What is the minimum IFR altitude in mountainous areas?

The minimum IFR altitude in mountainous areas is established to ensure safe clearance over high terrain and obstacles. In these situations, the appropriate standard is to maintain an altitude that provides a sufficient buffer above the highest obstacle within a specified distance from the course, which is 4 nautical miles in this case. Specifically, the regulation requires that pilots fly at least 2000 feet above the highest obstacle within that 4 nautical mile radius to guarantee a safe margin against any potential hazards. This altitude requirement is critical for the safety of aircraft operations in mountainous regions where terrain can rise sharply and unexpectedly, thereby increasing the risks associated with IFR flight.