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

Tammy W

Verified

March 29, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

We had a wonderful time! It is a beautiful view of the Big Horn Mountains.

Andreya T

Verified

January 27, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

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

Verified

January 27, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

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

Verified

January 25, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

4

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

Verified

January 25, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

4

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

Verified

January 24, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

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

Verified

January 24, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

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

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

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

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

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

Verified

January 16, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

4

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

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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