Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness
The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area, designated by an Act of Congress in 1978, encompasses approximately 944,000 acres of pristine wilderness, with the majority located in Montana and a smaller portion in Wyoming. Managed by the Custer Gallatin National Forest, this wilderness area is a treasure trove of natural wonders, spanning two iconic mountain ranges: the Absaroka and the Beartooth.
The Absaroka Mountains, named after the Crow Tribe's native name for themselves, rise majestically on the western side of the wilderness area. These volcanic mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the eastern section of Paradise Valley, leading to Yellowstone National Park. In contrast, the Beartooth Mountains on the eastern side boast ancient rock formations dating back billions of years, including the iconic Beartooth ArĂȘte visible from the scenic Beartooth Highway.
What sets the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness apart is its unparalleled natural beauty and ecological significance. It is home to Montana's highest peaks, including Granite Peak, towering at 12,799 feet above sea level, and hosts reclusive glaciers and hundreds of pristine alpine lakes. The wilderness area also serves as the headwaters of the Yellowstone River, the longest undammed river in the contiguous United States, supporting diverse wildlife and vegetation.
Moreover, the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness embodies the essence of true wilderness as envisioned by the authors of the Wilderness Act of 1964. It remains largely untouched by human development, offering unparalleled opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation. Preserving its primeval character is essential not only for recreational and spiritual purposes but also for scientific exploration and ecological conservation.
In the words of the Wilderness Act, the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness provides a sanctuary where "the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man." Its preservation is vital for fostering a deep understanding of humanity's place in the natural world and ensuring that future generations can experience the wonders of pristine wilderness.
The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area, designated by an Act of Congress in 1978, encompasses approximately 944,000 acres of pristine wilderness, with the majority located in Montana and a smaller portion in Wyoming. Managed by the Custer Gallatin National Forest, this wilderness area is a treasure trove of natural wonders, spanning two iconic mountain ranges: the Absaroka and the Beartooth.
The Absaroka Mountains, named after the Crow Tribe's native name for themselves, rise majestically on the western side of the wilderness area. These volcanic mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the eastern section of Paradise Valley, leading to Yellowstone National Park. In contrast, the Beartooth Mountains on the eastern side boast ancient rock formations dating back billions of years, including the iconic Beartooth ArĂȘte visible from the scenic Beartooth Highway.
What sets the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness apart is its unparalleled natural beauty and ecological significance. It is home to Montana's highest peaks, including Granite Peak, towering at 12,799 feet above sea level, and hosts reclusive glaciers and hundreds of pristine alpine lakes. The wilderness area also serves as the headwaters of the Yellowstone River, the longest undammed river in the contiguous United States, supporting diverse wildlife and vegetation.
Moreover, the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness embodies the essence of true wilderness as envisioned by the authors of the Wilderness Act of 1964. It remains largely untouched by human development, offering unparalleled opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation. Preserving its primeval character is essential not only for recreational and spiritual purposes but also for scientific exploration and ecological conservation.
In the words of the Wilderness Act, the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness provides a sanctuary where "the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man." Its preservation is vital for fostering a deep understanding of humanity's place in the natural world and ensuring that future generations can experience the wonders of pristine wilderness.
