When visitors imagine Yellowstone National Park, most immediately think of erupting geysers, steaming hot springs, and vast herds of bison roaming the plains. Yet another side of Yellowstone is just as remarkable: its towering mountains. Rising above valleys, rivers, and geothermal features, these mountains provide dramatic scenery, diverse wildlife habitats, and countless outdoor adventures.
Yellowstone’s mountains are part of the Rocky Mountains but have a distinctive story shaped by volcanic activity, tectonic shifts, and glaciers over millions of years. The park contains several mountain ranges, each with unique peaks, ecosystems, and opportunities for exploration. These ranges influence Yellowstone’s climate, water flow, and plant and animal life. While not always the towering granite summits seen in other Rocky Mountain regions, Yellowstone’s mountains are geologically rich and steeped in history.
For hikers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers, Yellowstone’s high country offers experiences ranging from panoramic viewpoints to remote backcountry trails, making these mountains a central part of the park’s allure.
Table of Contents
Key Mountain Ranges in Yellowstone: Quick Overview
| Mountain Range / Peak | Location & Extent | Highest Point | Geology | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Absaroka Range | Eastern Yellowstone; spans Montana–Wyoming border (~150 mi) | Francs Peak – 13,153 ft | Volcanic | Critical wildlife habitat; eastern boundary of park; wilderness areas |
| Gallatin Range | Northwest Yellowstone; SW Montana into WY (~75 mi) | Electric Peak – 10,969 ft | Metamorphic & sedimentary | Shapes NW boundary; important rivers & drainage; rugged terrain |
| Teton Range | South of Yellowstone; minor extension into park | Grand Teton – 13,775 ft | Fault-block granite | Iconic jagged peaks; young geologically; climbing & hiking |
| Washburn Range | Northeast Yellowstone; east of Lamar Valley | Mount Washburn – 10,243 ft | Volcanic | Popular viewpoint; wildlife spotting; central park landmark |
| Beartooth Mountains | NE edge of Yellowstone; MT–WY border | Granite Peak – 12,799 ft | Precambrian granite | Among tallest in Rockies; alpine lakes & meadows; scenic highway |
| First Peoples Mountain | NE Yellowstone; near Silver Gate | 10,551 ft | Volcanic Absaroka subrange | Renamed 2022 to honor Indigenous peoples; historical significance |
Absaroka Range
The Absaroka Range stretches across Yellowstone’s eastern border, spanning roughly 150 miles from Montana into Wyoming. This volcanic range forms the park’s eastern edge, separating Yellowstone’s valleys from the Bighorn Basin. Its highest summit, Francs Peak, rises to 13,153 feet, while dozens of additional peaks exceed 12,000 feet.
The mountains are drained primarily by the Yellowstone River and its tributaries. Wildlife thrives here, with grizzly bears, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep moving across alpine meadows and rugged slopes. Seasonal wildflowers add bursts of color across the high country.
Historically, Indigenous peoples relied on the Absarokas for hunting and travel through its passes. Today, much of the range lies within protected lands such as Yellowstone National Park, the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, and several national forests, including Bridger-Teton, Custer, Gallatin, and Shoshone.
Gallatin Range
The Gallatin Range extends from southwestern Montana into northwestern Wyoming, forming Yellowstone’s northwest boundary. Named after Albert Gallatin, the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury in the early 19th century, the range spans roughly 75 miles north-south and about 20 miles wide.
Electric Peak, the tallest in the range, reaches 10,969 feet. The range is made of metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, with steep ridges, alpine meadows, and numerous peaks above 10,000 feet. The Yellowstone River flows along its eastern side, while the Madison Range parallels it to the west. Gallatin National Forest covers much of the range, offering outdoor recreation and wilderness experiences.
The Gallatin Range is important for both wildlife and recreation, with elk, bighorn sheep, and other species inhabiting its rugged slopes. Its remote trails and dramatic scenery make it a favorite for adventurous hikers and photographers.
Teton Range
While most of the Teton Range lies in Grand Teton National Park, its northern edge slightly extends into Yellowstone’s southern portion. Known for steep, jagged peaks and striking granite faces, the Tetons are some of the youngest mountains in the Rockies. Grand Teton, the tallest peak, rises to 13,775 feet.
The range spans about 40 miles and features glacially carved valleys and cliffs. Even its small portion in Yellowstone contributes to the park’s alpine environment, offering spectacular vistas. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to the Tetons for climbing, hiking, and backcountry skiing, drawn by its sharp peaks and rugged terrain.
Washburn Range
Northeast of Lamar Valley lies the Washburn Range, a volcanic formation stretching roughly 15 miles north-south. Mount Washburn, at 10,243 feet, is the range’s highest peak. Its summit provides sweeping views of Yellowstone and is a prime spot for spotting bighorn sheep, elk, and other wildlife.
The range was shaped by volcanic activity related to the Yellowstone hotspot. Lodgepole pine forests cover its slopes, many of which regrew after the 1988 fires, demonstrating the resilience of Yellowstone’s landscapes. Hiking Mount Washburn is a popular activity, giving visitors a sense of the park’s expansive geography.
Beartooth Mountains
Bordering Yellowstone’s northeastern edge, the Beartooth Mountains are largely outside the park but remain an important part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Extending about 100 miles north-south and 30 miles east-west, the range includes Granite Peak, the tallest in Montana, at 12,799 feet.
The Beartooths are composed primarily of Precambrian granite, among the oldest rocks in the Rockies. Glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and cirques give the range a dramatic appearance. U.S. Highway 212, the Beartooth Highway, crosses Beartooth Pass at 10,947 feet, offering some of the most scenic drives in the United States. The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness protects much of this terrain, allowing for backcountry hiking, camping, and wildlife observation.
First Peoples Mountain
Near Yellowstone’s northeastern entrance, close to Silver Gate, lies First Peoples Mountain (formerly Mount Doane). Rising to 10,551 feet, it is part of the Absaroka subrange. Originally named after Lieutenant Gustavus C. Doane, a member of the 1870 Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition, the peak was officially renamed in 2022 to recognize the Native American peoples of the Yellowstone region.
The mountain’s volcanic slopes and high elevation provide important habitat for wildlife and a reminder of the region’s cultural history. The renaming reflects a growing effort to acknowledge Indigenous stewardship and historical significance across Yellowstone.