Maxey Cabin
MAXEY CABIN
Part of Custer Gallatin National Forest
Overview
Maxey Cabin offers a quaint mountain retreat that is ideally located in one of Gallatin National Forest's most popular recreation areas. Guests can expect a few creature comforts at the cabin, but they will need to bring some of their own supplies and gear.
The cabin is accessible by car in the summer. During the spring (from March 31st through May 16th) the road to the cabin is closed to motorized vehicle traffic every year. Guest should be prepared to hike or bike 12 miles to the cabin during this period.
During winter months the access road is infrequently plowed, so guests should be prepared with a four wheel drive, high clearance vehicle or to ski up to 12 miles to the cabin. The final mile on the Maxey Cabin Road are not plowed during the winter and guests should come prepared to ski or snowshoe the final distance to the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Facilities
The main cabin has bunk beds with mattresses to sleep up to four people. There is also a wood stove for heat, a table and chairs, a propane lantern, broom and dust pan. A smaller cabin is unheated and is only available in the summer. It provides bunk beds with mattresses to sleep up to two people. The two cabins together can accommodate up to 15 people. A vault toilet and campfire ring are located outside. The cabin does not have water or electricity. Guests need to supply their own drinking water, as well as cooking gear, lanterns or flashlights, bedding, matches, toilet paper, dish soap, towels and other necessities. The cabin will need to be cleaned and all trash removed prior to leaving.Natural Features
The cabin is nestled in Hyalite Canyon, an area with beautiful wildflower meadows during the summer and thick blankets of pristine snow in winter. Evergreen forest and the steep ridges of the Gallatin Mountains surround the cabin. Hyalite Reservoir is nearby. This area is important habitat for grizzly bears, elk, mule deer, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, wolves and mountain goats.Recreation
Hikers and equestrians have access to the Hyalite Peak trailhead that leads into an area of the Gallatin Range known for its waterfalls. Two accessible trails in Hyalite Canyon lead to the waterfalls. Bicyclists can use Hyalite Canyon Road. Hyalite Canyon is a popular destination for backcountry skiers and ice climbers. Hyalite Reservoir is a mile away, offering opportunities for non-motorized boating and trout fishing. Elk hunting is excellent in Hyalite Canyon in the fall.Important Notices
The cabin remains locked, a combination lock code will be contained in the reservation confirmation letter/email
Directions and Access: Access to Maxey Cabin affected by seasonal road closures. (See below and refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Map)
May 16th - December 1st: From Bozeman, MT: Drive south on S. 19th Ave. for about 7 miles. Turn left onto Hyalite Canyon Road FS 62. Drive 11.1 miles on the Hyalite Canyon Road to the Maxey Cabin access road which is on the left (east) side of Hyalite Road 62. You have driven too far if you come to the entrance of Hood Creek Campground or Chisholm Campground. Travel about a tenth of a mile on the Maxey Cabin access road to the gate. The cabin combination will unlock the gate. Please close the gate behind you. Pass through the gate and travel for about 1/2 mile to the cabin.
December 2nd - March 31st: Winter Route: Park at the Maxey Cabin access road just off Hyalite Canyon Road FS 62. Ski, snowshoe or hike the final 2/3 mile to the cabin. There is NO motorized access beyond the gate on the Maxey Access Road on these dates.
April 1st - May 16th: SPRING ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION: Hyalite Canyon Road, FS 62, closes to all motorized vehicles the evening of March 31 through May 16. Cabin renters must be prepared to walk, ski, or bike approximately 9 miles to the cabin when the road is closed. (Please Refer to the Gallatin Range and Northern Madison Motor Vehicle Use Map: Custer-Gallatin MVUM )
Snowmobiles are not allowed at this cabin or anywhere in Hyalite Canyon past Moser Road FS 6210.
Hyalite Canyon Road (FS 62) is intermittently plowed during the winter:
4-wheel drive, snow tires, tire chains, as well as other winter driving equipment is highly recommended when winter weather conditions are expected at mountain elevations.
Gallatin County plows Hyalite Canyon Road, with 60% of costs reimbursed to the county, mostly by the Friends of Hyalite with an additional contribution by the Forest Service. Without this partnership, and the resources the partners provide, winter access up Hyalite would be dramatically different. In this unique partnership, the county has agreed to plow Hyalite with the understanding that their primary responsibility is to first take care of county roads for their residents and businesses.
This means Hyalite Canyon Road is plowed only after higher-priority county roads are addressed, resulting in irregular and often delayed maintenance. Hyalite visitors should NOT assume that the road will get plowed immediately after every storm. Plowing sometimes does not occur for several days or longer. Renters should be aware that winter weather conditions may at times not allow vehicle access past the lower hyalite gate located 2 miles south of the junction of Hyalite Canyon Road and S 19th Ave. and should be prepared for the possibility of needing to hike or ski this distance.
Check out the Friends of Hyalite Facebook page every Friday for winter road condition reports. Friends of Hyalite - Facebook
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
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.
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 personal belongings. Do not leave food, oil, tea, coffee, or canned items in the cabin.
Bears frequent the area; guests must carefully follow the food storage order for Custer Gallatin National Forest (Click here for more information)
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
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. Target Shooting is prohibited in the Hyalite Canyon Drainage
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
- WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
- WINTER SPORTS - Cross Country Skiing
- HUNTING - Hunting
- HIKING - Hiking
- FISHING - Fishing
- CAMPING - Camping
Contact Information
Phone: 406-522-2520
3710 W FALLON STREET SUITE CBOZEMAN, MT 59718
