Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout

3710 W Fallon Street Suite C, Bozeman, Montana, United States
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Exterior view of lookout
GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT view NW
GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT wood stove
GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT view W
GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT vie SE

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Fire Pit Fire Pit
View all amenities

About Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout

Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout sits on the apex of Garnet Mountain, at an elevation of 8.2 ft. The lookout provides a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Highlights include the Spanish Peaks to the west, the Gallatin Range to the south, the Hyalite Ridge to the east and the Gallatin River Valley to the north. The structure can be accessed by hiking, horseback or mountain bike on the Garnet Mountain Lookout Trail in the summer. The 4.5-mile trail gains 2.8 ft along its path. Motorcycles and ATVs can access the lookout via the Rat Lake Trail from June 16 through December 1. During winter months, guests must plan on skiing, snowmobiling or snowshoeing up to 10 mi. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Hiking

Hiking

Year-round
Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding

Year-round
Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking

Year-round
Skiing

Skiing

Winter

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Fire Pit Fire Pit
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Fire Pit
  • Campfire Ring
  • Firewood Available
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking

Cabin Interior

  • Heating

Views and Setting

  • View
Missing information?
001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT

001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT

$65
/ per night
🏠 Cabin
  • 15 guests

Site Details

Up to 15 guests
View Site Details

Reviews

140 reviews

Summary

AI generated

Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout offers stunning views, great wildlife access, and a clean, well-maintained cabin that is perfect for a cozy retreat. Reviewers frequently highlight the breathtaking scenery and recommend bringing essentials like bear spray and water. While some noted challenges with hiking and minor cleanliness issues, the overall experience is highly praised, making it a memorable destination.

Based on guest feedback

4.6

Overall rating

Based on 140 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 79.3% (111)
4 stars 8.6% (12)
3 stars 2.1% (3)
2 stars 7.9% (11)
1 star 2.1% (3)

Showing 140 reviews

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Caleb H

Verified

February 6, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT

If you're planning on skinning or hiking to the fire lookout in the winter you might want to plan on taking the ATV route and giving yourself 6 hours to get there.
We were breaking trail for about 3 mi and with a pack (probably too heavy) this destroyed my legs.
I'm an ultra runner and have run this trail many times with a 10-15 lb pack in the summer but with over a foot of fresh snow, snowshoes on and a 40 lb pack we barely made it. A friend that skinned the same trail a week prior said absolutely do not pull a sled with your gear and I completely understand why. The trail is much more narrow in the winter and even with waist deep powder in the open fields some of the trail through the forest was nothing but rocks and dirt.
We avoided the ATV route because it's 4 mi longer but I'm guessing it would be much easier.

It was a beautiful day and I'm using the experience as a lesson in backcountry travel.
I'll probably run the trail in the winter with a very light pack for a redemption mission.

Helpful

Nolan J

Verified

January 24, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT

Excellent experience. The setting is unbelievable. Typical amenities for a cabin/lookout managed by the USFS, I've stayed in many and the fact that this site is maintained respectfully and available in the winter made it the best stay I've ever had in a recreation.gov site.

Helpful

Nolan J

Verified

January 24, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT

Excellent experience. The setting is unbelievable. Typical amenities for a cabin/lookout managed by the USFS, I've stayed in many and the fact that this site is maintained respectfully and available in the winter made it the best stay I've ever had in a recreation.gov site.

Helpful

Nolan J

Verified

January 24, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT

Excellent experience. The setting is unbelievable. Typical amenities for a cabin/lookout managed by the USFS, I've stayed in many and the fact that this site is maintained respectfully and available in the winter made it the best stay I've ever had in a recreation.gov site.

Helpful

Location & Directions for Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout

3710 W Fallon Street Suite C, Bozeman, MT 59718 United States

Elevation: 2,491 ft

Nearest town

Bozeman, MT - 34 mi

About over 1 hr (74 min) to downtown

Highway access

Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout is accessible via US Highway 191, which is approximately 20 miles to the east in Bozeman.

Near Yellowstone National Park

The closest entrance is: North Entrance

Approximate drive: 45.2 mi · over 1 hr (78 min)

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

  • The cabin is locked, and you'll receive a combination code for access in your reservation confirmation.

Cancellation policy

  • Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
  • Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
  • Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
    • Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
  • Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
  • Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
  • Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.

Vehicles & parking

  • Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout is only accessible by vehicles narrower than 50 inches, and seasonal road closures affect access.

Utilities

  • There is no water available in the cabin; treat local water sources before drinking.

Safety & rules

  • The facility is not cleaned after each visit; guests should bring cleaning supplies and are warned of hantavirus exposure risk.
  • There is no garbage service; guests must pack out all trash and cannot leave certain items in the cabin.
  • Candles are not allowed inside the cabin.
  • Firing guns or using weapons is prohibited within 150 yards of developed recreation sites.

Wildlife & food storage

  • Follow the food storage guidelines for Custer Gallatin National Forest while staying here.

Fires & fuel

  • Firewood is not provided during summer months, and campfires must be contained; burning pallets is prohibited.

Pets

  • Horses cannot be within 100 yards of the cabin, and feed must be weed-free.
  • Pets are not recommended, and pet waste must be cleaned up within 100 yards of the cabin.

Local regulations

  • Find more information about Custer Gallatin National Forest by following the provided link.

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Last updated: October 22, 2026

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