Gallatin Range

Mountains Montana mountain range forming part of the Rockies

The Gallatin Range in southwestern Montana draws backcountry hikers, skiers and anglers with its forested valleys, alpine ridges and proximity to Gallatin and Yellowstone ecosystems.

Main image

The Gallatin Range is a mountain range in southwestern Montana that extends south toward Yellowstone National Park and forms part of the northern Rocky Mountains. It contains multiple high peaks, alpine ridges and glacially carved valleys.

Peaks in the range rise above 3,000 metres; the best-known summit is Electric Peak at 10,969 feet (3,346 metres). The area is popular for backpacking, mountaineering, alpine lake trips and seasonal hunting and fishing.

Federal protections cover parts of the Gallatin Range within Gallatin National Forest and designated wilderness areas, preserving extensive backcountry habitat for wildlife and recreation. Trails link trailheads near towns such as Bozeman and Livingston to high-country routes.

Geographically the range sits west and southwest of Bozeman, Montana, and north of the Yellowstone park boundary, forming a prominent mountainous backdrop to the Gallatin Valley.

  • Extent and terrain: The range extends from near Bozeman south toward Yellowstone National Park and contains rugged alpine terrain, steep ridges and high-elevation trails.
  • Wildlife: Wildlife includes large mammals typical of the northern Rockies; backcountry travel requires preparation for remoteness and possible bears.

What to See #

  • Electric Peak: Electric Peak rises to 10,969 feet (3,346 metres) and is one of the range's highest and most prominent summits, popular with experienced hikers.
  • Gallatin Wilderness: The Gallatin Wilderness comprises protected backcountry within the range and offers remote trails, alpine lakes and typical Rocky Mountain habitats.
Gallatin Range
45.3135, -111.0788

How to Get to Gallatin Range #

Trailheads and access points are reached from highways near Bozeman, Big Sky and West Yellowstone; driving distances and road conditions vary by season. Consult the U.S. Forest Service (Gallatin National Forest) for current trailhead information, permits and fire notices.

Tips for Visiting Gallatin Range #

  • If planning backcountry travel, obtain permits and check Mountain Rescue notices in advance.
  • The Gallatin Range straddles national forest lands with very limited services - plan fuel and supplies before heading into trailheads near West Yellowstone or Big Sky.
  • Look for thermal features and high alpine meadows when approaching from the south; the biodiversity shifts fast with elevation.

Best Time to Visit Gallatin Range #

Summer months offer the most reliable access for trails and scrambling; winter is for experienced backcountry travelers.

Summer
Jun-Sep · 5-20°C (41-68°F)
Best for hiking, climbing and wildlife viewing; snow patches may remain at higher elevations.
Winter
Dec-Mar · -15-0°C (5-32°F)
Deep snow and avalanche risk; used by backcountry skiers and winter mountaineers only if experienced.

Weather & Climate near Gallatin Range #

Climate

Gallatin Range's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -14°C to 18°C. Moderate rainfall (639 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
18°
Warmest Month
-14°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-14° -3°

Weather

57 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-14° -2°

Weather

43 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-14° -1°

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-10°

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

75 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -1°C. The wettest month with 76 mm of rain.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1° 12°

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

45 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cold with highs of 18°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

48 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1° 14°

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

39 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-10°

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-14° -3°

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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