Beartooth Wilderness — Guided Granite Peak Expedition, Montana’s Highest Summit

The Beartooth Wilderness

The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is one of the most remote and spectacular mountain areas in the lower 48. Spanning nearly one million acres of high alpine terrain along the Montana-Wyoming border, the Beartooth Plateau reaches over 12,000 feet with dozens of alpine lakes, permanent snowfields, and rugged granite peaks. It’s also home to Granite Peak (12,807’) — Montana’s highest summit and one of the most challenging state highpoints in the country. The Mountain Guides Montana is the oldest and most experienced guide service leading Granite Peak expeditions, with AMGA-accredited guides who know this remote terrain intimately.

Granite Peak Expedition

Our guided Granite Peak expeditions are available as 5-day or 6-day itineraries, beginning from the West Rosebud trailhead near Red Lodge. The route takes you through Mystic Lake, across the unique Froze-to-Death Plateau, up to Tempest Col with views of Granite Peak’s North Face, and finally to the summit via the East Ridge — featuring glacier crossings, exposed scrambling, the infamous snowbridge, and 5.4 rock climbing on the final push. Porters are available for both itineraries. No prior mountaineering experience required, but strong fitness is essential.

Season & Access

Granite Peak expeditions run July through early October. Trips meet in Red Lodge, Montana, approximately 1 hour from Billings Logan International Airport (BIL).