Montana State Maps | Complete Map Collection
Montana State Maps: Detailed Maps for Counties, Cities, Federal Areas, Physiographic & Ecoregions
Welcome to our comprehensive collection of Montana State Maps, meticulously curated to provide detailed, high-resolution visualizations of the state’s geography, political boundaries, and natural regions. These maps are designed for students, researchers, planners, and anyone seeking an in-depth visual reference.
- Counties and Cities: Clearly defined county boundaries and major cities for planning, education, and demographic reference.
- Federal Areas: National parks, forests, monuments, wildlife refuges, military installations, and other federally managed lands.
- Physiographic Regions: Major landforms and terrain features such as mountains, plains, valleys, plateaus, and coastal areas.
- Ecoregions: Ecological zones representing forests, grasslands, deserts, wetlands, and other biodiversity regions.
Map Profile
- Format: JPEG
- Color: RGB
- Resolution: ~72 DPI
- Typical image size: ~1300 × 1700 px
- Paper size: Letter (8.5 × 11 inches)
- Layouts: Portrait and Landscape
- File size: ~100–500 KB
Print tip: In your print dialog select Letter (8.5×11), choose Portrait or Landscape, and use Fit to Page (or Scale - to fit).
Montana Counties Interesting Facts
Montana’s counties are PLSS-laid over enormous rangelands and mountain chains, with some edges marching along major rivers and divides.
- Number of counties: 56. Montana Association of Counties
- First & last established county: County-making accelerated 1860s–1910s; the newest is Petroleum (1925). Source: Newberry Atlas
- How borders are set: Largely PLSS, with river/continental divide segments. See BLM PLSS.
- Highest & lowest county (elev.): Highest at Granite Peak (near the Stillwater/Park line—peak is within Park County area); lowest along the Kootenai River in Lincoln County. Source: USGS high/low table (notes Granite Peak & Kootenai River).
- Most & least populated county: Most: Yellowstone County. Least: Petroleum County (very small population).
- Least & most developed (proxy): Most developed: Yellowstone/Missoula; least: Petroleum.
- Most geographically diverse county: Flathead County (Glacier NP vicinity, Flathead Lake, valleys & high peaks).
Montana County Sizes State Map
Smallest County in Montana State
Silver Bow County: 718 sq miles
Largest County in Montana State
Beaverhead County: 5553 sq miles
Mean and Median Area of Counties in Montana State
Mean Area: 2474 sq miles
Median Area: 2384 sq miles
Major Cities of Montana | Montana Cities State Map
Montana's major cities are spread across its vast landscape, providing a mix of urban and rural areas. Some examples include:
1. Billings
Billings: Montana's largest city, located in the south-central part of the state along the Yellowstone River. Billings is an economic hub for the region.
2. Missoula
Missoula: A cultural and educational center in western Montana, home to the University of Montana, located along the Clark Fork River.
3. Great Falls
Great Falls: Situated on the Missouri River in central Montana, known for its proximity to the falls from which it takes its name.
4. Kalispell
Kalispell: Located near Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana, Kalispell is a gateway to outdoor recreation and an important regional commercial center.
5. Helena
Helena: The state capital, located in western Montana, was founded during the Montana gold rush and remains a center of government and commerce.
6. Bozeman
Bozeman: Situated in the Gallatin Valley, Bozeman is home to Montana State University and is known for its growing technology industry and access to outdoor activities like skiing and hiking.
7. Butte
Butte: A historic mining city located in southwestern Montana, known for its copper mining heritage and rich cultural history.
8. Livingston
Livingston: Located along the Yellowstone River near the Absaroka Mountains, Livingston is known for its proximity to Yellowstone National Park and its vibrant arts community.
9. Glasgow
Glasgow: A small city in northeastern Montana, Glasgow serves as a regional hub for agriculture and transportation in the Missouri River Valley.
10. Shelby
Shelby: Located near the Canadian border in north-central Montana, Shelby is a key rail and agricultural center.
11. Glendive
Glendive: Situated in eastern Montana along the Yellowstone River, Glendive is known for its agricultural economy and proximity to Makoshika State Park.
12. Red Lodge
Red Lodge: Located in southern Montana, Red Lodge is a popular destination for tourists due to its proximity to the Beartooth Mountains and the scenic Beartooth Highway.
13. Libby
Libby: Nestled in northwestern Montana, Libby is known for its natural beauty, including nearby Kootenai Falls and the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness.
Montana Topographic State Map | Shaded Relief
Montana's topography ranges from the rugged mountain ranges of the west to the expansive plains of the east. Below are some notable landforms:
1. Rocky Mountains
Montana’s western third is dominated by the Rocky Mountains, home to Glacier National Park and several peaks over 10,000 feet.
2. Great Plains
The eastern two-thirds of the state feature the Great Plains, with rolling grasslands and vast prairies stretching toward the horizon.
3. Yellowstone River Valley
The Yellowstone River cuts through the southern part of Montana, creating fertile valleys and supporting agriculture and wildlife.
4. Bitterroot Valley
Located in western Montana, the Bitterroot Valley is framed by the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains, offering scenic vistas and lush agricultural lands.
5. Missouri Breaks
The Missouri Breaks is a rugged, deeply eroded landscape along the Missouri River in north-central Montana, characterized by steep cliffs, badlands, and dramatic canyons.
6. Absaroka Range
Located in southern Montana, the Absaroka Range forms a boundary between Montana and Wyoming, with rugged, high-elevation peaks and deep valleys ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing.
7. Cabinet Mountains
Situated in northwestern Montana, the Cabinet Mountains offer rugged terrain, alpine lakes, and dense forests, making them a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife.
8. Little Belt Mountains
Located in central Montana, the Little Belt Mountains are known for their forested slopes, rolling hills, and diverse recreational opportunities.
Montana Physiographic Regions State Map
Great Plains: Missouri Plateau, Glaciated
The Glaciated Missouri Plateau in northern Montana was shaped by past glacial activity, creating a landscape of rolling hills and fertile soils.
Great Plains: Missouri Plateau, Unglaciated
In contrast, the Unglaciated Missouri Plateau in the central part of the state features rugged terrain, including badlands and deeply carved river valleys.
Middle Rocky Mountains
The Middle Rocky Mountains dominate the southwestern portion of Montana, featuring high peaks and expansive wilderness areas.
Northern Rocky Mountains
The Northern Rocky Mountains in western Montana include Glacier National Park, characterized by rugged, glaciated terrain and diverse ecosystems.
Montana Federal Lands State Map | National Parks & Protected Areas
1. Glacier National Park
One of Montana’s most famous landmarks, Glacier National Park, features dramatic alpine scenery, lakes, and a variety of wildlife. It is a major destination for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
2. Yellowstone National Park
Though mostly in Wyoming, parts of Yellowstone National Park extend into Montana. It is known for geothermal features, including Old Faithful, and rich biodiversity.
3. Flathead National Forest
Located in the northern Rocky Mountains, Flathead National Forest offers rugged terrain and is home to a significant portion of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.
4. Custer Gallatin National Forest
This national forest spans southern Montana and is known for its diverse landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and grasslands. It provides a range of outdoor recreational opportunities.
5. Lewis and Clark National Forest
This forest encompasses much of the Rocky Mountain Front and offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing. It is named after the famous explorers who passed through the area.
Montana Ecoregions State Map | EPA Ecological Zones
Beaverhead Mountains Section
Located along the Idaho-Montana border, the Beaverhead Mountains are rugged and sparsely populated, offering scenic beauty and diverse wildlife.
Belt Mountains Section
The Belt Mountains in central Montana are known for their forested landscapes, outdoor recreation, and mining history.
Bighorn Basin Section
This section spans the border of Montana and Wyoming, offering a dry, arid landscape and significant deposits of oil and natural gas.
Bighorn Mountains Section
Covering parts of southern Montana and northern Wyoming, the Bighorn Mountains are characterized by high elevation forests, alpine meadows, and dramatic canyons.
Bitterroot Mountains Section
Along the western border with Idaho, the Bitterroot Mountains are a rugged, high-elevation range known for their alpine ecosystems and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Bitterroot Valley Section
The Bitterroot Valley, located between the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountains, features fertile farmland, a rich history, and a strong cultural heritage.
Flathead Valley Section
The Flathead Valley in northwestern Montana is home to expansive agricultural lands, beautiful lakes, and Glacier National Park.
Idaho Batholith Section
This section, extending into western Montana, consists of large granite formations and rugged landscapes that support dense forests and wildlife.
Northern Glaciated Plains Section
Located in northeastern Montana, this section consists of flat, expansive plains shaped by past glacial activity, making it suitable for agriculture and wildlife habitats.
Northern Rockies Section
The Northern Rockies stretch through western Montana and are characterized by high peaks, deep valleys, dense forests, and abundant wildlife. This region includes Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
Northwestern Glaciated Plains Section
This section, located in the northern part of the state, is a glaciated landscape featuring rolling hills and prairie ecosystems. It supports a mix of agriculture and natural habitats for wildlife.
Northwestern Great Plains Section
Spanning the central and eastern portions of Montana, this region consists of rolling prairie and grasslands, ideal for ranching and dryland farming.
Powder River Basin Section
This section in southeastern Montana features arid landscapes and is rich in coal, oil, and natural gas, supporting energy development and sparse agricultural activities.
Rocky Mountain Front Section
This dramatic transition zone between the Northern Rockies and the Great Plains is known for its wildlife, rugged terrain, and scenic views. It is an important area for conservation and outdoor recreation.
Yellowstone Highlands Section
The Yellowstone Highlands in southern Montana include portions of Yellowstone National Park and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, with stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.
About CCCarto – Montana State Maps Creator
CCCarto has been producing professional digital and GIS maps for large companies, government agencies, and educational institutions since 1988. With over 35 years of cartographic experience, our Montana state maps are designed to the highest standards of accuracy, clarity, and usability.
Our map collection spans counties, cities, federal lands, ecoregions, physiographic regions, topographic relief, and more — giving students, researchers, educators, planners, and curious explorers the best Montana state map resources available online. Every map is optimized for both screen viewing and letter-size printing.
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