Overview

Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout sits on the apex of Garnet Mountain, at an elevation of 8,245 feet. The lookout provides a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Highlights include the Spanish Peaks to the west, the Gallatin Range to the south, the Hyalite Ridge to the east and the Gallatin River Valley to the north.

The structure can be accessed by hiking, horseback or mountain bike on the Garnet Mountain Lookout Trail in the summer. The 4.5-mile trail gains 2,800 feet along its path. Motorcycles and ATVs can access the lookout via the Rat Lake Trail from June 16 through December 1. During winter months, guests must plan on skiing, snowmobiling or snowshoeing up to 10 miles.

Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Facilities

The lookout can sleep up to four people on provided bunk beds with mattresses. There is a wood stove for heat that can also be utilized for cooking. Other amenities include a table with chairs, basic cookware, dishes and utensils. A vault toilet is located outside the facility. Firewood is provided for the wood stove, and there is a campfire ring outside as well. Water and electricity are not available. Guests must bring their own water supply, as well as garbage bags for packing out trash. Items such as bedding, flashlights or lanterns, dish soap, extra toilet paper and first aid supplies are also not provided.

Natural Features

Recreation

Important Notices

• The cabin remains locked; a combination lock code will be included in the reservation confirmation letter/email

• Directions and Access: Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout is NOT accessible by vehicles wider that 50 inches. Access is affected by seasonal road closures. (See below and refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Map)

  From Bozeman, MT: Take US Highway 191 (Huffine Ln.) west to Four Corners, then south towards Big Sky/West Yellowstone for approximately 21 miles to the intersection with Storm Castle Road FS 132 which is on your left (east) and immediately crosses the Gallatin River on a single span concrete bridge. There are three options from this point:

  1. Garnet Mountain/ Storm Castle Trailhead (This non-motorized trail is open to pedestrians, horseback riders, bicyclists and skiers): Drive 2 miles on Storm Castle Road FS 132 to the Storm Castle Trailhead. On the south side of the road take Trail 85, which immediately crosses a foot bridge. Stay left and avoid the right turn onto the Riverside Trail. Travel 4 miles and 2,500 vertical ft. on Trail 85 to the Lookout.

  2. Rat Lake Trailhead. (This motorized trail is open to ATVs less than 50" wide, motorcycles and snowmobiles): Drive 6.8 miles on Storm Castle Road FS 132 to the intersection with FS Road 3112. Take the right fork onto FS Road 3112 and drive about a mile more to the primitive Rat Lake trailhead (the end of the road). From there travel Trail 416 for 6 miles to Garnet Mountain Lookout. Follow the signs to Garnet Mountain Trail 416 and avoid the Pioneer Lakes Trail 79.

  3. Winter Route January 1 through May 15: Storm Castle Road FS 132 is closed to all wheeled motorized vehicles 1/2 mile from US Highway 191. Parking is available at the Storm Castle winter trailhead 1/2 mile from Highway 191 just past the Forest Service Helibase. From the winter parking snowmobiles must follow Option #2 described above. The Lookout is approximately 12 miles via this route from the winter Trailhead. Skiers and snowshoers can follow option #1 for about a 6 mile route to the Lookout. ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION: (Please refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Map) The route to Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout cannot be by accessed by passenger vehicle and is closed to vehicles wider than 50 inches beyond the Rat Lake Trailhead. January 1 throuh May 15 Storm Castle Road FS 132 is closed to all wheeled motorized vehicles Cabin renters must park at the Storm Castle winter trailhead 1/2 mile from Highway 191 between January 1 through May 15. This is a groomed multi-use winter trail. Please obey traffic rules. Ride on the right side of the trail and ride with caution. Snowmobiles and bicycles must purchase a winter trail grooming pass to travel on groomed snowmobile routes. Contact Montana, Fish Wildlife and Parks for details. ALL WINTER USERS: Please read the Gallatin National Forest avalanche advisory: www.mtavalanche.com , or call (406) 587-6981.

  Refunds will not be issued for weather related issues, including weather related accessibility issues. It is your responsibility to think ahead and plan appropriately.

• Water is not available in the cabin, water from local sources must be treated prior to consumption

• Please be aware; this facility is not cleaned between every user visit. Visitors are advised to clean high-touch surfaces upon arrival and prior to departure. Cleaning supplies will not be provided, so it is recommended that guests bring their own.

  • Hantavirus notice: Guests should be aware that there is a risk of exposure to hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; click here to learn more 

• Guests must carefully follow the food storage order for Custer Gallatin National Forest; Click here for more information 

• No garbage service; please bring garbage bags and pack out all trash and belongings. Do not leave food, oil, tea, coffee, or canned items in the cabin.

• Firewood is not provided at Garnet Mountain Lookout from June 1st through September 30th. Provided firewood is for indoor use only for indoor heating and cooking. Cabin users will bring or gather firewood for outdoor use.

  • Burning of Wood Pallets is prohibited.

  • Campfires must be contained within the fire ring adjacent to the facility; no other campfires are authorized.

  • Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

• Candles are not permitted inside the cabin

• Federal regulations prohibit firing a gun or use of any other weapon in or within 150 yards of a developed recreation site, across or on a road or body of water, or in any circumstance whereby any person may be injured or property damaged; violators will be prosecuted

• Horses are not allowed within 100 yards of cabin. Hay and feed must be certified weed-free

• Pets not recommended; solid pet wastes must be removed within 100 yards of cabin

• Click here for more information about Custer Gallatin National Forest

Available Activities

• Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight - Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
• Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
• Winter Sports - Winter Sports
• Hunting - Hunting
• Hiking - Hiking
• Camping - Camping
• Biking - Biking
• Off Road Vehicle Trails - Off Road Vehicle Trails

Contact Information

Phone: 406-522-2520

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip