Carbon County, Montana
South-central Montana is home to Carbon County, where the plains meet the Beartooth Mountains. Red Lodge is the county seat. It began as a coal-mining town but now thrives on tourism. Skiers flock here in winter, while hikers take over in summer.
The Beartooth Highway, often called America’s most beautiful road, begins its climb here. Rock Creek offers some of the state’s best trout fishing, and Yellowstone National Park is just a stone’s throw away.
The county gets its name from the coal deposits that once powered its economy. These days, ranching, farming, and outdoor recreation keep things moving. With its world-class scenery, Carbon County is a hidden gem in Big Sky Country.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Carbon County |
| County Seat | Red Lodge |
| Etymology | Named after the coal deposits found in the county |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Red Lodge, Bridger, Joliet, Bearcreek, Fromberg, Belfry |
| Interstates and Highways | US 212, MT 72, MT 310 |
| FIPS Code | 30-009 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 2,062 square miles (Land: 2,049 sq mi, Water: 13 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Park County (West), Stillwater County (North), Yellowstone County (Northeast), Big Horn County (East), Big Horn County, Wyoming (Southeast), Park County, Wyoming (South) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time Zone (MT) |
| State | Montana |
| Coordinates | 45.1995° N, 109.2451° W |
| Major Landmarks | Beartooth Highway, Red Lodge Mountain, Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Population | Approximately 11,000 |
