OutReserve

Diamond Butte Lookout

Vault Toilet below the lookout
DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT
A view from inside Diamond Butte Lookout

About Diamond Butte Lookout

Diamond Butte Lookout is perched atop a 30-foot masonry tower on Diamond Butte at an altitude of 4,245 feet in the Custer National Forest approximately 40 miles from Ashland, Montana. The lookout was moved from its original location of Yeager Butte in 1958 and was an active fire lookout until 2001. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. This vantage point offers the chance to enjoy sunrises, sunsets and star gazing on clear nights. The lookout is accessible by car, but it is a 200-foot walk up a steep hill to the lookout from the parking area. Guests should be prepared to bring most of their own supplies and gear.

Number of accommodations: 1

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
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Currently closed - Opens on Sep 15

001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 4 guests
Surface: Gravel
Driveway entry: Back-In
Pet Friendly
View Site Details

Reviews (63)

What Guests Are Saying

Diamond Butte Lookout offers a cozy and enjoyable experience, highlighted by stunning views of the Milky Way, sunsets, and abundant wildlife. The lookout is clean, well-stocked, and equipped with a complete propane package, enhancing comfort during varied weather conditions. While access involves a steep, uneven path and the need to bring cleaning supplies, the overall atmosphere and natural beauty make it a highly recommended destination for those seeking peace and solitude.

Review Summary

4.7
63 reviews
5
77.8%
49
4
15.9%
10
3
3.2%
2
2
3.2%
2
1
0.0%
0

Penny M

Verified

May 7, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

Beautiful cozy and fun

Jim H

Verified

April 30, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

Lookout Towers always a favorite, Diamond Butte has the outstanding Milky Way and stars, in addition to sunsets and sunrises!
Interesting weather, first two days were 83° and the third day was snowing! Diamond has the complete propane package: stove, refrigerator, heater & lighting. Took a great hike through the meadows town of the small pond that the cattle drink from. I'd say it's 1 1/2 to 2 miles each way. It was really windy so the bugs weren't a problem it might be a nasty walk on a still day especially in the spring. Lots of meadowlarks too! Until we meet again.......

Jim H

Verified

April 30, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

Lookout Towers always a favorite, Diamond Butte has the outstanding Milky Way and stars, in addition to sunsets and sunrises!
Interesting weather, first two days were 83° and the third day was snowing! Diamond has the complete propane package: stove, refrigerator, heater & lighting. Took a great hike through the meadows town of the small pond that the cattle drink from. I'd say it's 1 1/2 to 2 miles each way. It was really windy so the bugs weren't a problem it might be a nasty walk on a still day especially in the spring. Lots of meadowlarks too! Until we meet again.......

Sarah C

Verified

April 28, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

I have stayed at several lookouts before and this was the best experience I've had. The lookout was clean and well stocked with dishes and some food items. Everything was in good repair and I was surprised to see a futon with a comfortable mattress.
The road in from either side of the highway is about one hour of unpaved gravel and dirt. It is a slow climb to the lookout that has you questioning your directions, but it's correct and worth the trip. The road is well maintained, and features lots of cows grazing on farm properties nearby.
The gate that you park at is right below the lookout - about 150ft. It is steep and washed out/uneven, although there is a cart in the basement to haul your things, it took two of us to keep it from tipping or falling over while moving - thankful for the cart, but if you are by yourself expect to make more trips.
I was able to leave behind a good stack of firewood, but if you are allowed a fire you will need to bring in your own wood. There aren't many fell branches or wood nearby that you can properly collect.
I picked up several piles of pet waste, please clean up after your pets. Pets being allowed in these facilities is a luxury, and this is why pet restrictions get put into place.
There was so much wildlife to enjoy - singing birds, deer, antelope, bats at nighttime and an amazing sunset/sunrise.
I hope to stay here again.

Sarah C

Verified

April 28, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

I have stayed at several lookouts before and this was the best experience I've had. The lookout was clean and well stocked with dishes and some food items. Everything was in good repair and I was surprised to see a futon with a comfortable mattress.
The road in from either side of the highway is about one hour of unpaved gravel and dirt. It is a slow climb to the lookout that has you questioning your directions, but it's correct and worth the trip. The road is well maintained, and features lots of cows grazing on farm properties nearby.
The gate that you park at is right below the lookout - about 150ft. It is steep and washed out/uneven, although there is a cart in the basement to haul your things, it took two of us to keep it from tipping or falling over while moving - thankful for the cart, but if you are by yourself expect to make more trips.
I was able to leave behind a good stack of firewood, but if you are allowed a fire you will need to bring in your own wood. There aren't many fell branches or wood nearby that you can properly collect.
I picked up several piles of pet waste, please clean up after your pets. Pets being allowed in these facilities is a luxury, and this is why pet restrictions get put into place.
There was so much wildlife to enjoy - singing birds, deer, antelope, bats at nighttime and an amazing sunset/sunrise.
I hope to stay here again.

Kevin K

Verified

March 28, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

Great place to take in scenic views and some peace and quiet. Tower was in great shape. A very special place in a very sacred landscape.

Kevin K

Verified

March 28, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

Great place to take in scenic views and some peace and quiet. Tower was in great shape. A very special place in a very sacred landscape.

Jeff H

Verified

March 2, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

4

Our stay was during a sub-zero weather pattern. Propane heater keep the lookout very comfortable. Star gazing was tremendous. Tile floor was cold but did warm up after two days. Highly recommend a stay here.

Jeff H

Verified

March 2, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

4

Our stay was during a sub-zero weather pattern. Propane heater keep the lookout very comfortable. Star gazing was tremendous. Tile floor was cold but did warm up after two days. Highly recommend a stay here.

Brian M

Verified

January 28, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

We had such an amazing experience at the lookout and it was such an awesome way to celebrate the new year! This place is where to go when you want to be in the middle of nowhere and not see anyone else for a couple days. The heater (super warm), fridge, stove/oven, and lanterns all worked great, just had to find the valve outside to get the propane flowing. The sunrises/sunsets are phenom and you can see stars you may have never seen before! Be ready for a hike to bring your gear up, we used a wagon and it helped a bunch!! Also, a Luggable Loo is a must if you don't want to walk down to the toilet in the middle of the night! We did some hiking and just enjoyed our time in this beautiful area of SE Montana!! We hope to make it a yearly tradition!!

Location Diamond Butte Lookout

Address:
Po Box 168 2378 Hwy 212
Ashland, MT, 59003
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 45.2492 / -105.933

Elevation: 1301 feet

Policies & Rules

General

  • There is no water; guests must provide their own water for drinking, cooking and washing
  • Be bear aware: keep all food, trash and scented items stored inside the cabin
  • Guests must pack out all trash and clean cabin before departure
  • Learn more about the Custer National Forest
  • 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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 4, 2026

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