MTMontana Geography

Geography overview

Montana occupies the 4th largest area among US states. Located in the West region, specifically the mountain subregion, its physical geography reflects its position on the North American continent. The state is landlocked with no ocean access. It shares an international border with Canada.

Geographers typically think about a state's geography in five dimensions: location (where it is relative to other places), place (the physical and human characteristics), region (how it groups with others), movement (the flow of people, goods, and ideas), and human-environment interaction (how people have shaped and been shaped by the environment). This page touches on all five.

Topography and landforms

• Mountain ranges: rockies
• Glaciers
• Part of the Great Plains
• Crossed by the Missouri River
• Contains Yellowstone National Park

Topography refers to the physical features of the land — mountains, valleys, plains, plateaus, basins. Montana's topography was shaped over millions of years by tectonic activity, glaciation (some of which is still active in the state), erosion, river systems, and (in some regions) volcanic activity. Understanding the topography helps explain everything from where cities developed historically (typically near reliable water sources and navigable rivers) to modern climate patterns (mountains create rain shadows, for instance).

Rivers and waterways

The Missouri River flows through Montana — at 2,341 miles, it is the longest river in North America.

Mountains, elevation, and relief

The rockies mountain range(s) define much of Montana's topography. Mountain regions create distinct climate zones, agricultural patterns, and recreation economies (skiing in winter, hiking and camping in summer).

Climate and time zone

Montana observes Mountain Time.

National parks and protected areas

Montana contains part of Yellowstone National Park, the first national park anywhere in the world (established 1872). The National Park Service manages many sites in Montana — national parks, national monuments, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and historic sites. Tourism, particularly to natural areas, is a major part of the state economy.

Wildlife and biodiversity

Montana's wildlife reflects its geography. Forests, plains, rivers, and (where applicable) coasts support a wide range of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Protected populations of native species are maintained through state and federal wildlife management agencies. State parks and refuges protect critical habitats; hunting and fishing license fees fund much of the wildlife conservation work.

Climate zones within the state

Because Montana is one of the largest US states, its geography varies dramatically across the state. Different regions can have completely different climates, ecosystems, and landscapes. Coastal regions (where applicable) typically have milder, more humid climates than interior areas. Mountain regions are colder and snowier. Desert regions are hot and dry.

Geology — what made Montana the way it is

Montana's present-day geography is the result of geological processes operating over hundreds of millions of years: plate tectonics, volcanic activity, glaciation, erosion, sedimentation. Most of the state's bedrock is sedimentary (limestone, sandstone, shale) or metamorphic (where heat and pressure transformed older rocks), with igneous rocks (granite, basalt) more common in mountainous areas. The last Ice Age (which ended approximately 11,000 years ago) reshaped much of the northern US and shaped lake basins, river valleys, and soil distribution.

Montana notable firsts

• Contains part of Yellowstone, the world's first national park (1872)

Montana vs similar states

How does Montana compare with 3 other states in the same region and size category?

State	Capital	Pop	Area rank	Admitted
Montana	Helena	1 to 5 million	#4	1889
Alaska	Juneau	under 1 million	#1	1959
Arizona	Phoenix	5 to 10 million	#6	1912
California	Sacramento	over 10 million	#3	1850

Bordering states (4)

Montana shares borders with 4 other US states, listed alphabetically below. Each link goes to the dedicated state page.

Similar states to Montana

If this page interested you, you may also want to explore states with similar geography, history, or culture. These states share Montana's region (West) and similar size category:

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