Battle Ridge Cabin
BATTLE RIDGE CABIN
Part of Custer Gallatin National Forest
Overview
Battle Ridge Cabin is a rustic dwelling located north of Bozeman, in southwestern Montana. The cabin was built in 1938 and is open year-round. It can be reached by vehicle in the summer, but guests visiting during winter must hike or ski a quarter-mile from the highway to reach the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.Facilities
Battle Ridge Cabin is wheelchair accessible and has a capacity of up to four to five people. Two sets of bunk beds with mattresses and one cot are provided. A wood cook stove, propane lantern, table and chairs are also provided. A vault toilet is located in an outhouse nearby. A campfire ring is just outside the cabin. No electricity or running water is provided. A spring is located about 500 yards away, but the water should be treated or boiled prior to consumption. Guests need to bring garbage bags to pack out their trash, and they are expected to clean the cabin before leaving. Items such as bedding, dishes, dish soap, dish towels, lanterns or flashlights, extra toilet paper, extra propane and first aid supplies are not available.Natural Features
The cabin sits in a meadow surrounded by the evergreen-forested slopes of the Bridger Mountains, including the 9,004-foot Ross Peak, one of the better-known mountains in the range. The Custer Gallatin National Forest provides habitat for species such as grizzly and black 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 is a popular destination in winter for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Hikers can find nearby trails. Hunting is a popular activity in the area. This is also an ideal spot for birding and watching other wildlife species.Nearby Attractions
Bozeman is approximately 20 miles away, offering various dining, shopping or opportunities to get necessary supplies.Important Notices
- The cabin remains locked; a combination lock code to the cabin is included in the confirmation email or letter
Accessibility to this cabin is affected by seasonal conditions. While open year-round, the road between the cabin and MT-86 (Bridger Canyon Road) is not maintained for winter conditions and is not plowed. When road is impassable cabin users will park in the Battle Ridge Parking lot, and access facility via 1/2 mi. hike, snowshoe, or ski. Parking on the highway is not allowed any time of the year. Cabin may be accessed by snowmobile December 2nd - October 14th per Custer-Gallatin National Forest Over Snow Vehicle Use Map
Tracked UTV's are not allowed.
Parking is not allowed on highway to facilitate State plowing operations.
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 obtained from nearby natural water sources should be treated prior to use
Guests must carefully follow the food storage order for Custer Gallatin National Forest; Click here for more information
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. Consult Recreation.gov for current information on cancellation policies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other state and local COVID-19 directives may apply – please check https://covid19.mt.gov/ for the most up to date information prior to arrival.
If you have health concerns and want to learn more, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/ .
Guests should be aware that there is a risk of exposure to hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; click here to learn more
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.
Provided firewood is for indoor use only for indoor heating and cooking. Cabin users will bring or source firewood for outdoor use.
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 the developed recreation site, or across or on a road or body of water, or in any circumstance whereby any person may be injured or property damaged
Horses are not allowed within 100 yards of cabin
Pets are not recommended at the cabin; 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
Notifications and Alerts
Be advised: While the 1/2mi. road between MT-86 (Bridger Canyon Rd.) and Battle Ridge cabin is open to passenger vehicles year long, it is not maintained for winter conditions in any way. As of 1/20/2026 this route is extremely Icy, Chains AND 4-wheel drive are highly recommended. Vehicles without chains WILL become stuck and not be able to climb the hill back to the highway until conditions improve. Alternative parking is available 3/4mi. north of gate at Battle Ridge Trailhead (across from campground), and cabin users can access via 1/2mi. hike/snowshoe/ski from there. Cabin may be accessed by snowmobile December 2nd - October 14th per Custer-Gallatin National Forest Over Snow Vehicle Use Map
Cabin users are reminded that parking on the highway is not allowed as it impedes state snow removal operations.
Call (406) 522-2532 with questions.
Available Activities
- Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
- Winter Sports - Winter Sports
- Hunting - Hunting
- Hiking - Hiking
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight - Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Off Highway Vehicle - Off Highway Vehicle
- Snowmobile Trails - Snowmobile Trails
- Snowshoeing - Snowshoeing
- Sledding - Sledding
- Mountain Biking - Mountain Biking
- Downhill Skiing - Downhill Skiing
- Cross Country Skiing - Cross Country Skiing
Directions
<p>Late spring, summer, and fall access by regular vehicle (May to November): <br>From Bozeman, MT: Drive north on 19th Ave. to West Oak St. Turn right onto West Oak and drive east to N. Rouse Ave. Turn left onto US Highway 86 and drive for 20 miles. Remain on Highway 86 towards Battle Ridge Pass by staying left at the Brackett Creek Y. The cabin access road is about 0.9 miles more and is on the left (east) side of the highway 1/4 mile before the Battle Ridge Trailhead and Battle Ridge Pass. Open the gate using the cabin combination and drive another 1/2 mile to the cabin.<br><br>Winter Route, December to April (depending on snow conditions):<br><strong>Winter parking is only available at the Battle Ridge Trailhead.</strong> Parking along Highway 86 is prohibited so that highway snow plows can work. Please park at the Battle Ridge Trailhead. Please leave room for trucks with trailers in the parking area. You may ski, snowshoe (or walk), and snowmobile from the Battle Ridge Trailhead on a marked ski and snowmobile trail which begins on the south end of parking area. Look for the trail marker near the entrance to the parking lot. It is about a half mile to the cabin from the trailhead. Follow the orange and blue diamond trail markers.</p>
Contact Information
Phone: 406-522-2520
3710 W FALLON STREET SUITE CBOZEMAN, MT 59718
