The Beartooth Mountains of south-central Montana may not be the highest mountains in America, but they are some of the most rugged and beautiful. Photographer and mountaineer Jeff Handlin has made this range his home away from home, climbing some of the most remote peaks in the region.

His latest adventure, climbing 12,612-foot Castle Mountain, the third highest peak in Montana led to the photos here. “After about six hours of ascending mixed rock and snow, including a moderately dangerous, exposed, class 4 scramble when I accidentally went off-route, I made the summit,” Handlin says of his climb. “I was treated to astounding views that most people will never get to see of the Absarokas and beyond all the way to Yellowstone Park.”

To see more of Jeff’s photography, click HERE.