Montana has many nicknames, some of them seem strange but others make perfect sense. One of these perfectly fitting nicknames is “Land of the Shining Mountains”. With the rugged Rocky Mountains splitting the state, there is no shortage of beautiful mountains and awe-inspiring peaks in Montana.
Throughout the Rocky Mountains in Montana, there are more than 100 named peaks, 77 named ranges, and numerous sub-ranges that all offer visitors and locals amazing opportunities for climbing, hiking, and exploring.
Add to that, the iconic Glacier National Park with some of the most amazing views, glaciers, and some of North America’s most impressive wildlife species, and you’ve got a nearly perfect place to enjoy mountain views, hikes, and great climbing opportunities.
If you are planning your visit to Montana, or if you are living here and need a few new spots to check out, here are 25 of the best mountains in Montana that every visitor and local should not miss.
Best Mountains in Montana – 25 You Need to See
- Granite Peak
- Divide Mountain
- Mount Grinnell
- Mount Gould
- Triple Divide Peak
- Holland Peak
- Mount Oberlin
- Rising Wolf Mountain
- Painted Tepee Peak
- Flinsch Peak
- Trapper Peak
- Stanton Mountain
- East Saint Marys Peak
- Gray Wolf Peak
- Appistoki Peak
- Grizzly Mountain
- Rocky Mountain
- Kupunkamint Mountain
- Ajax Peak
- Mount Rearguard
- Gash Point
- Mad Wolf Mountain
- Tinkham Mountain
- Sinopah Mountain
- Crowfeet Mountain
The Full List of the 25 Best Mountains in Montana
Our 25 best mountains in Montana have lots to offer to visitors and locals. From great views, perfect photo opportunities, and hiking and climbing.
Here’s what you need to know about 25 of the best mountains in Montana.
1. Granite Peak
Granite Peak is all things that make a great mountain. First, it’s big. Actually, Granite Peak is the tallest peak in Montana. Rising 12,799 feet above sea level, this peak towers over its neighbors.
If the height doesn’t impress you, then maybe the sheer walls, glaciers, and knife-edge appearance will.
Granite Peak is located in the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness, a remote area that is roadless and free from motorized vehicles.
This peak is the 10th highest, state high point in the United States, and it is considered to be the second most difficult to climb after Mount Denali in Alaska. The first successful summit climb was accomplished in August of 1923.
Today, there are a few routes up Granite Peak. Most people attempting to summit Granite Peak use the Couloir route that starts on the southwest side of the peak near Cooke City. This route is non-technical and takes approximately two days to complete.
The technical routes (there are four popular climbs) take two to three days with most climbers staying at the Froze-to-Death Plateau. These routes are accessible from Columbus, Montana.
2. Divide Mountain
Divide Mountain is an imposing peak located south of the town of St. Mary, Montana. This bold peak rises 8,670 feet above sea level and forms a portion of the border between Glacier National Park and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.
Divide Mountain is a popular mountain in Montana thanks to its easy ascent. Beginner climbers and hikers flock to Divide Mountain to enjoy easier climbs that are both challenging but achievable for most climbers. Most of the land that Divide Mountain lies on is within the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.
Hikers and climbers need to acquire a Tribal Recreation License before heading out. Much of the area around Divide Mountain was burned during the Red Eagle Fire. The burn scars are still evident, and the lost timber makes Divide Mountain seem even more imposing.
Visitors to Divide Mountain are rewarded with aspen groves, wildlife, and some of the most prolific wildflower meadows in Montana.
Views at the top of Divide Mountain include the town of St. Mary, Yellow Mountain, and the Rocky Mountains that pass through Glacier National Park.
3. Mount Grinnell
Mount Grinnell is one of the most breathtaking mountains in Glacier National Park. It is also one of the most frequently photographed peaks as well.
This mountain is located in the Many Glacier Area of the park. It sits between Mount Gould and Mount Wilbur. Hiking to Mount Grinnell is one of the more popular activities for visitors to Glacier National Park.
There are several trails of varying difficulty that can be taken to Mount Grinnell. The most popular, however, is the Granite Park Chalet Trail. This trail provides great views of the Lewis and Livingston Ranges as well as the peaks located in the McDonald Area.
The hike to Mount Grinnell is challenging at 13 miles round-trip, with approximately 4,550 feet of elevation gain to reach the summit of this peak which is 8,551 feet high. From the summit, you’ll have views of Mount Wilbur, Iceberg Mountain, and Mount Gould.
Wildlife viewing is one of the highlights on this trail with frequent glimpses of grizzly bears, black bears, elk, moose, deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and others.
4. Mount Gould
Rising above Lake Josephin