Gallatin National Forest - Homepage

This incredibly vast and beautiful natural area in southwestern Montana epitomizes what you would imagine Montana to be—snowy peaks, alpine meadows, and scenic canyons brimming with abundant wildlife—all within easy reach of the Forest visitor.

Gallatin contains about 2,151,171 acres of National Forest land and 388,433 acres of private land. Much of the checkerboard ownership within the forest boundary resulted from lands granted to the railroads around the turn of the century, when the US was trying to encourage settlement of the west. Through several land purchases and exchanges, 68,840 acres have been consolidated to the Gallatin since 1989. Land acquisitions were made in South Cottonwood Canyon, the northern Crazy Mountains, the Gardiner Elk Winter Range and the Gallatin Mountain Range.

The main Forest area lies in two large blocks south of Bozeman that adjoin Yellowstone National Park and encompass the Gallatin, Madison, Absaroka, and Beartooth mountain ranges. About 41 percent of the Gallatin is Wilderness area. Portions of two Wilderness areas encompassed by the forest are the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness containing 944,748 aces (581,000 acres on Gallatin) and the Lee Metcalf Wilderness (259,000 total acres with 140,594 acres on the Gallatin). About two percent of the Gallatin is composed of the Cabin Creek Wildlife Recreation Management Area. This 36,700-acre area is managed for roadless recreation and wildlife resources. The Forest, with more than 2,200 miles of trails, including seven National Recreation Trails, is a natural destination for hikers. There are dozens of trailheads on each side of the Bridger Range. Dense timbered valleys and ridges with rugged peaks climbing to nearly 10,000 feet characterize the Gallatin Range, and petrified wood is common in this area. The Madison Range, shaped by alpine glaciation, is a land of steep, rugged peaks, knife-edge ridges and numerous cirques containing lakes surrounded by alpine meadows. The Absarokas are characterized by stratified volcanic and metamorphic rocks forested valleys and rugged peaks. The nearby Beartooths are dramatically different, and the area is widely considered to be the most rugged country in Montana.

When snow covers the mountains, these trails are still put to use—for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. For many, the travel is but a means to an end. They are aiming for the region's legendary trout fishing streams, some of which are also excellent venues for paddlers.

The Gallatin region also offers a spectacular ride for fans of scenic drives. The Beartooth Highway, part of US Hwy 212, which runs mostly through the Beartooth mountains, is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the US. The Forest provides 15 picnic areas, 25 cabins, and 37 campgrounds to accommodate visitors.