Tempest Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tempest Mountain |
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 Tempest Mountain
Location in Montana
Tempest Mountain
Location in the United States
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 12,474 ft (3,802 m) |
| Prominence | 909 ft (277 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Carbon County, Montana, U.S. |
| Parent range | Beartooth Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Granite Peak |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Scramble |
Tempest Mountain is a very tall mountain in the Beartooth Mountains of Montana, USA. It stands at about 12,474 feet (3,802 m) high. This makes it one of the highest peaks in the Beartooth range. It is also the eighth tallest mountain in all of Montana!
Tempest Mountain is part of a special protected area called the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. This wilderness is inside the Custer National Forest. It is also very close to Granite Peak, which is the highest mountain in Montana. Tempest Mountain is less than 1 mi (1.6 km) east of Granite Peak.
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Where is Tempest Mountain?
Tempest Mountain is located in Carbon County, Montana. This county is in the southern part of Montana. The mountain is part of the larger Beartooth Mountains range. The Beartooth Mountains are known for their rugged beauty and high peaks. They are a sub-range of the Rocky Mountains.
The Beartooth Mountains
The Beartooth Mountains stretch across parts of Montana and Wyoming. They are famous for their high plateaus and many lakes. These mountains were formed over millions of years by powerful forces within the Earth. They are made mostly of very old rock.
Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness
Tempest Mountain is found within the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. This is a large area of land that is kept wild and natural. It means that human activities like building roads or logging are not allowed. This helps protect the plants and animals that live there. The wilderness area covers over 944,000 acres. It is a great place for hiking, camping, and enjoying nature.
Climbing Tempest Mountain
The easiest way to climb Tempest Mountain is by a route called a "scramble." Scrambling means you use both your hands and feet to climb up steep, rocky sections. It's more challenging than just walking, but it's not as difficult as technical rock climbing, which needs ropes and special gear. People who climb Tempest Mountain often enjoy amazing views from the top.
Nature Around the Mountain
The area around Tempest Mountain is home to many different kinds of plants and animals. Because it's a wilderness area, wildlife can live freely.
Plants and Trees
At lower elevations, you can find forests of lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, and Englemann spruce trees. As you go higher up the mountain, the trees become shorter and more spread out. Above the tree line, where it's too cold and windy for trees to grow, you'll find alpine meadows. These meadows are filled with tough grasses and colorful wildflowers during the summer.
Animals of the Beartooths
Many animals live in the Beartooth Mountains. You might see large mammals like elk, moose, and mule deer. There are also grizzly bears and black bears, so hikers need to be careful. Smaller animals include marmots, pikas, and various types of birds, including golden eagles and peregrine falcons. The high mountain lakes and streams are also home to different kinds of fish.
