At the end of the East Rosebud Lake Road in Carbon County, rests the small community of Alpine. Although not technically a town, the small marker on Montana’s official highway map indicates that Alpine has between 50 to 1,000 people. However, many of Alpine’s residents are seasonal – only two people remain during the harsh winters at an elevation of 6,300 feet. Alpine was established by the East Rosebud Lake Association in 1911, but the original cabin association dates back to 1898. Many of the rustic cabins have sheltered five generations of family members. Alpine faced removal from the state highway map in 2001, but residents of Alpine fought to keep their spot on the map. For inclusion on the official Montana State highway map, communities must have at least one full-time resident.   

University of Montana | Geography Department