Crazy Mountains
Designated as an island range due to their separate location from the main Northern Rockies, the Crazy Mountains in south central Montana possess characteristics more akin to the Rockies than the state's other rounded and densely forested isolated ranges. Situated distinctively between the valleys of the Yellowstone and Shields rivers, they stand apart from the Absarokas to the south and the Bridgers to the west. Despite their relatively modest dimensions of approximately 30 miles by 15 miles, they command attention on the horizon from numerous eastern viewpoints.
The transition from prairie to mountainous terrain within the Crazy Mountains is starkly dramatic. Over a span of 20 miles, from the river bottoms of the Yellowstone to the summit of Crazy Peak, the landscape ascends more than 7,000 feet. Dubbed the "Crazy Woman Mountains" by Native Americans on occasion, these peaks culminate in the towering Crazy Peak at 11,214 feet, boasting 25 pinnacles soaring beyond 10,000 feet. Shaped by the forces of ice, wind, and water erosion, the range is adorned with over 40 jewel-like lakes scattered amidst sharp, saw-toothed ridges and alpine basins. Today, only one relic of the ice age, Grasshopper Glacier, remains nestled between Cottonwood and Rock lakes on the western fringe.
The Crazy Mountains' northern slopes offer gentler terrain and lusher vegetation compared to the rugged and precipitous southern aspects. The historic Musselshell River originates in the north, while the Shields River begins its journey from the sheer western ramparts. Sweet Grass Creek rushes from one of the deep eastern canyons toward the Yellowstone River.
Various narratives attempt to explain the range's intriguing moniker, from tales of a woman haunted by tragedy seeking refuge within its peaks to its sudden emergence in an otherwise barren landscape. Integral to Native American culture, the Crazies hold significance, with Chief Plenty Coup of the Crow Nation ascending Crazy Peak in 1847 in search of a vision to guide his people.
Despite lacking formal wilderness protection, the rugged terrain and local ranchers' and the Forest Service's attitudes have preserved the area relatively free of roads. Checkerboard ownership, with substantial portions under private control, ensures limited access, with motorized use prohibited in many areas. Popular access points include trails within Gallatin National Forest, such as those from Half Moon Campground leading to Conical Peak and the Twin Lakes area. Approximately 66 miles of footpaths and horse trails traverse the Crazy Mountains, accessible from various entry points such as Wilsall and Clyde Park on the west side of the range.
Designated as an island range due to their separate location from the main Northern Rockies, the Crazy Mountains in south central Montana possess characteristics more akin to the Rockies than the state's other rounded and densely forested isolated ranges. Situated distinctively between the valleys of the Yellowstone and Shields rivers, they stand apart from the Absarokas to the south and the Bridgers to the west. Despite their relatively modest dimensions of approximately 30 miles by 15 miles, they command attention on the horizon from numerous eastern viewpoints.
The transition from prairie to mountainous terrain within the Crazy Mountains is starkly dramatic. Over a span of 20 miles, from the river bottoms of the Yellowstone to the summit of Crazy Peak, the landscape ascends more than 7,000 feet. Dubbed the "Crazy Woman Mountains" by Native Americans on occasion, these peaks culminate in the towering Crazy Peak at 11,214 feet, boasting 25 pinnacles soaring beyond 10,000 feet. Shaped by the forces of ice, wind, and water erosion, the range is adorned with over 40 jewel-like lakes scattered amidst sharp, saw-toothed ridges and alpine basins. Today, only one relic of the ice age, Grasshopper Glacier, remains nestled between Cottonwood and Rock lakes on the western fringe.
The Crazy Mountains' northern slopes offer gentler terrain and lusher vegetation compared to the rugged and precipitous southern aspects. The historic Musselshell River originates in the north, while the Shields River begins its journey from the sheer western ramparts. Sweet Grass Creek rushes from one of the deep eastern canyons toward the Yellowstone River.
Various narratives attempt to explain the range's intriguing moniker, from tales of a woman haunted by tragedy seeking refuge within its peaks to its sudden emergence in an otherwise barren landscape. Integral to Native American culture, the Crazies hold significance, with Chief Plenty Coup of the Crow Nation ascending Crazy Peak in 1847 in search of a vision to guide his people.
Despite lacking formal wilderness protection, the rugged terrain and local ranchers' and the Forest Service's attitudes have preserved the area relatively free of roads. Checkerboard ownership, with substantial portions under private control, ensures limited access, with motorized use prohibited in many areas. Popular access points include trails within Gallatin National Forest, such as those from Half Moon Campground leading to Conical Peak and the Twin Lakes area. Approximately 66 miles of footpaths and horse trails traverse the Crazy Mountains, accessible from various entry points such as Wilsall and Clyde Park on the west side of the range.
