Mountains in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is located in the Rocky Mountains, and it encompasses various mountain ranges and peaks. The Absaroka Range, Gallatin Range, and Teton Range are prominent mountain systems within the park's boundaries.

(1) Absaroka Range

The Absaroka Range stretches approximately 150 miles (240 km) across the Montana–Wyoming border. At its widest point, it extends 75 miles (120 km). The range forms the eastern boundary of Yellowstone National Park along Paradise Valley and marks the western edge of the Bighorn Basin. 

The tallest peak in the Absaroka Range is Francs Peak, which reaches an elevation of 13,153 feet (4,009 meters). The range features 46 other peaks over 12,000 feet (3,700 meters), adding to its dramatic landscape.

The Absaroka Range is primarily drained by the Yellowstone River and its tributaries, including the Bighorn River.

Absaroka Range is a significant portion of the range is within protected areas such as Yellowstone National Park, the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, North Absaroka Wilderness, Teton Wilderness, and Washakie Wilderness. It spans several national forests, including the Bridger-Teton, Custer, Gallatin, and Shoshone National Forests.

Absaroka Range

(2) Gallatin Range

The Gallatin Range is a prominent mountain range located in southwestern Montana and extending into northwestern Wyoming. It is part of the Rocky Mountains and runs parallel to the western side of Yellowstone National Park. The range is named after Albert Gallatin, the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury from 1801 to 1814.

The Gallatin Range stretches approximately 60 miles (97 km) from north to south and includes several notable peaks and ridges. The range is characterized by rugged terrain, steep slopes, and alpine meadows.

It features more than 10 peaks exceeding 10,000 feet (3,000 meters), with Electric Peak being the highest at 10,969 feet (3,343 meters). The range stretches 75 miles (121 km) from north to south and averages about 20 miles (32 km) in width.

The southern end of the range extends into the northwestern section of Yellowstone National Park, while the majority of the range lies within Gallatin National Forest. The Yellowstone River runs along the eastern flank of the range, providing important water resources for the area. To the west, the Madison Range parallels the Gallatins, and Bozeman Pass separates the Gallatins from the Bridger Mountains to the north.

Gallatin Range

(3) Teton Range (Teton Mountains)

The Teton Range is a dramatic and iconic mountain range located in northwestern Wyoming, extending into southeastern Idaho and eastern Montana. It is part of the Rocky Mountains and is renowned for its sharp, jagged peaks and striking scenery.

Although the majority of the Teton Range is outside the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park, the northwest corner of the park extends into the Teton Range. The majority of the Teton Range is within Grand Teton National Park.

The highest peak in the Teton Range is the Grand Teton, which reaches 13,775 feet (4,199 meters). It is the most famous and recognizable peak in the range and is a popular destination for climbers and hikers.

The Teton Range extends approximately 40 miles (64 km) from north to south. The range features steep, rugged peaks with dramatic granite faces, which rise abruptly from the surrounding plains and foothills. The range is known for its distinctively rugged terrain and deep, glacially-carved valleys.

The Teton Range is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers numerous climbing routes, including the challenging ascent of the Grand Teton, as well as extensive hiking trails, backcountry skiing, and scenic drives.

Teton Range

(4) Washburn Mountain Range

The Washburn Mountain Range is a notable mountain range located in the northeastern part of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. It is part of the Rocky Mountains and contributes to the diverse landscape of the park.

The Washburn Range extends approximately 15 miles (24 km) north-south and is situated to the east of the Lamar Valley. It forms a natural barrier between the Lamar Valley and the upper Yellowstone River Valley.

The highest peak in the Washburn Range is Washburn Mountain, which stands at 10,243 feet (3,121 meters). It is a prominent feature in the range and provides expansive views of the surrounding areas.

The range provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. The area around Washburn Mountain is known for its scenic vistas and is accessible via hiking trails and backcountry routes.

Washburn Mountain

(5) Beartooth Mountains

While the Beartooth Mountains are primarily outside the park's boundary, they are still a significant geographical feature in the northeastern part of Yellowstone. 

The Beartooth Mountains are a prominent and rugged mountain range located in the northern Rocky Mountains, straddling the border between Montana and Wyoming. They are part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and are known for their dramatic scenery and high elevations.

The Beartooth Mountains extend approximately 100 miles (160 km) north-south and about 30 miles (48 km) east-west. The range is characterized by its rugged terrain, including sharp peaks, deep valleys, and numerous glacial cirques.

The highest peak in the Beartooth Mountains is Granite Peak, which reaches an elevation of 12,799 feet (3,901 meters). It is a challenging climb and a significant landmark in the range.

The Beartooth Mountains are primarily composed of Precambrian granite, giving the range its distinctive rugged appearance. The area features alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and a network of cirques and ridges.

U.S. Highway 212, also known as the Beartooth Highway, traverses the Beartooth Mountains. This scenic route is renowned for its breathtaking views and high elevation, crossing Beartooth Pass at 10,947 feet (3,337 meters). The highway is usually open from late June to mid-September due to snow.

The Beartooth Mountains are part of several protected areas, including the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. These areas offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and backcountry exploration.

Beartooth Mountains

(6) First Peoples Mountain (Mount Doane)

First Peoples Mountain (formerly Mount Doane) is a prominent peak located in the northeastern part of Yellowstone National Park, near the northeastern entrance and the town of Silver Gate, Montana. The mountain is part of the Absaroka Range, a subrange of the Rocky Mountains.

Mount Doane has an elevation of approximately 10,551 feet (3,216 meters) above sea level, making it one of the higher peaks in Yellowstone National Park.

Mount Doane is named after Lieutenant Gustavus C. Doane, who was a member of the 2nd U.S. Cavalry and participated in the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition of 1870, one of the earliest government-sponsored expeditions to explore the Yellowstone region. 

Mount Doane, now officially renamed First Peoples Mountain, reflects a significant change in recognition and respect for Native American history. The decision to rename the peak was influenced by concerns over Gustavus Doane’s historical actions, specifically his involvement in the Marias Massacre. The new name, First Peoples Mountain, honors the indigenous peoples of the region and their historical and cultural significance.

First Peoples Mountain (Mount Doane)