Gallatin Peak is the highest of the Spanish peaks located in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness in the Madison Range of Montana. This remote peak towers over its neighbors at 11,015' and the views are unparalleled.
The route to the summit starts at the Lower North Fork Trailhead in Big Sky, Montana. From here follow the North Fork Trail for around 7 miles to a fork in the trail. Take a right onto Gallatin Peak Trail No. 189 (the name of this trail is deceptive as it will not take you to the peak). This trail is not well worn but kerns mark the route to the ridgeline between Bear Basin and Hellroaring. From the ridge, Gallatin Peak will be visible, and this is where the fun begins and the trail ends. Descend into Hellroaring Basin off the ridge losing all the vert you just gained, then hike across the marshland to the base of Gallatin Peak. Choose your own adventure to the summit climbing either the West Face into the West Ridge or the SW Face. Keep an eye out for Moutain Goats! I climbed the West face into the West ridgeline and followed that to the summit. Scratch your initials into the metal container that now acts as a summit log and enjoy the 360-degree views from the summit. Prepare your knees to scree run the western couloir back down into Hellroaring. The last hard part is ascending the last 1000' up the ridge back into Bear Basin. From here it's almost all downhill back to the trailhead. It's a big day and a lot of vert, but the views are totally worth it!
