There's something inherently honest about a mountain climb, where everything comes down to a battle between your skills and the elements. On the most dangerous peaks, a climber may come home with a great story or they may not come home at all.

That same brutal honesty applies to Granite Mountain, which is the highest point in the state of Montana. A part of the Beartooth Range in the Rockies, this climbing destination contains an area that's named, appropriately enough, Froze-to-Death Plateau.

Rising approximately 12,799 feet into the air, Granite Mountain literally scrapes the ceiling of Montana and is one the most beautiful, yet potentially deadly climbs in America. Some climbing enthusiasts have made the 20-plus-mile roundtrip to the top in a day, but most climbers favor a two-day summit and campout overnight.

Living up to its name, Froze-to-Death Plateau is kind of like the infamous Bermuda Triangle in some ways. Montana's Forestry Service warns climbers that late afternoon storms are pretty common in this area of Granite Mountain, and there's always a chance of snow 12 months out of the year.

The biggest problem with Froze-to-Death Plateau is getting your bearings. The natural rock formations can be deceptive, so make sure you pack a compass and a couple of copies of the United States Geological Survey's Quadrangle Map of Granite Peak. To make sure you actually don't freeze to death, invest in a handheld GPS system like the Oregon 200 by Garmin (it can be a lifesaver when visibility is poor).

Suffice it to say, Granite Mountain is a climb that's suitable only for those who are at the top of their game, both physically and mentally. The Montana Forestry Service requires all climbers to check in at the Beartooth Ranger Station, but they also make no guarantees about evacuating climbers in bad weather.

With the very real chance of hypothermia on Froze-to-Death Plateau, Granite Mountain is one peak that you should never take for granted.

Sources:
http://www.jhmg.com/climbs/beartooth/index.php
http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150239/granite-peak.html
http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/custer/recreation/granitepeak.shtml