Anaconda Pintler Wilderness
Introduction
The United States Congress designated the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness (map) in 1964 and it now has a total of 158,615 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Montana and is managed by the Forest Service.Description
The Anaconda Pintler Wilderness straddles the Continental Divide in the Anaconda mountain range of southwest Montana. It encompasses high and rugged peaks, cirques, U-shaped valleys, and glacial moraines. Sparkling lakes and tumbling streams fed by icy water running off the snowfields above timberline enhance the beauty and offer fishing for several species of native and introduced trout and char.Black bears and an occasional grizzly, moose, elk, mule deer, mountain goat, wolf, and wolverine call this rugged country their home. Elevations range from 5,100 feet to the 10,793 foot West Goat Peak. Sagebrush and willow flats can be found in the lower elevations, gradually rising to forests of pine, fir, and spruce, and eventually to aspen, whitebark pine, and sub-alpine larch. The highest slopes are often bare talus, with vegetation limited to lichens.
A 45 mile section of the 3,100 mile Continental Divide National Scenic Trail traverses the length of this wilderness and provides access to numerous side drainages.
Planning to Visit the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness?
- Print a fact sheet
- General things to consider when visiting any wilderness
- Regulations, Permits
- Contact the Forest Service
- Other recommended websites
Leave No Trace
How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness.- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
