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

Verified Only
Sort by: Newest First
Newest First Oldest First

Meg S

Verified

April 8, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT

Better than I expected. Well stocked with pots and pans. Games and puzzles. Coleman stove was great and the firewood was greatly appreciated. Looking forward to coming here again

Helpful

John W

Verified

January 28, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT

Well stocked, good condition and clean. The folks before us left the cabin clean and they had stocked the wood box. We left it in even cleaner condition and restocked the wood box and we sharpened the axes.
One note, the wood stove door doesn't seal well and as a result you can't in essence control the dampers. The stove will burn through the entire fire box of wood in about 60 minutes. It was thus impractical to keep the stove burning through the night.
A note for the Forest Service - the firebrick on the inside of wood stove is cracked and is in bad shape. The stove will need some serious work soon to perform safely.

Helpful

John W

Verified

January 28, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT

Well stocked, good condition and clean. The folks before us left the cabin clean and they had stocked the wood box. We left it in even cleaner condition and restocked the wood box and we sharpened the axes.
One note, the wood stove door doesn't seal well and as a result you can't in essence control the dampers. The stove will burn through the entire fire box of wood in about 60 minutes. It was thus impractical to keep the stove burning through the night.
A note for the Forest Service - the firebrick on the inside of wood stove is cracked and is in bad shape. The stove will need some serious work soon to perform safely.

Helpful

John W

Verified

January 28, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT

Well stocked, good condition and clean. The folks before us left the cabin clean and they had stocked the wood box. We left it in even cleaner condition and restocked the wood box and we sharpened the axes.
One note, the wood stove door doesn't seal well and as a result you can't in essence control the dampers. The stove will burn through the entire fire box of wood in about 60 minutes. It was thus impractical to keep the stove burning through the night.
A note for the Forest Service - the firebrick on the inside of wood stove is cracked and is in bad shape. The stove will need some serious work soon to perform safely.

Helpful

Tia S

Verified

December 5, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT

Great lookout! Tons of firewood is located underneath the cabin, which should keep all the winter residents toasty throughout the winter. The lookout could use a new log book donated as the current one is full. We had two visitors while we were there, but they were friendly and respectful.

Helpful

Tia S

Verified

December 5, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT

Great lookout! Tons of firewood is located underneath the cabin, which should keep all the winter residents toasty throughout the winter. The lookout could use a new log book donated as the current one is full. We had two visitors while we were there, but they were friendly and respectful.

Helpful

Tia S

Verified

December 5, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT

Great lookout! Tons of firewood is located underneath the cabin, which should keep all the winter residents toasty throughout the winter. The lookout could use a new log book donated as the current one is full. We had two visitors while we were there, but they were friendly and respectful.

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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