How high is Bozeman?

Bozeman sits at 4,816 ft (1,468 m) above sea level, measured from Copernicus GLO-30 satellite data. That sits above Montana’s average of 4,137 ft (1,261 m) — a relatively high spot, with only about 28% of the state higher.

Interactive 3D elevation map of the Bozeman, Montana area, from the Copernicus GLO-30 model

A live 3D slice of the terrain around Bozeman, from our satellite elevation model. Bozeman is marked at 4,816 ft (1,468 m); the highest ground in view reaches 11,027 ft (3,361 m). Drag to spin it (tap to start on mobile).

Bozeman in Montana

Here’s the useful context: Bozeman, at 4,816 ft (1,468 m), sits roughly 679 ft (207 m) above Montana’s average elevation of 4,137 ft (1,261 m). It is one of the higher places in its state — our model puts only about 28% of Montana’s land higher.

1,850 ft — Montana low▲ Bozeman 4,816 ft · avg 4,137 ft ┈12,703 ft — Montana high

The terrain around Bozeman

Across this view the land rises toward the east. The western third of the frame averages about 5,367 ft (1,636 m); the eastern third about 6,033 ft (1,839 m) — a climb of roughly 666 ft (203 m), topping out near 11,027 ft (3,361 m) at the edge of the frame. That is the mountain front Bozeman sits against.

You can read the whole story in the map above — the flatter ground where the city sits, and the way the land gathers into peaks nearby. It’s the difference between where you stand and what you can see from it.

What Bozeman’s altitude means

High-altitude medicine marks about ~8,000 ft (2,400 m) as the line where thin air starts to cause real trouble, and Bozeman, at 4,816 ft (1,468 m), sits comfortably below it. You won’t get altitude sickness just by arriving. But this is high enough that many people notice something on the first day.

The air is meaningfully thinner than at the coast, so expect a quicker pulse, a little breathlessness on stairs, and faster dehydration in dry air — and alcohol tends to hit harder. None of it is dangerous at this elevation; it just rewards drinking more water and taking the first evening easy.

How Bozeman compares

Among Montana’s larger cities, Bozeman is ranked #2 of 10 by elevation. For a familiar yardstick, that puts it a bit below Denver’s mile-high 5,280 ft (1,609 m).

Butte — 5,535 ft (1,687 m)
Bozeman — 4,816 ft (1,468 m)
Helena — 4,049 ft (1,234 m)
Great Falls — 3,333 ft (1,016 m)
Missoula — 3,212 ft (979 m)
Billings — 3,123 ft (952 m)
Kalispell — 2,956 ft (901 m)

Bozeman elevation FAQ

How high is Bozeman?: Bozeman’s elevation is about 4,816 ft (1,468 m) above sea level at the city center, measured from Copernicus GLO-30 satellite data.
Is Bozeman high or low for Montana?: High. At 4,816 ft (1,468 m) it sits above Montana’s average of 4,137 ft (1,261 m), with only about 28% of the state higher.
Does Bozeman’s altitude affect visitors?: Mildly. At 4,816 ft (1,468 m) it’s below the ~8,000 ft (2,400 m) line where altitude sickness usually begins, but the thinner, drier air can still bring a faster pulse and quicker dehydration on the first day.

Explore more

↑ Montana’s full elevation map — the whole state in interactive 3D, with its high and low points and average elevation.
· Blog: Average Elevation by State — where Montana’s 4,137 ft (1,261 m) mean ranks.
· Blog: Elevation vs Altitude — what a city’s elevation figure actually measures.

Bozeman’s elevation is a native ~30 m windowed-median sample from Copernicus GLO-30 (ESA); the Montana figures are computed across the state from the same model. The 3D view is a fine windowed sample at roughly 220 m resolution, sharp enough to resolve the surrounding ridgelines. Data as of 2026-08-17.