The Absaroka-Beartooth ranges,(NW Wyoming), have been divided into two units by wilderness managers, the east and west units. The main east unit is comprised of high plateaus draining into the Clark's Fork and deep, glaciated valleys of Rosebud and Rock creeks.

The Ranges are home to many animals, such as bighorn sheep, mountain goat, elk, moose and bears. The thick forests in the valleys support large game, including deer, elk and moose. The high barren ridges support very little wildlife. Frequently spotted birds include Golden Eagles, falcons and hawks. Grizzly bears make their home in this wilderness area, one of the last strongholds of the species in the Yellowstone area.

Some lakes provide fishing, especially for cutthroat, rainbow, and brook trout. However, most produce pan size fish due to the extremely cold water and short seasons of growth. The area contains coniferous forests and sage-grass meadows in lower elevations, and wildflowers in the low meadows in the summer.