Spanish Peaks (Montana) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spanish Peaks |
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 Spanish Peaks
Location in Montana
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Gallatin Peak |
| Elevation | 11,015 ft (3,357 m) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Montana |
| Parent range | Madison Range |
| Geology | |
| Type of rock | 1.6 billion year-old Gneiss |
The Spanish Peaks are a beautiful group of mountains in Montana, USA. They are located between the towns of Bozeman, Montana and Ennis, Montana. These peaks are part of Gallatin and Madison County, Montana. The Spanish Peaks have an average height of about 8,441 feet (2,573 meters).
The Spanish Peaks are a smaller part, or "sub-range," of the much larger Madison Range. The Madison Range itself is a sub-range of the huge Rocky Mountains. The way water flows from the mountains helps mark the boundary between Gallatin and Madison counties.
Ancient Mountains
The Spanish Peaks are incredibly old! They are made of a type of rock called gneiss (pronounced "nice"). This rock formed about 1.6 billion years ago. This makes the Spanish Peaks the oldest mountains in the entire Madison Range. They are even 50 to 60 million years older than the other peaks around them.
Gallatin Peak
The tallest point in the Spanish Peaks is Gallatin Peak. This impressive mountain stands at 11,015 feet (3,357 meters) high. It offers amazing views of the surrounding area.
Location and Geography
The Spanish Peaks are found in southwestern Montana. They are an important part of the local landscape. The mountains help shape the weather and provide homes for many plants and animals.
Water Flow
The mountains act like a natural wall that divides where water flows. This is called a "hydrological divide." Rain and snow that fall on one side of the peaks will flow into rivers and streams in one county. Water on the other side will flow into a different county. This natural division helps create the border between Gallatin and Madison counties.
