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12,799 ft · Beartooth Range, Montana

Granite Peak

Granite Peak is a 12,799 ft peak in the Beartooth Range, Montana. The standard route is the Lady of the Lake Trail: 27 mi, 5,866 ft of gain, Class 4.

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Granite Peak in the Beartooth Range, Montana

Granite Peak at a glance

  • Elevation12,799 ft3,901 m
  • RouteLady of the Lake TrailClass 4
  • Distance27 mi5,866 ft gain
  • Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeBeartooth RangeMontana

Climbing the Lady of the Lake Trail

From Red Lodge or Absarokee, Montana, drive to one of several trailheads accessing the Beartooth Range. The approach to Froze to Death Plateau (common high camp) takes a full day. This is a serious alpine outing with loose rock, technical Class 4 scrambling, and highly variable snow conditions. Most parties plan for 2-3 days minimum. Check recent conditions before attempting. Weather can deteriorate rapidly at this elevation. Ice axes and crampons may be needed depending on conditions. No permits required but sign in at trailhead registers. Montana's most challenging peak.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (40–55 L)
  • Water
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Emergency Bivy
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Hiking Boots
  • Base Layer
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Heavyweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • Gaiters
  • Helmet
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • Sleeping Bag (10°F to 22°F)
  • Sleeping Pad

What to watch for

  • Steep exposure
  • Loose rock
  • Snow near summit
  • Ice near summit
  • Technical climbing
  • Storms
  • High altitude
  • Remote location
  • Low visibility
  • Altitude sickness
  • Rockfall
  • High winds
  • Route-finding difficulty
  • Knife-edge ridge

Quests with Granite Peak

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Granite Peak?

Granite Peak is 12,799 feet (3,901 m) tall. It is in the Beartooth Range, Montana.

Is Granite Peak the highest point in Montana?

Yes. At 12,799 feet, Granite Peak is the highest point in Montana.

How hard is it to climb Granite Peak?

The Lady of the Lake Trail is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 27 miles with 5,866 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Granite Peak?

Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Lady of the Lake Trail, with at least one night on the mountain.

Is Granite Peak dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.

Do you need a helmet for Granite Peak?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Lady of the Lake Trail, so a helmet is on the gear list.

Do you need to acclimatize to climb Granite Peak?

Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Granite Peak reaches 12,799 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.

When is the best time to climb Granite Peak?

The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Granite Peak with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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