drew w
VerifiedMay 22, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT
10/10 would do again
Helpful
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
Year-round
Horseback Riding
Year-round
Mountain Biking
Year-round
Skiing
Winter
Year-round
Hiking
Nearby
Horseback Riding
Nearby
Mountain Biking
Nearby
Winter
Skiing
Nearby
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
- Fire Pit
- Campfire Ring
- Firewood Available
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Cabin Interior
- Heating
Views and Setting
- View
Missing information?
001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT
$65
/
per night
🏠
Cabin
- 15 guests
Site Details
Up to 15 guests
Reviews
140 reviews
Summary
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
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
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Kristin M
VerifiedMay 31, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT
Absolutely incredible. Highly recommend.
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Kristin M
VerifiedMay 31, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT
Absolutely incredible. Highly recommend.
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Kristin M
VerifiedMay 31, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT
Absolutely incredible. Highly recommend.
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Becca M
VerifiedJuly 5, 2024 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 we’ve 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 didn’t 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!
Helpful
Becca M
VerifiedJuly 5, 2024 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 we’ve 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 didn’t 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!
Helpful
Becca M
VerifiedJuly 5, 2024 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 we’ve 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 didn’t 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!
Helpful
Matt W
VerifiedJuly 17, 2024 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.
Helpful
Matt W
VerifiedJuly 17, 2024 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.
Helpful
Matt W
VerifiedJuly 17, 2024 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.
Helpful
Location & Directions for Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout
3710 W Fallon Street Suite C, Bozeman, MT 59718 United States
Elevation: 2,491 ft
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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Bozeman, MT
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service