About Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout
Number of accommodations: 1
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
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Reviews (44)
Review Summary
Eilis R
VerifiedDecember 29, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT
We had heard this fire lookout cooled down quickly at night but we were surprised at how well it held the heat of the fire given all of its windows. The cabin area is small, maybe 12βx12β, with just 2 people it felt like the perfect size. Would feel small with 4 people. It had more than we needed and provided a grate reprieve from the roaring winds outside. Low snow but was still skiable from the rat lake trailhead. Saw wolf and moose tracks.
Sarah H
VerifiedDecember 25, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT
The cabin is beautiful and well equipped.
Patrick B
VerifiedDecember 11, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT
An absolutely wonderful location and place to stay for a few days, even in the winter! The main hiking trail was manageable, with snow covering it the entire way up. We only had one visitor, and they were very respectful. Definitely plan on returning at some point.
Of note for amenities and supplies available at the time of this review: there were at least 4 full and 2 partially full Coleman gas canisters available on the stove. While I would certainly bring another canister to replace the supply you use, just know there are many already there. If you are particular about clean utensils/dishes for eating, I would bring some type of soap/cleaning products to use as there were not any up there. Overall, well supplied.
Kassandra B
VerifiedJuly 18, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT
Matt W
VerifiedJuly 17, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT
Beautiful hike to the lookout and very cool to stay in a place many don't get to see. We got there just before it started raining and it was awesome to watch the storm roll through. It was disappointing to see the previous guest had left a log smoldering in the wood stove and ash everywhere around the interior of the lookout that we had to clean up. Also the roof leaked like a sieve, and it would be great to see money put into the lookout to preserve it for future generations. Overall a great experience and our group has no problems dealing with less than ideal conditions, but it was disappointing to see that the lookout itself was somewhat in disrepair.
Becca M
VerifiedJuly 5, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT
We had an awesome night on Garnet Mtn watching a few storms roll in - unlike any thunderstorms weβve ever experienced! The hike in was a steady climb but well maintained trail until the last .8 of a mile which is 4x4 road and not nearly as fun to walk on. The cabin was cozy, well stocked, and had incredible views in every direction.
Only thing that sucked was how disgusting the outhouse was - it was the picture perfect place to get hantavirus so we just didnβt even use it. Hopefully USFS can get it cleaned out at some point for future guests. Otherwise we had an amazing experience and hope to get back up there again some day!
Kristin M
VerifiedMay 31, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT
Absolutely incredible. Highly recommend.
drew w
VerifiedMay 22, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT
10/10 would do again
Johann S
VerifiedApril 28, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT
So Awesome. Extremely foggy on hike up, cleared up somewhat in the morning. Previous campers leave supplies they didn't use, including food and propane. Take some and leave some. Log books are all full though! Make sure you bring enough water
Elliot F
VerifiedApril 25, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT
Beautiful view! The cabin is stocked with plenty of wood, even late into the winter. The cabin is also well stocked with pots and pans which I wasn't expecting but made it really easy to cook. Expect lots of wind up atop the mountain!
Location Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout
Address:
3710 W Fallon Street Suite C
Bozeman, MT, 59718
United States
Latitude & Longitude: 45.4267 / -111.206
Elevation: 2491 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
The cabin remains locked; a combination lock code will be included in the reservation confirmation letter/email |
| General |
Directions and Access: Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout is NOT accessible by vehicles wider that 50 inches. Access is affected by seasonal road closures. (See below and refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Map)From Bozeman, MT: Take US Highway 191 (Huffine Ln.) west to Four Corners, then south towards Big Sky/West Yellowstone for approximately 21 miles to the intersection with Storm Castle Road FS 132 which is on your left (east) and immediately crosses the Gallatin River on a single span concrete bridge. There are three options from this point:1. Garnet Mountain/ Storm Castle Trailhead (This non-motorized trail is open to pedestrians, horseback riders, bicyclists and skiers): Drive 2 miles on Storm Castle Road FS 132 to the Storm Castle Trailhead. On the south side of the road take Trail 85, which immediately crosses a foot bridge. Stay left and avoid the right turn onto the Riverside Trail. Travel 4 miles and 2,500 vertical ft. on Trail 85 to the Lookout.2. Rat Lake Trailhead. (This motorized trail is open to ATVs less than 50" wide, motorcycles and snowmobiles): Drive 6.8 miles on Storm Castle Road FS 132 to the intersection with FS Road 3112. Take the right fork onto FS Road 3112 and drive about a mile more to the primitive Rat Lake trailhead (the end of the road). From there travel Trail 416 for 6 miles to Garnet Mountain Lookout. Follow the signs to Garnet Mountain Trail 416 and avoid the Pioneer Lakes Trail 79.3. Winter Route January 1 through May 15: Storm Castle Road FS 132 is closed to all wheeled motorized vehicles 1/2 mile from US Highway 191. Parking is available at the Storm Castle winter trailhead 1/2 mile from Highway 191 just past the Forest Service Helibase. From the winter parking snowmobiles must follow Option #2 described above. The Lookout is approximately 12 miles via this route from the winter Trailhead. Skiers and snowshoers can follow option #1 for about a 6 mile route to the Lookout. ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION: (Please refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Map) The route to Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout cannot be by accessed by passenger vehicle and is closed to vehicles wider than 50 inches beyond the Rat Lake Trailhead. January 1 throuh May 15 Storm Castle Road FS 132 is closed to all wheeled motorized vehicles Cabin renters must park at the Storm Castle winter trailhead 1/2 mile from Highway 191 between January 1 through May 15. This is a groomed multi-use winter trail. Please obey traffic rules. Ride on the right side of the trail and ride with caution. Snowmobiles and bicycles must purchase a winter trail grooming pass to travel on groomed snowmobile routes. Contact Montana, Fish Wildlife and Parks for details. ALL WINTER USERS: Please read the Gallatin National Forest avalanche advisory: www.mtavalanche.com , or call (406) 587-6981.Refunds will not be issued for weather related issues, including weather related accessibility issues. It is your responsibility to think ahead and plan appropriately. |
| General |
Water is not available in the cabin, water from local sources must be treated prior to consumption |
| General |
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.Hantavirus notice: Guests should be aware that there is a risk of exposure to hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; click here to learn more |
| General |
Guests must carefully follow the food storage order for Custer Gallatin National Forest; Click here for more information |
| General |
No garbage service; please bring garbage bags and pack out all trash and belongings. Do not leave food, oil, tea, coffee, or canned items in the cabin. |
| General |
Firewood is not provided at Garnet Mountain Lookout from June 1st through September 30th. 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. |
| General |
Candles are not permitted inside the cabin |
| General |
Federal regulations prohibit 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 |
| General |
Horses are not allowed within 100 yards of cabin. Hay and feed must be certified weed-free |
| General |
Pets not recommended; solid pet wastes must be removed within 100 yards of cabin |
| General |
Click here for more information about Custer Gallatin National Forest |
