Geology and Landscapes

Southwest Montana boasts of the most dynamic and diverse geology in the state.

Its chaotic underground processes were the catalysts that gave birth to modern day Montana.

Owing to the underlying rock structure, it is the most heavily mineralized region in Montana. In a wide-spread region molten magma pushed upwards to the surface sedimentary rock creating a batholith. It is this contact zone where the two types of rock met that through natural chemical processes, precious metals were formed.

Beautiful limestone formations including spectacular caves, among them the Lewis and Clark Caverns are spaced out throughout the southwest landscape.

Hot springs percolate to the surface in several places as the Yellowstone hot spot, 50 miles below, extends into the far southwest corner of this region.

And the northeast realm of Southwest Montana claims a portion of the dramatic Overthrust Belt – the Rocky Mountain Front – consisting of some of the oldest rocks on the planet. Here ancient formations of limestone slid eastward over younger rocks.

In the high country of many of the mountain ranges, alpine glaciers left behind their carved treasures – cirques lakes, U-shaped canyons, and sculptured peaks.

It’s a geologic masterpiece this Southwest Montana – a textbook with no pages missing!