Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates1 total site · $65 avg/night
Cabins
1 site
$65/night
average
About Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout
Number of accommodations: 1
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Mountain Biking
Skiing
Year-round
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Mountain Biking
Winter
Skiing
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Fire Pit
Cooking and Fire
- Fire Pit
- Campfire Ring
- Firewood Available
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Cabin Interior
- Heating
Views and Setting
- View
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001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT
Site Details
Reviews (137)
What Guests Are Saying
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.
What Guests Are Saying
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.
Review Summary
Caleb H
VerifiedFebruary 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 miles 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 10-15lb pack in the summer but with over a foot of fresh snow, snowshoes on and a 40lb 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 miles 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.
Caleb H
VerifiedFebruary 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 miles 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 10-15lb pack in the summer but with over a foot of fresh snow, snowshoes on and a 40lb 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 miles 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.
Gary B
VerifiedMarch 18, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT
Staying here is a treat. Even though we were experiencing 50-60 mile winds, the lookout was comfy. It was a delightful adventure. Our only low is that we could not get it more than 1 night!!!
Gary B
VerifiedMarch 18, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT
Staying here is a treat. Even though we were experiencing 50-60 mile winds, the lookout was comfy. It was a delightful adventure. Our only low is that we could not get it more than 1 night!!!
Gary B
VerifiedMarch 18, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT
Staying here is a treat. Even though we were experiencing 50-60 mile winds, the lookout was comfy. It was a delightful adventure. Our only low is that we could not get it more than 1 night!!!
Christie C
VerifiedMarch 20, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT
This was our 2nd year visiting the cabin in March, and it was awesome yet again! Both times it has been left clean, with chopped firewood next to the fireplace. We were happy that the lantern was working this year! The poop cone in the outhouse is getting dangerously close to the top, though...
Christie C
VerifiedMarch 20, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT
This was our 2nd year visiting the cabin in March, and it was awesome yet again! Both times it has been left clean, with chopped firewood next to the fireplace. We were happy that the lantern was working this year! The poop cone in the outhouse is getting dangerously close to the top, though...
Christie C
VerifiedMarch 20, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT
This was our 2nd year visiting the cabin in March, and it was awesome yet again! Both times it has been left clean, with chopped firewood next to the fireplace. We were happy that the lantern was working this year! The poop cone in the outhouse is getting dangerously close to the top, though...
Anna F
VerifiedJanuary 5, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT
Even with the lack of snow, we were able to have a great time. Arrived 12/22/20 and left 12/24/20. Everything was in working order and easy to use. The only thing we ran into is if you want to use the lanterns you need to bring your own mantles! Garnet lookout is a great quick getaway and I look forward to going back soon.
Anna F
VerifiedJanuary 5, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT
Even with the lack of snow, we were able to have a great time. Arrived 12/22/20 and left 12/24/20. Everything was in working order and easy to use. The only thing we ran into is if you want to use the lanterns you need to bring your own mantles! Garnet lookout is a great quick getaway and I look forward to going back soon.
Location Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout
Address:
3710 W Fallon Street Suite C
Bozeman, MT, 59718
United States
Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout is accessible via US Highway 191, which is approximately 20 miles to the east in Bozeman.
Elevation: 2491 feet
34 mi drive to downtown Bozeman (about 1 hr 14 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: September 7, 2026
