<p>Mountain soil organic carbon (SOC) is a key component of the global carbon cycle, yet research on its elevational controls has expanded rapidly without a clear synthesis of knowledge structure and emerging frontiers. Here, we conduct a bibliometric analysis of 1,391 Web of Science publications (1995–2025) to map the intellectual base, research hotspots, and temporal evolution of SOC studies along elevational gradients. Co-citation and keyword analyses reveal a clear transition from descriptive assessments of SOC stocks toward mechanism-oriented investigations that link SOC dynamics to elevation-structured processes. Prominent thematic clusters include “altitudinal gradient,” “vegetation degradation,” and “microbial necromass carbon,” highlighting increasing attention to biotic regulation and stabilization pathways. Across mountain systems, SOC exhibits diverse elevational patterns and strong within-elevation heterogeneity, reflecting the combined influence of climate constraints, vegetation-mediated carbon inputs, soil physicochemical environments, and microtopography (e.g., aspect and slope position). Building on these trends, we identify priorities for future research, including cross-region comparisons using standardized designs, integrated frameworks connecting vegetation-microbial processing with mineral/aggregate protection, explicit consideration of alpine and cryosphere dynamics, and the use of remote sensing and GIS to upscale SOC monitoring and modeling in complex terrain.</p>