About Diamond Butte Lookout
Number of accommodations: 1
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT
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.
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
Tammy W
VerifiedMarch 29, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT
We had a wonderful time! It is a beautiful view of the Big Horn Mountains.
Andreya T
VerifiedJanuary 27, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT
The lookout was amazing. Clean, had everything we needed, safe, comfortable. We were lucky to have nice, unseasonably warm weather. The propane heater kept us warm when the temps dropped at night. We cooked delicious meals on the propane stove. There was a propane fridge and oven that we didn't use. The futon was surprisingly comfy.
Andreya T
VerifiedJanuary 27, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT
The lookout was amazing. Clean, had everything we needed, safe, comfortable. We were lucky to have nice, unseasonably warm weather. The propane heater kept us warm when the temps dropped at night. We cooked delicious meals on the propane stove. There was a propane fridge and oven that we didn't use. The futon was surprisingly comfy.
Kara K
VerifiedJanuary 25, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT
We planned our visit for right after Thanksgiving, as it is tough to get a reservation during the summer if you don't plan ahead. It is a very popular place with great sights and hiking. Even if you come in winter there is still great hiking and sights to see. However, in order to get to the lookout, there is a very steep path you must go up to reach the tower. During our stay, this path was covered in ice and was extremely slippery. We could not even use the wagon as it would just slide around and pulling the wagon through the grass on the side hill was not ideal either due to snow and not wanting to ruin vegetation.
It is a great experience and we loved the 360-degree view. We will be back, hopefully when it is not so icy!
Kara K
VerifiedJanuary 25, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT
We planned our visit for right after Thanksgiving, as it is tough to get a reservation during the summer if you don't plan ahead. It is a very popular place with great sights and hiking. Even if you come in winter there is still great hiking and sights to see. However, in order to get to the lookout, there is a very steep path you must go up to reach the tower. During our stay, this path was covered in ice and was extremely slippery. We could not even use the wagon as it would just slide around and pulling the wagon through the grass on the side hill was not ideal either due to snow and not wanting to ruin vegetation.
It is a great experience and we loved the 360-degree view. We will be back, hopefully when it is not so icy!
David G
VerifiedJanuary 24, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT
This is a very well kept lodging, warm and comfortable in all ways inspite of the very cold muddy period we were there. Others should treat themselves to the high altitude experience.
David G
VerifiedJanuary 24, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT
This is a very well kept lodging, warm and comfortable in all ways inspite of the very cold muddy period we were there. Others should treat themselves to the high altitude experience.
Randall B
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT
All the comforts of home - propane stove with oven, full size refrigerator/freezer, propane heater and lights. Just bring your water and you are all set. Only downside is cabin atop a tall, steep butte and can be quite a chore getting gear and people up to the cabin. May be a problem for elderly, kids or those less fit. Also outhouse is at base of butte and quite a hike down for those night time visits. Trail up to cabin can get quite muddy and slick when it rains.
Highest point in Custer Forest provides beautiful panoramic views. Windows around all 4 sides.
Randall B
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT
All the comforts of home - propane stove with oven, full size refrigerator/freezer, propane heater and lights. Just bring your water and you are all set. Only downside is cabin atop a tall, steep butte and can be quite a chore getting gear and people up to the cabin. May be a problem for elderly, kids or those less fit. Also outhouse is at base of butte and quite a hike down for those night time visits. Trail up to cabin can get quite muddy and slick when it rains.
Highest point in Custer Forest provides beautiful panoramic views. Windows around all 4 sides.
Ian B
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT
Very neat place, awesome views, a little work out getting everything up the hill but well worth it. Thunderstorms rocked all evening. Wished I could've stayed longer.
Location Diamond Butte Lookout
Address:
Po Box 168 2378 Hwy 212
Ashland, MT, 59003
United States
From Ashland, Montana: travel east on State Highway 212 for approximately 3 miles. Turn south onto Otter Creek Road hwy 484 and travel 20 miles. Just past the Fort Howes Work Center, turn east onto Taylor Creek Road and travel 12 miles to Sonnette Divide Road. Turn north onto the Sonnette Divide Road for 2 miles then turn east on the Diamond Butte Lookout Road. Travel 1 mile to the lookout.
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
Last updated: June 4, 2026