OverviewMount Peal is a seldom climbed peak located in the Beartooth Mountains of South-Central Montana. It is one of Montana's 27 ranked peaks which rise over 12,000 feet, coming in at number 10.
This peak is located just South-East of Tempest Mountain, which most people pass by on their way to the summit of Montana's highest mountain, Granite Peak. Peal rewards the climber with excellent views of both of these peaks. Due to the remoteness of this mountain, most parties will take three days for the climb, setting up a camp in either the Arch Creek or Phantom Creek drainage.
Mount Peal is connected to another named, 12,000+ foot summit. Dedicated peak baggers will want to stroll up Mount Pleasant once the hard work has been done reaching Mount Peal's summit plateau. Mount Pleasant is just SE of Mount Peal, and has a prominance of 169 feet.
Note that the USGS incorrectly lists the elevation of this peak as 12415 feet.
Summit ViewsGetting ThereMount Peal is located in the Beartooth range of South-Central Mountana. Most parties will climb this peak by starting out on either the Phantom Creek Trail or the East Rosebud Creek Trail, both of which originate near Alpine, Montana.
Driving Directions from I-90 to Alpine, Montana:
1: Take exit 408 at Columbus, Montana.
2: Turn South onto MT-78 / N 9TH ST / SHEEP DIP RD. Continue to follow MT-78 / N 9TH ST. 0.8 miles
3: Turn RIGHT onto E PIKE AVE / MT-78 / US-10. 0.2 miles
4: Turn LEFT onto S PRATTEN ST / MT-78. Continue to follow MT-78. 26.8 miles
5: Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto INGERSOL RD / E ROSEBUD RD (Portions unpaved). 0.1 miles
6: Turn RIGHT onto INGERSOL RD (Portions unpaved). 0.3 miles
7: Stay STRAIGHT to go onto E ROSEBUD RD (Portions unpaved). 1.8 miles
8: Turn LEFT to stay on E ROSEBUD RD (Portions unpaved). 1.4 miles
9: Turn RIGHT onto E ROSEBUD LAKE RD (Portions unpaved). 10.0 miles
10: Turn RIGHT onto LAKE RD. 0.1 miles
11: End at Alpine, MT US
Perhaps the easiest way to reach the summit is via the Peal Glacier, which can be reached by starting out on the Phantom Creek Trail from Alpine, Montana. A thorough route description is provided in the "Routes" section.Red TapeMount Peal and Mount Pleasant are located in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Custer National Forest, Beartooth Ranger District. No fees are required to climb or camp. You are "requested" to check in with the Beartooth Ranger Station in Red Lodge or call (406) 446-2103 before climbing or camping in the back country (although most people do not bother). You must have a permit to cut live trees for firewood. No mechanized vehicles are allowed offroad in the wilderness area.
CampingCamping is allowed anywhere within the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. You are "requested" to check in with the Beartooth Ranger Station in Red Lodge or call (406) 446-2103 before camping in the back-country (although most people do not bother). You must have a permit to cut live trees for firewood.
Mountain ConditionsContact the Beartooth Ranger Station at (406) 446-2103 for the latest mountain conditions.
Weather Forecasts | Weather Maps | Weather Radar
When To ClimbSummer climbing season is short in Montana. Late July through early September are the months that are most snow-free. However, expect some snow on the mountain any time of the year. Expect any type of weather any time of the year. Violent thunderstorms are a common daily occurance. Get an early start to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Storms develop very fast and tend to come from the south or west.
Mount Peal can be climbed in the winter. The road up to Alpine, Montana is generally kept open year round. You are advised to contact the Beartooth Ranger Station at (406) 446-2103 for the latest conditions and road closure information Images
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