Location and surroundings
Robinson Mountain is located in the United States, specifically within the state of Montana and the administrative district of Lincoln County. Its hierarchical range path places it within the North American Cordillera, Intermountain West, Columbia Mountains, Purcell Mountains, United States Purcell Mountains, and finally the Main Montana Purcell Mountains. Within this latter range, it holds the rank of the highest of 71 named peaks. The surrounding landscape features a complex network of forested ridges, steep valleys, and neighbouring summits characteristic of this transboundary mountain system.
Neighbouring peaks
The vicinity of Robinson Mountain includes several other prominent summits and passes. The nearest geographical features listed in the database are:
- Mount Fitzpatrick, a peak at 2,041 m, located 5.5 km N
- Marias Mountain, a peak at 1,704 m, located 7.6 km E
- Caribou Mountain, a peak at 2,085 m, located 7.9 km W
- Red Mountain, a peak at 2,001 m, located 8.0 km SE
- Clingback Mountain, a peak at 1,930 m, located 9.9 km SE
- Grubstake Mountain, a peak at 1,756 m, located 11.0 km W
- Wood Mountain, a peak at 1,790 m, located 11.5 km W
- Mount Henry, a peak at 2,212 m, located 12.1 km SW
Standing at 2,298 metres, Robinson Mountain surpasses all of these immediate neighbours in elevation, maintaining its status as the high point of the range.
The view from the summit
From the upper elevations and the summit of Robinson Mountain, wide vistas open up across the region. The highest peaks located within a 25 km radius provide a sense of the expansive topography:
- Gold Mountain, 2,002 m, 14.7 km N
- Boulder Mountain, 2,148 m, 15.9 km S
- Purcell Summit, 2,052 m, 16.5 km S
- Thirsty Mountain, 1,907 m, 16.5 km S
- Bunker Hill, 1,979 m, 19.3 km S
- Lost Horse Mountain, 1,993 m, 22.5 km SW
These surrounding summits shape the horizon, offering views across the rugged terrain of the region on clear days.
The range
Robinson Mountain belongs to the Main Montana Purcell Mountains, which form a specific section of the United States Purcell Mountains. This range is part of the larger Purcell Mountains, Columbia Mountains, Intermountain West, and North American Cordillera. The Main Montana Purcell Mountains span across two countries, Canada and the United States. Containing 71 named peaks in total, the range features Robinson Mountain as its highest point and undisputed high point.
Climate and weather
The climate data for Robinson Mountain represents estimates from NASA POWER climate data collected between 2001 and 2020, with temperatures adjusted specifically to the summit elevation. At the top, the mean temperature reaches its warmest in July at about 11 °C, and drops to its coldest in December at about -13 °C. Precipitation in the surrounding area averages about 800 mm a year, with the wettest month being November at about 95 mm and the driest being July at about 30 mm. Typical weather hazards in this mountain environment include sudden temperature drops, high winds, and rapid shifts in weather conditions common to high-elevation regions.
Best time to visit
The months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit of Robinson Mountain are May, June, July, August, and September. These months generally offer the most favourable conditions for visits and climbing activities. Additionally, July is noted as the driest month with about 30 mm of precipitation, making mid-summer a preferred period for accessing the upper ridges, whereas late autumn and winter bring significantly colder temperatures and heavier precipitation, culminating in the wettest month of November.
Nature and wildlife
The environment around Robinson Mountain features typical alpine and subalpine characteristics found in the Purcell Mountains. Vegetation ranges from dense coniferous forests at lower elevations to stunted trees and exposed rock near the summit. Wildlife in the wider region typically includes forest-dwelling mammals, birds adapted to high-altitude environments, and various native plant species capable of surviving the cold winters and short growing seasons.
Guides and organised ascents
For visitors seeking professional assistance, mountaineering in the United States is supported by established organizations. The national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member, and the national alpine club is the American Alpine Club. Established guiding companies working within the country include RMI Expeditions based in Ashford, Washington, and Exum Mountain Guides based in Moose, Wyoming. Visitors should note that permit rules in the United States vary by location, with some peaks requiring climbing registration or permits from the land agency, such as Denali requiring registration at least 60 days ahead or specific rules on glaciers or above high camps on Mount Rainier.
Safety and preparation
Climbing and hiking at the elevation and terrain of Robinson Mountain demands careful preparation, proper gear, and self-sufficiency. Mountain weather can change quickly, requiring appropriate clothing for both warm conditions and sudden cold snaps. In the event of an emergency, the general emergency number in the United States is 911, which connects callers to dispatchers who alert the local search and rescue team, usually run by the county sheriff or the national park service.
Interesting facts
Robinson Mountain stands out as the highest of 71 named peaks in the Main Montana Purcell Mountains. Located entirely within Lincoln County, Montana, it represents the culminating elevation of its specific mountain range section while forming part of the extensive North American Cordillera.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Robinson Mountain? Robinson Mountain rises to an elevation of 2,298 metres.Where is Robinson Mountain located? It is located in the United States, in the state of Montana, within Lincoln County.
Which mountain range does it belong to? It belongs to the Main Montana Purcell Mountains, within the United States Purcell Mountains, Purcell Mountains, Columbia Mountains, Intermountain West, and North American Cordillera.
What are the nearest peaks to Robinson Mountain? The nearest peaks include Mount Fitzpatrick at 5.5 km N, Marias Mountain at 7.6 km E, Caribou Mountain at 7.9 km W, and Red Mountain at 8.0 km SE.
How does Robinson Mountain compare in elevation to its neighbours? At 2,298 metres, it is the highest peak among its immediate neighbours and serves as the highest point of the Main Montana Purcell Mountains.
Is there water on the way to Robinson Mountain? There are no specific huts or mapped springs listed along the approaches, so visitors should carry sufficient water—typically 1.5 to 3 litres for a day depending on weather and length of the trip—and be prepared to treat any natural water sources found in the terrain.
What is the mobile phone coverage like on Robinson Mountain? Coverage in the hills and upper elevations is generally patchy and depends entirely on your operator. However, the emergency number 112 or 911 will attempt to reach emergency services over any available network, and digital maps should always be downloaded before setting out.