Absaroka Range

The Absaroka Range is a volcanic mountain chain on the eastern side of the Yellowstone region, straddling parts of northwestern Wyoming and south-central Montana. It is a prominent subrange of the northern Rocky Mountains with rugged peaks and deep valleys.

The range offers extensive opportunities for backcountry hiking, climbing and wildlife viewing across alpine plateaus and forested valleys. Peaks rise to over 13,000 feet, with high ridgelines, glacial cirques and a network of trails and forest roads used by recreationists.

The mountains were built by extensive volcanic activity in the Eocene, which produced thick volcanic deposits and shaped the current topography. Over time glacial and fluvial erosion carved the peaks and valleys seen today.

Geographically the Absarokas lie directly east and southeast of Yellowstone National Park, extending across the Wyoming-Montana border and occupying parts of Shoshone and Custer national forest lands.

• Geology: The range is volcanic in origin, formed largely by volcanic eruptions and volcanic rock deposition during the Eocene epoch.
• Access seasonality: High alpine terrain and remote valleys make access seasonal; summer months offer the safest conditions for hiking and climbing.

What to See #

• Francs Peak: Located within the mountain chain, it is the range's highest summit at roughly 13,150 feet (about 4,008 meters) and a frequent objective for alpine hikers in the area.
• Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness: A large federally designated wilderness area that includes extensive backcountry of the Absaroka Range, offering trail access, alpine lakes and remote wilderness terrain.