosquitoes can be abundant. Treeless Beartooth terrain offers little shelter, and cold, wind, and unpredictable weather remain concerns. |
| Fall | Fall | Treat the high plateaus as exposed mountain terrain, not an extension of mild valley conditions. Cold and wind can strike any day. Confirm current snow and trail conditions before committing to a high-country itinerary. |
| Winter | Winter | Plan conservatively around snow, cold, and exposed terrain. The Beartooth Plateau's treeless expanses and sharp canyon edges leave little margin for poor visibility or inadequate navigation. Confirm access and conditions with the Forest Service. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit, fee, reservation, camping, and food-storage requirements with the Forest Service for the specific area and access point.
Official source: Fees & General Information - Montana FWP · Verified October 19, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Weather is highly unpredictable. Cold and wind can strike any day, especially on the exposed Beartooth plateaus.
- Trails often remain snow-covered until early July; do not assume a visible or easily followed summer route.
- Boulder-strewn plateaus drop sharply into deep canyons. Keep conservative margins around edges and in poor visibility.
- The Beartooth Plateau sits at 9,000–10,000 feet, with many peaks above 12,000 feet. Allow time to adjust to elevation and reduce exertion if feeling unwell.
- Grizzly bears and black bears inhabit the wilderness. Keep food secured, avoid approaching wildlife, and prepare for bear encounters.
- Summer mosquitoes can be abundant around the wilderness's lakes, streams, and valleys.
What to pack for Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness
- Insulating layers
- Windproof and waterproof shell
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun protection
- Topographic map and compass
- Offline navigation with backup power
- Sturdy footwear for rocky terrain
- Snow-travel equipment appropriate to confirmed conditions
- Water treatment and carrying capacity
- Bear spray carried within reach
- Food-storage system meeting current Forest Service requirements
- Insect repellent and head net
- Shelter and sleep system suited to cold, windy conditions
Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness FAQ
- Where is the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness?
- It lies just north of Yellowstone National Park, mostly in south-central Montana, with a small portion in northern Wyoming. The Forest Service manages the wilderness.
- How do the two ranges differ?
- The Beartooths are higher and more rugged, with granitic plateaus, numerous small lakes, and extensive treeless terrain. The Absarokas have more vegetation, including dense forests, broad meadows, and stream-crossed valleys.
- When are trails generally free of snow?
- Much of the trail network often remains under snow until early July. Snowmelt timing is not a guarantee of access; check conditions for the specific trail before leaving.
- Is Granite Peak a casual hiking objective?
- Do not treat it as a casual extension of a plateau hike. Granite Peak is Montana's tallest peak at 12,799 feet and is described as a steep, rocky mass. Obtain route-specific information before considering an ascent.
- How much hiking is available?
- The wilderness has more than 700 miles of hiking trails. Choose a specific route using current maps and Forest Service guidance rather than assuming that a general wilderness location identifies an access point.
- How can visitors protect the alpine terrain?
- The Beartooth Plateau contains extremely fragile tundra habitat. Favor durable surfaces, avoid trampling vegetation, and keep exploration around lakes and wildflower areas low-impact.