Bears Tooth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bears Tooth |
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![]() The Bears Tooth
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 11,920 ft (3,630 m) |
Prominence | 315 ft (96 m) |
Geography | |
Location | Carbon County, Montana, U.S. |
Parent range | Beartooth Mountains |
Topo map | USGS Silver Run Peak |
Bears Tooth is a tall mountain peak in the Beartooth Mountains in Montana, USA. It stands at about 11,920 feet (3,630 m) high. This impressive rock formation is located within the beautiful Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness area, which is part of the Custer National Forest. It's also very close to another important peak called Beartooth Mountain.
Bears Tooth is so famous that it gave its name to many other places in the area, including the entire Beartooth Mountains range itself! The Native American Crow people called this spire "Na Piet Say," which means "bears tooth" in their language. You can even see this amazing peak from the scenic Beartooth Highway.
Contents
Exploring Bears Tooth and Its Home
Bears Tooth is a special kind of mountain called a "spire." This means it's a tall, pointed rock formation that stands out from the mountains around it. Its height of 11,920 feet makes it one of the many high points in the Beartooth Mountains.
Where is Bears Tooth Located?
Bears Tooth is found in Carbon County, Montana. This county is in the southern part of Montana, right on the border with Wyoming. The mountain is a key feature of the Beartooth Mountains, which are a subrange of the larger Rocky Mountains.
The Beartooth Mountains: A Rugged Range
The Beartooth Mountains are known for their rugged beauty. They have many high peaks, deep valleys, and clear alpine lakes. These mountains were formed over millions of years by powerful natural forces. They are home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and mountain goats.
The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness
Bears Tooth is located inside the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. A wilderness area is a special place protected by the government. This means that human activities are limited to keep the land wild and natural. There are no roads, buildings, or machines allowed. People can visit these areas for hiking, camping, and enjoying nature, but they must leave no trace.
Custer National Forest
The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is part of the larger Custer National Forest. National forests are managed by the United States Forest Service. They are used for many purposes, like recreation, wildlife protection, and sometimes even logging, but always with a focus on keeping the forest healthy for the future.
The Name: Bears Tooth
The name "Bears Tooth" comes from the Crow Nation, a Native American tribe. They have lived in this region for a very long time. Their name for the peak, "Na Piet Say," describes its shape, which looks like a large tooth. This shows how closely the Crow people observed and named the natural features around them.
The Beartooth Highway
The Beartooth Highway is a famous road that winds through the Beartooth Mountains. It's known for its stunning views and high mountain passes. Driving along this highway offers incredible chances to see the wild beauty of the area, including distant views of Bears Tooth itself. It's a popular route for tourists who want to experience the Rocky Mountains.