Mountains in Yellowstone National Park

While Yellowstone National Park is best known for its geysers and hot springs, its mountains are just as important to the park's landscape. Towering peaks, forested ridges, and rugged mountain ranges surround much of Yellowstone, creating the dramatic scenery that visitors see throughout the park. These mountains influence the park's climate, feed its rivers and lakes, and provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.

Yellowstone's mountains are part of the Rocky Mountains, but they have a unique geological history. Over millions of years, volcanic activity, tectonic forces, and glaciers shaped the park's rugged terrain into a landscape of high peaks, deep valleys, and expansive alpine environments. Today, Yellowstone contains several mountain ranges, including the Absaroka, Gallatin, and Washburn ranges, each offering distinct scenery and recreational opportunities.

From Eagle Peak, the highest point in Yellowstone National Park, to the popular summit of Mount Washburn, these mountains provide some of the park's most spectacular viewpoints. Whether explored from scenic roads, hiking trails, or remote backcountry routes, Yellowstone's mountains reveal a side of the park that is every bit as impressive as its famous geothermal features.

Quick Reference: Major Mountain Ranges and Peaks in Yellowstone National Park

Mountain Range / Peak	Highest Point	Elevation	Location	Key Highlights
Absaroka Range	Eagle Peak (within Yellowstone)	11,358 ft (3,462 m)	Eastern Yellowstone	Largest mountain range in Yellowstone, ancient volcanic origin, petrified forests, extensive wilderness areas
Gallatin Range	Electric Peak	10,969 ft (3,343 m)	Northwestern Yellowstone	Rugged terrain, wildlife corridor, shaped by Yellowstone's volcanic history
Washburn Range	Mount Washburn	10,219 ft (3,115 m)	North-Central Yellowstone	Entirely within the park, 360-degree summit views, popular hiking destination
First Peoples Mountain	First Peoples Mountain	10,551 ft (3,216 m)	Southeastern Yellowstone	Formerly Mount Doane, renamed in 2022 to honor Indigenous peoples connected to Yellowstone
Teton Range*	Grand Teton	13,770 ft (4,199 m)	South of Yellowstone	Iconic jagged peaks, part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, located in Grand Teton National Park
Beartooth Mountains*	Granite Peak	12,799 ft (3,901 m)	Northeast of Yellowstone	Home to Montana's highest peak, ancient 4-billion-year-old rocks, Beartooth Highway

*Not located within Yellowstone National Park but closely associated with the Yellowstone.

Absaroka Range

The Absaroka Range is a rugged mountain range that forms much of the eastern boundary of Yellowstone National Park. Stretching approximately 170 miles (274 km) from northwestern Wyoming into southern Montana and reaching up to 75 miles (120 km) in width, it is one of the largest mountain ranges in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The range borders Paradise Valley to the west and marks the western edge of the Bighorn Basin, creating a dramatic transition between Yellowstone's high mountain landscapes and the surrounding plains.

Absaroka Range in Yellowstone National Park

Unlike the relatively young Yellowstone Caldera, the Absaroka Range originated from massive volcanic eruptions that occurred between 53 and 43 million years ago. These ancient eruptions produced thick layers of volcanic rock, breccia, and ash that were later sculpted by erosion and glaciation into the rugged peaks, steep valleys, and colorful cliffs seen today. The range is also known for its petrified forests, including the famous Petrified Tree near Tower Junction, where ancient trees were buried by volcanic debris and preserved over millions of years.

The tallest mountain in the range is Francs Peak, which rises to 13,153 feet (4,009 meters) in Wyoming. The Absarokas contain 46 additional peaks exceeding 12,000 feet (3,700 meters), making them one of the most impressive high-elevation landscapes in the Rocky Mountains. Within Yellowstone National Park, Eagle Peak stands at 11,358 feet (3,462 meters) and is the park's highest point, while Mount Washburn (10,219 feet) remains one of Yellowstone's most popular mountain destinations, offering panoramic views from the remnants of an ancient Absaroka volcano.

The Absaroka Range is primarily drained by the Yellowstone River and its tributaries, including the Bighorn River. Its forests, alpine meadows, and remote valleys provide habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain lions, gray wolves, elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. During summer, colorful wildflowers blanket many of the high-elevation meadows, adding to the range's scenic beauty. For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples used the mountain passes and valleys for hunting, travel, and seasonal migration.

A significant portion of the Absaroka Range is protected within Yellowstone National Park and several wilderness areas, including the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, North Absaroka Wilderness, Teton Wilderness, and Washakie Wilderness. The range also extends across parts of the Bridger-Teton, Custer Gallatin, and Shoshone National Forests. Because much of the region remains wild and undeveloped, it offers some of the most remote hiking, backpacking, wildlife-viewing, and backcountry experiences in the American West.

Gallatin Range

The Gallatin Range is a prominent mountain range of the Rocky Mountains that extends across southwestern Montana and into the northwestern corner of Yellowstone National Park. Named after Albert Gallatin, the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury from 1801 to 1814, the range stretches approximately 75 miles (121 km) from north to south and averages about 20 miles (32 km) in width. The southern portion of the range lies within Yellowstone National Park, while much of the remaining area is protected within the Custer Gallatin National Forest.

Gallatin Range in Yellowstone National Park

The range is bordered by the Yellowstone River to the east and the Gallatin River to the west, both of which have played an important role in shaping its landscape. To the west, the Madison Range runs parallel to the Gallatins, while Bozeman Pass separates the range from the Bridger Mountains to the north. The Gallatin Range is characterized by rugged terrain, steep slopes, forested valleys, and alpine meadows, creating some of the most scenic mountain landscapes in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Geologically, the Gallatin Range has been heavily influenced by Yellowstone's volcanic history. It is often described as a "truncated" mountain range because the massive eruptions associated with the Yellowstone supervolcano reshaped and destroyed portions of its southern end. Despite this volcanic influence, the range still contains more than ten peaks exceeding 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) in elevation. Its highest summit is Electric Peak, which rises to 10,969 feet (3,343 meters) near the park boundary north of Mammoth Hot Springs. The mountain is one of Yellowstone's most recognizable landmarks and dominates the northern skyline of the park.

The Gallatin Range provides critical habitat and migration corridors for wildlife, including grizzly bears, gray wolves, elk, moose, and other large mammals. Because of its ecological importance, much of the Yellowstone section of the range is managed as a Bear Management Unit, with seasonal restrictions on travel and camping designed to protect sensitive grizzly bear habitat.

Visitors can enjoy some of the best views of the Gallatin Range from locations such as Swan Lake Flat, Blacktail Plateau, and Bunsen Peak. These viewpoints showcase the range's rugged peaks and expansive forests, making it one of the most scenic mountain regions in and around Yellowstone National Park.

Washburn Mountain Range

The Washburn Range is a prominent mountain range located entirely within Yellowstone National Park. Situated in the park's north-central region between Tower Junction and Canyon Village, it forms an important part of Yellowstone's mountainous landscape. Unlike many Rocky Mountain ranges that run primarily north to south, the Washburn Range extends approximately 15 miles (24 km) in an east-west direction. The range serves as a natural barrier between the broad grasslands of Lamar Valley to the north and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and upper Yellowstone River Valley to the south.

The range's highest and most recognizable summit is Mount Washburn, which rises to 10,219 feet (3,115 meters). Named after Henry Dana Washburn, leader of the influential 1870 Washburn Expedition, the mountain is one of Yellowstone's most famous landmarks. Because it stands well above the surrounding volcanic plateau, its summit offers spectacular 360-degree views across much of the park, including Yellowstone Lake, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Absaroka Mountains, and the Beartooth Mountains. A staffed fire lookout and enclosed observation area at the summit further enhance its popularity among visitors.

Mount Washburn in Washburn Mountain Range

The Washburn Range has a remarkable geological history that spans millions of years. Closely related to the larger Absaroka Range, it originated as part of the extensive Absaroka Volcanic Field that covered much of northwestern Wyoming around 50 million years ago. During this period, powerful volcanic eruptions created massive stratovolcanoes that dominated the region, including the ancient volcano that would later become Mount Washburn. Over millions of years, erosion gradually reshaped these volcanic mountains. Later, approximately 640,000 years ago, the cataclysmic eruption that formed the Yellowstone Caldera dramatically altered the landscape and removed much of the original volcano, leaving behind the rugged ridges, cliffs, and peaks that characterize the Washburn Range today.

The range provides important habitat for a variety of wildlife. Its alpine slopes are frequented by bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and nesting raptors, while the lower elevations support forests of lodgepole pine and whitebark pine. Much of this forest was affected by the historic 1988 Yellowstone fires, and the regrowth visible today is often cited as one of the best examples of natural forest regeneration within the park.

The Washburn Range is also one of Yellowstone's most accessible mountain destinations. Visitors can reach the summit of Mount Washburn via trails from Chittenden Road or Dunraven Pass, both of which offer sweeping alpine scenery and excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. The summit features an observation area, interpretive displays, and a staffed fire lookout, making it one of the most rewarding viewpoints in Yellowstone. Although the hike is generally considered one of the park's best, changing mountain weather, strong winds, and the presence of grizzly bears mean that hikers should always come prepared with appropriate gear and bear safety precautions.

First Peoples Mountain (Mount Doane)

First Peoples Mountain is a prominent peak in the Absaroka Range of southeastern Yellowstone National Park. Rising to an elevation of 10,551 feet (3,216 meters), the mountain is located near the park's eastern boundary and overlooks portions of the Yellowstone Lake region.

First Peoples Mountain (Mount Doane)

The mountain gained national attention in 2022 when it was officially renamed from Mount Doane to First Peoples Mountain. The previous name honored Gustavus Cheyney Doane, a U.S. Army officer who participated in Yellowstone's early exploration during the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition of 1870. However, historical research also documented Doane's role in the Marias Massacre of 1870, an attack on a Peigan Blackfeet camp in Montana that resulted in the deaths of at least 173 Native Americans, including women, children, and elderly people. Doane later promoted his involvement in the massacre, leading to growing calls for the removal of his name from geographic features.

Following recommendations from Native American organizations, the Rocky Mountain Tribal Council, the Wyoming Board of Geographic Names, and other stakeholders, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names officially approved the renaming of the peak in June 2022. The new name, First Peoples Mountain, honors the 27 Tribes that maintain historical and cultural connections to the Yellowstone region and recognizes the long Indigenous history of the area.

Today, First Peoples Mountain stands not only as a scenic peak within the Absaroka Range but also as a symbol of Yellowstone's evolving understanding of its cultural and historical heritage. The renaming reflects broader efforts to acknowledge Indigenous connections to the landscape and ensure that place names better represent the diverse histories associated with America's first national park.

Teton Range (Teton Mountains)

Although the Teton Range is not located within Yellowstone National Park, it is closely associated with Yellowstone because it lies immediately south of the park in northwestern Wyoming. The range forms the dramatic backbone of Grand Teton National Park, and together with Yellowstone, it is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Because of their close proximity and connected landscapes, many visitors explore both parks during the same trip.

Teton Range view from Yellowstone National Park

The highest peak in the range is Grand Teton, which reaches 13,770 feet (4,199 meters), making it significantly taller than any mountain within Yellowstone National Park.

The range begins roughly 10 miles (16 km) south of Yellowstone's boundary and is connected to the park by the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. This protected corridor links the two national parks and allows wildlife such as grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, elk, moose, and bison to move between them.

The Teton Range is renowned for its scenic viewpoints and photography opportunities. Because the mountains rise sharply from the floor of Jackson Hole, some of the best views are found along the valley's eastern side. Snake River Overlook became famous through the photographs of Ansel Adams and offers one of the most iconic panoramas of the Tetons. Schwabacher Landing is known for its calm waters and stunning reflections of the mountains, while Mormon Row features historic homesteads set against the dramatic backdrop of the range.

Visitors traveling south from Yellowstone can easily reach Grand Teton National Park via the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. The drive from Yellowstone's South Entrance to the main areas of Grand Teton National Park typically takes less than an hour, making the Teton Range one of the most accessible and rewarding side trips for Yellowstone visitors.

Beartooth Mountains

Although the Beartooth Mountains are not located within Yellowstone National Park, they form a dramatic backdrop along the park's northeastern boundary and are closely associated with the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Rising immediately beyond Yellowstone's Northeast Entrance near Cooke City and Silver Gate, Montana, the range is one of the most rugged and scenic mountain landscapes in the northern Rocky Mountains. Because of its proximity to the park and its visibility from areas such as Lamar Valley, many visitors mistakenly assume the Beartooth Mountains are part of Yellowstone itself.

Beartooth Mountains view from Yellowstone National Park

The range extends approximately 100 miles (160 km) from northwest to southeast and averages about 25 miles (40 km) in width. Its terrain is characterized by sharp peaks, deep alpine valleys, glacial cirques, and expansive high-elevation plateaus. Dominating the skyline is Granite Peak, which rises to 12,799 feet (3,901 meters). As the highest mountain in Montana, Granite Peak is renowned for its rugged terrain and challenging ascent.

The Beartooth Mountains are among the most geologically significant ranges in North America. Their core consists of ancient Archean granitic gneiss and schist, with some rocks dating back nearly 4 billion years, making them among the oldest exposed rocks on Earth. Over millions of years, glaciers sculpted the landscape into a maze of rugged peaks, alpine basins, and hundreds of pristine mountain lakes. Today, vast alpine meadows and tundra landscapes cover much of the high plateau, creating a striking contrast to Yellowstone's volcanic terrain.

One of the most famous ways to experience the range is via the Beartooth Highway (U.S. 212), a scenic mountain road that climbs to 10,947 feet (3,337 meters) at Beartooth Pass. Often regarded as one of the most scenic drives in the United States, the highway provides spectacular views of alpine lakes, mountain peaks, and the surrounding wilderness. Due to heavy snowfall, the road typically opens in late spring and remains accessible until autumn.

Unlike Yellowstone's mountain ranges, the Beartooth Mountains are protected under a different federal land management system. Most of the range lies within the 943,377-acre Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and is managed by the Custer Gallatin and Shoshone National Forests. These protected lands offer exceptional opportunities for hiking, backpacking, fishing, camping, wildlife viewing, and alpine exploration, making the Beartooth Mountains one of the premier wilderness destinations associated with the Greater Yellowstone region.