North Absaroka Wilderness

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The North Absaroka Wilderness is a stunning and untouched natural area located in the state of Montana.


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Summary

This area is a great place to visit for those who enjoy hiking, camping, and outdoor activities. Some of the main points of interest in the North Absaroka Wilderness include Granite Peak, the largest peak in Montana, as well as the diverse wildlife, which includes bears, elk, and wolves. The area is also home to many waterfalls, lakes, and streams, which offer great opportunities for fishing and rafting.

There are many interesting facts about the North Absaroka Wilderness, including that it was designated a wilderness area in 1978, and it covers over 350,000 acres. Additionally, this area is home to some of the oldest rocks in the world, which are estimated to be over 2.7 billion years old.

The best time of year to visit the North Absaroka Wilderness is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is mild and the hiking trails are open. However, visitors should be aware that weather conditions can change rapidly, and it is important to be prepared for any type of weather.

Overall, the North Absaroka Wilderness is a beautiful and unique area that is definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in experiencing the great outdoors in Montana.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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