Granite Peak, Mountain summit in Park County, Montana, US

Granite Peak is Montana's highest mountain, featuring steep cliffs and exposed rock faces with challenging climbing routes throughout its upper sections. The terrain demands technical skill and proper equipment.

Elers Koch, James C. Whitham and R.T. Ferguson made the first ascent on 29 August 1923, after several failed attempts by others. It was the last state high point in the United States to be climbed.

Granite Peak was the last state high point in the United States to be climbed, first summited on August 29, 1923 by Elers Koch, James C. Whitham and R.T. Ferguson after others had failed. Climbers now follow the same goal, often bivouacking on the Froze-to-Death Plateau or taking the Southwest Couloir route from near Cooke City.

Climbers usually take two or three days, camping on the Froze-to-Death Plateau; the Southwest Couloir from near Cooke City is a non-technical alternative that generally takes two days. Snow is possible in any season, and routes are unmarked, so plan for route-finding and changing weather.

Granite Peak was the last state high point in the United States to be climbed, with Elers Koch, James C. Whitham and R.T. Ferguson reaching the top on 29 August 1923 after several failed attempts by others. The peak's upper slopes hold snow in patches at any time of year, as visible on the grey and tan rock of its furrowed summit cone.