Mountains in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is renowned for its breathtaking geothermal features and diverse wildlife, but equally remarkable are the mountain ranges and peaks that frame its vast landscapes. These mountains not only provide dramatic scenery but also shape the park’s ecosystems, climate, and hydrology. The ranges that border and rise within Yellowstone belong to the greater Rocky Mountains, and each has its own distinct geological history, cultural significance, and ecological role. From ancient volcanic remnants to high alpine summits, the mountains of Yellowstone stand as enduring symbols of wilderness and natural grandeur.

Major Mountain Ranges and Peaks in Yellowstone National Park

Below is a quick-reference table of major ranges and peaks, followed by detailed descriptions.

Mountain Range / Peak	Key Location / Extent	Notable Features
Absaroka Range	Eastern boundary of Yellowstone	Volcanic origin, rugged peaks, rich wildlife habitat
Gallatin Range	Northwest Yellowstone & Montana	Electric Peak (10,969 ft), prime wildlife area
Teton Range	South of Yellowstone in Grand Teton NP	Grand Teton (13,775 ft), sharp pinnacles, glacial valleys
Washburn Range	Central Yellowstone	Mount Washburn (10,243 ft), panoramic views, accessible hikes
Beartooth Mountains	Northeast of Yellowstone	Granite peaks, Beartooth Plateau, scenic Beartooth Highway
First Peoples Mountain	Southeast Yellowstone	Renamed from Mount Doane in 2022, historic and cultural significance
Other Peaks	Various locations	Examples: Mount Sheridan, Mount Holmes, Two Ocean Plateau

The Absaroka Range dominates much of the eastern boundary of Yellowstone and is one of the park’s most defining mountain systems. Stretching more than 150 miles, these peaks were formed by extensive volcanic activity about 50 million years ago, leaving behind rugged ridges, sharp spires, and volcanic breccia. The range provides habitat for large mammals such as grizzly bears, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep, while alpine meadows bloom with colorful wildflowers in summer. Historically, the Absaroka Range was significant for Indigenous peoples who used its passes and valleys for hunting and travel. Today, hikers and climbers explore its wilderness for its raw, untamed beauty.

To the northwest lies the Gallatin Range, which runs for about 75 miles and features over ten peaks that rise above 10,000 feet. Its highest point, Electric Peak, towers at 10,969 feet and offers panoramic views of Yellowstone’s northern expanse. The Gallatin Range is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and is known for its high level of biodiversity, supporting wolves, elk, moose, and even elusive wolverines. Unlike the volcanic Absarokas, the Gallatins are primarily composed of ancient sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. This range serves as a critical wildlife corridor, linking Yellowstone with Montana’s wilderness regions.

South of Yellowstone, the Teton Range rises dramatically from the valley floor, with some of the most iconic peaks in the United States. Though the bulk of the Tetons are located in Grand Teton National Park, they remain an essential part of the Yellowstone landscape. Grand Teton, the tallest peak at 13,775 feet, is a striking granite monolith shaped by glacial forces. The Tetons are geologically young compared to other Rocky Mountain ranges, having formed only a few million years ago due to fault-block uplift. Their sharp, jagged appearance and snow-capped summits contrast vividly with Yellowstone’s geothermal basins and rolling plateaus. Beyond their scenery, the Tetons hold cultural meaning, once named les trois tétons (“the three breasts”) by French trappers, and also linked to Indigenous traditions.

Within the park itself, the Washburn Range stands as a smaller but significant mountain system in the north-central region. Mount Washburn, at 10,243 feet, is its most famous peak and a favorite hiking destination for visitors. The summit provides sweeping views across much of Yellowstone and is a prime location for spotting wildlife such as bighorn sheep. Geologically, the Washburn Range was formed from volcanic activity associated with the Yellowstone hotspot. Its slopes are covered with lodgepole pine forests, which were heavily affected by the fires of 1988 but have since rebounded, demonstrating the resilience of Yellowstone’s landscapes.

Bordering the northeastern corner of Yellowstone, the Beartooth Mountains rise with some of the most rugged alpine terrain in North America. These mountains, part of the Beartooth Plateau, contain vast expanses above 10,000 feet, with dozens of alpine lakes and glaciers scattered across the high country. Granite Peak, the highest point in Montana at 12,807 feet, lies within this range. The Beartooths are geologically some of the oldest rocks on Earth, dating back nearly 4 billion years, making them a living record of the planet’s ancient past. The scenic Beartooth Highway, often called “the most beautiful drive in America,” provides travelers with unforgettable views of this striking mountain landscape.

Among Yellowstone’s individual peaks, First Peoples Mountain, formerly known as Mount Doane, carries both natural and cultural importance. Renamed in 2022 to honor Indigenous heritage and to remove the association with Gustavus Doane, a U.S. Army officer involved in the Marias Massacre of 1870, this mountain stands as a symbol of both Yellowstone’s natural beauty and the need to acknowledge difficult histories. The renaming highlights the ongoing recognition of the park’s deep connections to Native American nations, who have lived in and revered this land for thousands of years. The peak itself rises prominently within the Absaroka Range, offering challenging climbs and stunning vistas.

Together, these mountains form the rugged backbone of Yellowstone National Park and its surrounding regions. They influence the flow of rivers, create diverse microclimates, and offer critical habitats for wildlife. Beyond their ecological role, they embody layers of human history, from Indigenous traditions to modern conservation. Whether it is the volcanic cliffs of the Absarokas, the granite spires of the Tetons, the alpine wilderness of the Beartooths, or the panoramic views from Mount Washburn, Yellowstone’s mountains stand as enduring testaments to the park’s majesty and complexity.