Gallatin Mountains
Gallatin National Forest is located in southwestern Montana and is comprised of 1.8 million acres. To the northern side of the Forest, in isolated blocks, are the Bridger and Crazy Mountains. On the western side are the Madison and Gallatin Mountains. And to the east are Absaroka and Beartooth Ranges. These are some of the most rugged mountains to be found in Montana. The spectacular views of these mountains have inspired mystical reverence in some and a sense of awe in all. more info
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Mountains in Summer
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While the mountains inspire and amaze, they also provide the Gallatin National Forest's visitor with an outdoor playground. There are 2,200 miles of trails, 1,740 miles of fishable streams and rivers, and 700 high mountain lakes and reservoirs. The Gallatin River is one of the premier whitewater rafting rivers in the west. Early summer is high water season and adds to the excitement with a more powerful and technical river with the mountain snow runoff. Blue ribbon trout streams are plentiful in the forest with the region highly acclaimed for its healthy and vibrant fisheries. The hiking opportunities are endless and include trails through a petrified forest.
The Gallatin National Forest has thirty-three developed campgrounds. These sites provide visitors with an excellent opportunity to enjoy the beautiful wonders of the forest. Some are conveniently located to Yellowstone National Park. These campgrounds, with their quiet and spacious sites, provide an alternative to the Park's campgrounds. You are guaranteed to find a special campground in this beautiful and wild land of the Gallatin.
The late summer is considered high season in these northern reaches, but truly any season is good for discovering the forest's adventures. In the winter season, the snow covered mountain peaks receive 400 inches of snow annually. The cross-country skiing trails are numerous and diverse. Taking a back-country ski tour in the national forest leading to Yellowstone National Park or to Lee Metcalf or Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is an exciting adventure, with great opportunities for wildlife sightings. Snowmobiling is also a great way to see more and cover a large area in a day. The winter offers exciting adventures in the glorious and wild Gallatin Mountains.
Recognized for its scenic splendor, the Gallatin Mountains will forever capture the eye of its beholder with its never-ending beauty. The steep forested slopes rise directly from the banks of the river. Sandstone outcroppings of yellowish red hues jut from the mountains and in places, where some rock slabs drop directly to the river. The landscape is truly breathtaking and offers some remarkable wildlife viewing with an abundance of Bighorn sheep, elk, and grizzlies, which cross between the protected lands of Yellowstone National Park and Gallatin National Forest without disruption.
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