Granite Peak Expedition Montana

July - September

Registration Open

At 12,807 feet, Granite Peak is Montana's high point and the centerpiece of the Beartooth Mountains, towering over the greater Yellowstone ecosystem.

Experience a mountaineering adventure on Granite Peak this year. Isolated deep in the Absaroka-Beartooth wilderness, this expedition will leave a special impression on you. Expect to cover a variety of terrain, learn new skills, and meet the local mountain goats on the way to Montana's high point.

Based out of Red Lodge, Beartooth Mountain Guides is the only local guide service for Granite Peak and the longest operating mountain guide service in the Beartooths. We offer 4-6 day all inclusive guided climbing trips with our experienced and local guides.

Granite Peak

Not only is Granite Peak the highest moutain in Montana but also one of the most beautiful and challenging peaks.

How could one describe the Granite Peak expedition via the standrad route? Miles of hiking alongside rivers, lakes and the alpine plateau. The climb itself is technical and demanding, mstly on rock with seasonal snow travel. Of course, you won't forget the amazing mountain goats who effortlessly climb next to us on the mountain.

The Route

This incredible expedition takes you off grid and into the backcountry for 4-6 days.

Beartooth Mountain Guides' standard 5 day trip ascends Granite Peak via Mystic Lake to the Froze-to-Death Plateau, where we spend the first night after 7 miles of steep hiking covering over 4000' of elevation gain. From there, we travel across the high plateau for another 4 miles to our high camp at 11,800' with a stunning view of Granite's North face. On summit morning, we wake up before sunrise and ascend the classic East Ridge. On this trip, we have the chance to wait out weather on day 3 for increased summit chances or spend two days reversing our ascent across the plateau and down to Mystic Lake and eventually to the trailhead.

Prerequisites and Recommendations

Granite Peak is a technical climb and requires climbing experience.

We require you to take our basic Rock Skills Course here in Red Lodge, unleass you have experience with multi-pitch climbing. In this 2 hour course we will go over: rappeling, belaying, rope work and basic climbing movement in mountain boots. We recommend familiarty and comfort with altitudes of 10.000 ft and above. If you have any reservations regarding your experience or fitness, don't hesitate to speak with our office to see if Granite is right for you.

Because Granite Peak is in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, we are required to carry all gear ourselves. Please be aware that you need to carry up to 50 lbs of personal gear, group food/equipment and climbing equipment.

Alternativelly, you can hire a porter that can carry up to 20 lbs of your personal and group equipment.

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Food & Gear

We will provide breakfasts and dinners on the mountain, but you need to pack snacks and lunches. We can accomendate most diets: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactoce intolerant. Our meals are a mix of fresh, self-made food and freeze dried pre-packaged meals.

Once you booked a trip with us, we will provide you a complete gear list. Most important non-rentable items to consider beforehand are: sleeping bag & pad, backpack, clothing and boots. We can rent out (free of charge) harnesses, hard wear, ice axes, crampons, helmets and tents.