Southwestern Montana provides numerous opportunities for field-based geologic learning in a setting that is world famous for its recreational potential. The geology exposed in southwestern Montana includes a wide variety of rock types and structural settings. Some of our map areas contain folds and faults developed during late Mesozoic and early Cenozoic thrust belt development. Others contain high angle reverse faults that cut crystalline basement rock. Still others contain extensional structures (normal faults and folds) that are still forming today. Paleogene volcanic deposits blanket much of the region and provide a record of early Basin and Range rift-related volcanism and the subsequent evolution of the Yellowstone hot spot. In addition to excellent bedrock geology exposures, southwestern Montana contains a number of interesting younger Neogene geologic features that include active normal fault scarps, evolving river systems, and large debris flow deposits. Tailings piles and other largely abandoned operations associated with historic mining activity provide additional opportunities for field-based learning in the environmental sciences.