Granite Peak (Montana)

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Granite Peak

Male mountain goat crossing a rocky moraine in front of Granite Peak, pictured in the background.
Elevation 12,799 ft (3,901 m)
Location Montana, USA
Range Beartooth Mountains
Prominence 4,781 ft (1457 m)
Coordinates 45°09′48″N, 109°48′26″W
Topo map USGS Granite Peak
First ascent 1923 by Elers Koch
Easiest route rock/ice climb

Granite Peak is the highest point in the state of Montana, USA. It lies within the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, in Park County very near the borders of Stillwater County and Carbon County. Granite Peak is 10 miles (16 km) north of the Wyoming border, 45 miles (72 km) southwest of Columbus, Montana.

Granite Peak is considered by many to be the most difficult climb of the high points of the 48 continental United States. Granite Peak’s first ascent was made by Elers Koch on August 29, 1923 after several failed attempts by others. It was the last of the state highpoints to be climbed. Today, climbers typically spend two or three days ascending the peak, stopping over on the Froze-to-Death Plateau. However, other climbers choose to ascend the peak in a single day.

The Froze-to-Death Plateau: the common location of a base camp for the ascent of Granite Peak.
The Froze-to-Death Plateau: the common location of a base camp for the ascent of Granite Peak.


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