OutReserve

Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout

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
Fire Pit

About Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout

Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout sits on the apex of Garnet Mountain, at an elevation of 8,245 feet. 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 2,800 feet 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 miles. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Number of accommodations: 1

Nearby Activities & Attractions

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Mountain Biking

Skiing

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
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

$65.00
/ per night
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 15 guests
View Site Details

Reviews (134)

What Guests Are Saying

Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout offers stunning views and a well-maintained cabin experience, making it a highly recommended destination. Guests appreciate the cozy atmosphere and available amenities, including firewood and cooking supplies, while enjoying memorable weather events. Some concerns include the cleanliness of the outhouse and minor maintenance issues, but overall, visitors leave with positive memories and a desire to return.

Review Summary

4.6
134 reviews
5
79.9%
107
4
9.0%
12
3
2.2%
3
2
6.7%
9
1
2.2%
3

Meg S

Verified

February 25, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT

3

We were unable to get to the cabin. The trail disappeared and bushwhacking in the correct output is in avalanche danger, so we had to turn back. The experience was not bad, but we were disappointed to not get to stay in the cabin

Meg S

Verified

February 25, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT

3

We were unable to get to the cabin. The trail disappeared and bushwhacking in the correct output is in avalanche danger, so we had to turn back. The experience was not bad, but we were disappointed to not get to stay in the cabin

Eilis R

Verified

December 29, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT

5

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 12’x12’, 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.

Eilis R

Verified

December 29, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT

5

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 12’x12’, 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.

Eilis R

Verified

December 29, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT

5

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 12’x12’, 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

Verified

December 25, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT

5

The cabin is beautiful and well equipped.

Sarah H

Verified

December 25, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT

5

The cabin is beautiful and well equipped.

Sarah H

Verified

December 25, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT

5

The cabin is beautiful and well equipped.

Patrick B

Verified

December 11, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT

5

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.

Patrick B

Verified

December 11, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT

5

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.

Location Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout

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

Highway access

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

Latitude & Longitude: 45.4267 / -111.206

Elevation: 2491 feet

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: June 5, 2026

USDA Forest Service Logo
Managed by USDA Forest Service