Southwest Montana, particularly around Gallatin, Park, and Madison counties, attracts residents for a multitude of reasons, especially those who love the outdoors and a slower pace of life.
Southwest Montana Public Land
The “green shaded” areas in the map above indicate public land. Montana has more land that is publicly owned than any other state in the lower 48. According to the Congressional Research Service, 62.5% of Montana’s land is publicly owned. Southwest Montana a high percentage of public land, and also borders Yellowstone National Park(2.3 million acres). Combine that with the adjacent public land in Wyoming and Idaho and this translates to vast opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing.
Gallatin County:
- Total Acres: 1,040,192
- Public Land Acres: 690,000
- Public Land Percentage: 66.33%
Park County:
- Total Acres: 1,757,120
- Public Land Acres: 1,250,000
- Public Land Percentage: 71.14%
Maddison County:
- Total Acres: 1,936,640
- Public Land Acres: 920,000
- Public Land Percentage: 47.50%
Southwest Montana Rivers
Southwest Montana is nationally recognized for its blue-ribbon trout streams known for their outstanding fly fishing opportunities.
- Missouri River
- Yellowstone River
- Gallatin River
- Madison River
- Jefferson River
- Ruby River
- Bighole River
- Beaverhead River
- Bitterroot River
- Blackfoot River
- Clarkfork River
Southwest Montana Mountain Ranges
- Gallatin Range(including the Hyalites)
- Bridger Range
- Spanish Peaks
- Beartooth Mountains
- Absaroka Range
- Crazy Mountains
- Gravelly Range
- Tabacco Root Mountains
- Highland Mountains