Where is Montana Located in the United States?

Montana is located in the northwestern region of the United States, known for its stunning landscapes that include expansive plains, towering mountains, and pristine rivers. It is the fourth-largest state in the U.S. by area, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with its wide-open spaces and abundant wildlife. Montana shares a long border with Canada to the north, which has influenced its history, trade, and culture.

State Name: Montana
Postal Abbreviation: MT
Population: 1.14 million (2023 estimate)
Area: 147,040 square miles
Capital: Helena
Largest City: Billings
Statehood Year: 1889 (41st state)
Time Zones: Mountain Time Zone (most of the state) and Pacific Time Zone (northwestern corner)

Bordering States of Montana

North Dakota

Montana shares its eastern border with North Dakota. The landscape along this boundary consists primarily of the northern Great Plains, characterized by flat or gently rolling prairies and rich agricultural land. The two states share similarities in economy, relying heavily on farming, ranching, and energy production, particularly oil. Major highways, such as Interstate 94, connect the states, fostering trade and travel. The cities of Williston, ND, and Glendive, MT, act as regional hubs.

South Dakota

To the southeast, South Dakota borders Montana. Though the two states have a relatively small shared boundary, they have much in common in terms of geography and economy. Both states feature prairie landscapes and are part of the Great Plains region. The Badlands in South Dakota and the eastern Montana plains are visually similar, with a strong emphasis on agriculture, particularly wheat and cattle ranching.

Wyoming

Montana shares its southern border with Wyoming, a state with which it has many geographic and cultural similarities. Both states are home to parts of the Rocky Mountains, with Yellowstone National Park spanning their border. Tourism, ranching, and mining are important industries in both states. Cities such as Cody, Wyoming, are located near the Montana border and serve as gateways to outdoor recreational areas, including Yellowstone and the Bighorn Mountains.

Idaho

Montana shares its western border with Idaho, where the rugged Rocky Mountains define much of the landscape. The two states share a long mountainous boundary, with the Bitterroot Range acting as a natural dividing line. Idaho and Montana are both known for their outdoor recreational activities, with the Salmon River and Clearwater National Forest located near the border. Missoula, Montana, serves as a regional center for trade and travel between the states.

Canada

Montana also shares a northern international border with the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. This border runs for 545 miles, with crossings that facilitate trade and travel between the U.S. and Canada. The proximity to the Canadian Rockies influences both states’ outdoor economies, with Glacier National Park in Montana paralleling the Canadian Waterton Lakes National Park.

GPS Coordinates of Montana

Montana spans a wide geographical area, covering both mountainous terrain and flat plains. Its general GPS coordinates are approximately 47.0° N latitude and 109.5° W longitude, placing it in the northern part of the United States and along the Canadian border.

• Northern Coordinates: Montana’s northernmost point, at the U.S.-Canada border, lies near 49.0000° N latitude. The cities of Havre and Shelby are located near this northern boundary. The border crossings here are key for trade with Canada, with highways like U.S. Route 2 running parallel to the northern border.
• Southern Coordinates: The southern edge of Montana is located around 44.3582° N, with cities like Gardiner, the northern gateway to Yellowstone National Park, situated along the border with Wyoming. This region of Montana is mountainous, with the northern part of Yellowstone’s ecosystem extending into the state.
• Western Coordinates: Montana’s westernmost point is approximately 116.0450° W, near the city of Troy in Lincoln County. This area is part of the northern Rocky Mountains, characterized by dense forests, mountain peaks, and scenic rivers.
• Eastern Coordinates: The eastern boundary of Montana, shared with North Dakota and South Dakota, reaches close to 104.0405° W, with towns like Baker and Sidney nearby. The landscape here is much flatter, part of the Great Plains, making it a prime region for agriculture and energy production, particularly oil extraction.

Montana’s diverse latitude and longitude coordinates contribute to its wide variety of landscapes, from high mountain ranges in the west to the expansive prairies of the east.

Levels of Elevation in Montana

Montana’s elevation varies dramatically, given its combination of vast plains and towering mountain ranges. The state’s highest points are found in the Rocky Mountains, while its lowest points are in the river valleys that define the eastern plains.

• Highest Elevation: Montana’s highest point is Granite Peak, which rises to 12,799 feet (3,901 meters) above sea level. Located in the Beartooth Mountains of southern Montana, Granite Peak is a challenging destination for climbers due to its rugged terrain and difficult access.
• Lowest Elevation: The lowest point in Montana is along the Kootenai River, near the state’s western border with Idaho, at an elevation of 1,800 feet (549 meters). This region is characterized by its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, and though the elevation is lower than much of the state, the terrain is still rugged and forested.
• Average Elevation: The average elevation of Montana is around 3,400 feet (1,036 meters) above sea level. This moderate elevation reflects the mixture of the state’s vast plains and its higher mountain ranges. Much of central and eastern Montana lies in the Great Plains, which features wide expanses of relatively flat land, while the western third of the state is dominated by the Rocky Mountains.

Montana’s wide range of elevations contributes to its diverse ecosystems, from the alpine environments in the mountains to the arid grasslands of the plains.

Most Extreme Points of Montana

Montana’s vast size makes for a variety of extreme geographic points, with cities and landmarks marking the furthest reaches of the state.

• Easternmost Point: Montana’s easternmost point is near Baker, close to the border with North Dakota, at coordinates around 104.04° W. This part of the state is characterized by prairie landscapes and oil fields, contributing to the local economy through agriculture and energy production.
• Westernmost Point: The westernmost point of Montana is located near the small town of Troy, at approximately 116.05° W longitude. This area lies in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and is part of the Kootenai National Forest. The terrain is rugged, with forested hills and the Kootenai River cutting through the landscape.
• Southernmost Point: The southernmost city in Montana is West Yellowstone, situated along the Montana-Wyoming border at 44.42° N latitude. West Yellowstone serves as a major gateway to Yellowstone National Park and is a hub for outdoor recreation, particularly in summer and winter.
• Northernmost Point: The northernmost point of Montana is along the U.S.-Canada border, near the town of Whitlash at coordinates 49.00° N. The landscape here is dominated by the plains, with farming and ranching being primary activities. The region has a sparse population and shares cultural and economic ties with southern Alberta.

Major Mountains in Montana

Montana is known as the “Land of the Shining Mountains” because of its impressive mountain ranges, particularly in the western and southern parts of the state. The Rocky Mountains are the most prominent mountain system in Montana, offering rugged peaks, vast wilderness areas, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

• Rocky Mountains: The Rocky Mountains dominate western Montana, stretching from the northern border with Canada down into Wyoming. These mountains are known for their high peaks, dense forests, and abundant wildlife. The Bitterroot Range, part of the Rockies, is particularly well-known, with peaks such as Trapper Peak, which rises to over 10,000 feet.
• Beartooth Mountains: The Beartooth Mountains in southern Montana are part of the larger Rocky Mountain range and home to Montana’s highest peak, Granite Peak. The Beartooth Highway, one of the most scenic drives in the country, winds through these mountains and offers access to some of the most rugged and remote areas in the state.
• Crazy Mountains: The Crazy Mountains, located in central Montana, are an isolated mountain range that stands apart from the Rocky Mountains. Known for their jagged peaks and dramatic cliffs, the Crazy Mountains rise sharply above the surrounding plains, with Crazy Peak reaching an elevation of 11,209 feet. The range is sacred to the Native American tribes in the region.
• Swan Range: The Swan Range runs parallel to the Flathead River in northwestern Montana and forms part of the boundary of Glacier National Park. This range is less rugged than the Beartooths but is known for its scenic beauty, forested slopes, and clear mountain lakes.

Major Rivers and Lakes in Montana

Montana’s waterways are some of the most significant in the United States, supporting agriculture, recreation, and biodiversity. Major rivers, such as the Missouri and Yellowstone, flow through Montana, while its lakes, particularly in the mountainous regions, add to its scenic beauty.

• Missouri River: The Missouri River is the longest river in Montana and one of the most important rivers in the United States. It begins in southwestern Montana, where the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers converge. The Missouri River flows eastward across the state, providing water for agriculture and serving as a vital transportation route in the early history of the state.
• Yellowstone River: The Yellowstone River is the longest undammed river in the contiguous United States, flowing from Yellowstone National Park through southern and eastern Montana. The river is vital for irrigation, and its scenic beauty makes it a popular destination for fishing and rafting.
• Flathead Lake: Flathead Lake, located in northwestern Montana, is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. The lake is known for its clear water and surrounding mountain scenery. It is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and tourism, with the nearby city of Kalispell serving as a hub for visitors.
• Fort Peck Lake: Fort Peck Lake is a large reservoir on the Missouri River in eastern Montana, created by the Fort Peck Dam, one of the largest earth-filled dams in the world. The lake is a crucial water source for agriculture and provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping.