Facility Details - YELLOW MULE CABIN, MT

Overview

Yellow Mule Cabin was built in 1920 and was once used as a ranger station. This cabin is unique because it was constructed according to the builder's preference instead of being built with a standard Forest Service design. It is eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.

The cabin provides a rustic, backcountry retreat year-round. A few basic amenities are provided, so guests should be prepared to bring most of the supplies and gear they need for an enjoyable experience.

This remote cabin is not accessible by car. Summer access is via off-road vehicle, motorcycle or hiking for 8 miles. Winter access is by snowmobile for 14 miles.

Natural Features:

The cabin sits between a meadow and a stand of mixed evergreens at an elevation of approximately 8,650 feet. Wildflowers bloom across the meadow in the summer and a thick layer of pristine snow blankets the area in winter. The jagged, glaciated peaks of the Madison Mountain Range stretch out into the distance.

Wildlife in this area includes grizzly bear, gray wolf, mountain lion, deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep and the Canada lynx. Birders may see a wide variety of bird species.

Recreation:

This cabin is popular with snowmobilers because of its proximity to the Buck Creek Ridge Trail, which offers a 1,000 foot elevation gain. Hikers, mountain bikers and off-road vehicle riders enjoy this trail in the summer.

Snowmobilers and cross-country skiers can also access McAtee Basin. Hunting in designated areas is another popular pastime.

Facilities:

This 12 x 14 single-room cabin can sleep up to three people and comes with three cots. A wood stove is provided for heat. Basic cookware, utensils, a propane lantern and a dining table with chairs are available. An outhouse with a vault toilet is located just outside.

Water, electricity, cooking facilities and firewood are not provided. Guests must bring their own water supply and trash bags to pack out trash, as well as bedding, matches, first aid supplies, extra toilet paper and battery-operated lanterns or flashlights.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Birding Broom & Dust Pan Cabin Rentals Cooking Pots Cooking Utensils Cot(s) Cross Country Skiing Hiking Historic Sites Hunting	Mountain Biking Off-Road Vehicle Trails Propane Lantern Snowmobile Trails Snowshoeing Table & Chairs Trails Vault Toilets Wildlife Viewing Wood Stove

Know Before You Go

Make sure to have the lock combination for the cabin door; the combination code to the cabin is included in the confirmation e-mail or letter
Water is not available in the cabin; water obtained from nearby natural water sources should be treated prior to use
Guests must carefully follow the food storage order for Gallatin National Forest; Click here for more information
No garbage service; please bring garbage bags and pack out all that you pack in
Candles are not permitted inside the cabin
Firing a gun or use of any other weapon is not allowed: a) in or within 150 yards of the developed recreation site; b)across or on a road or body of water; c) in any circumstance whereby any person may be injured or property damaged
Horses not allowed within 100 yards of cabin
Pets not recommended; solid pet wastes must be removed within 100 yards of cabin
Campfires must be contained within the fire ring adjacent to the facility; no other campfires are authorized
The burning of wood pallets is not authorized
Guests should be aware that there is a risk of exposure to hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; click here to learn more
Click here for more information about Gallatin National Forest

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
45.18472, -111.41639
45°11'5"N, 111°24'59"W

From Bozeman, Montana, head south on Highway 191. Continue for 5 miles past Big Sky to Buck Creek Ridge Road 2599 (aka Doe Creek Road). Please note that this road is rough and may not be suitable for some low clearance vehicles. During the winter months, park just beyond the cattle guard and snowmobile 14 miles to the cabin. Buck Creek Ridge Road is closed to all motorized travel, except snowmobiles, from December 2nd through June 15th.

During summer, you can proceed another 4 miles to the trailhead. From the trailhead, the cabin is another 8 miles.

In winter, follow the groomed snowmobile trail up to the ridge, then follow the ridge to the Yellow Mule Cabin sign. In the summer months, from the trailhead, follow the trail markers up the ridge and to the cabin sign (follow ATV track to cabin). The cabin sits about 300 yards down a draw and is NOT easily visible from the ridge. This is a long but gentle trip until you reach the top of the draw above the cabin. If it is storming and you are not familiar with the terrain, please do not try to go to the cabin. The trip can be difficult in a storm even if you know the route.