The Gird Point Lookout offers a unique chance to camp on top of a mountain peak in a rustic, old-time setting. It sits high above the valley and provides panoramic views of three surrounding mountain ranges.
Comfortably equipped, the lookout tower provides almost everything anyone would need to enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities available in the mountains of western Montana.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Operating hours and availability for the current season.
Upcoming seasons
Planned operating dates for future seasons to help you plan ahead.
Past seasons
Historical operating dates from previous years for reference.
Closed periods
View dates when this campground is temporarily closed during the season.
The road trip to Gird Point involved a manageable 0.5-mile round trip hike, with a rough last stretch that vehicles like a lifted Volvo XC70 or Subaru Outback can handle. The lookout itself was accessible, with basic amenities and stunning views, though it was not the cleanest. Guests appreciated the available cooking utensils and extra items left behind, while noting the well-maintained bathroom and the minimal sleeping pads.
Very cool spot. Picked huckleberries on the way up. Fairly steep climb carrying all the water and stuff but well worth it. Would not have wanted to try to find it in the dark. Only regret was not bringing sleeping pad and pillows. Pad provided was extremely firm. Beautiful spot though and definitely will try to get a reservation again next year.
We did a roadtrip visiting and stay in 7 different fire lookouts 7 days in a row, bringing our cat along with us. If you want more information about that, find me on YouTube @JoelKalich.
Location and Access:
We found the hike to be 0.5 mi round trip, not one way. The last 0.5 mi of road is very rough, but otherwise the road was largely well maintained with one slight drainage washout. My lifted Volvo XC70 had no issues, and I imagine a stock Subaru Outback would not struggle. Anything less capable would struggle with the last half mile. Our cat shockingly walked the entire way up and down to and from the lookout. The trail is steep, of course, we took frequent breaks (for the cat, not for us).
The lookout:
We had no issues getting into the lookout, the code worked well. The hatch is closable, which is nice for being able to walk all the way around the catwalk. The lookout wasn't the cleanest we'd seen, but it was fine. The main table for cards and whatnot was in good shape and very usable. The beds DO have pads, though they're very minimal, they were the things on the walls of school gyms. We wish this had been more clear, as we would've just roughed it and left our pads in the car. The cooking and eating utensils were plentiful. Other guests have left a few things that were not mentioned in the listing, namely a cooler (bring your own ice), propane canisters, and even some beer! We didn't bring ice, so we begrudgingly left all of the warm beer for the next guests. Our cat did manage to rustle up a mouse, but failed to catch it, even though she had ample opportunity and seemed to be very interested in doing so. We were very disappointing in her, and apologize to future guests on her behalf. The views here were some of the best, though not as secluded as other lookouts on our trip, as we could see a city in the distance. The bathroom was quite a ways from the lookout in distance and elevation, but clean and well stocked with TP, with a great view.
Beautiful spot! Very clean considering remote location and popular use. Not too bad of a hike to get to. We did use the side road to cut hike down but road is very narrow and no good place to turn around, had to back out. We also found a few ticks on us after hiking around lookout in the grass.
We had a great two-night stay. A few pieces of information might be helpful to some. One, the road in was in good shape, but be advised there are no signs giving USFS road numbers. We had brought a downloaded OnX map and that made it easy. Truthfully the main road does go to the lookout, but it splits off quite a few times due to logging operations. Just be advised, especially trying to arrive after dark. Two, we parked off the main road down below, but you could drive a little further and then take the little side road closer to the lookout. It's narrow but not rough, and turning around might be tough. But this would cut the hike by 2/3 and elevation change by half. Three, there was a mouse present which isn't a problem if you handle food/trash well. Could bring a mousetrap. Four, it was pretty drafty due to gaps in the window frames - we stuffed some folded paper towels in them, and covered a few with a little duct tape. Five, there is no firewood provided - we carried one bundle up and otherwise scrounged around for firewood. Six, there were two of us and it was very comfortable, but with four people it would be cozy. All in all we enjoyed our stay immensely - great views, nobody around, was able to do some weather-watching too.
We had a great two-night stay. A few pieces of information might be helpful to some. One, the road in was in good shape, but be advised there are no signs giving USFS road numbers. We had brought a downloaded OnX map and that made it easy. Truthfully the main road does go to the lookout, but it splits off quite a few times due to logging operations. Just be advised, especially trying to arrive after dark. Two, we parked off the main road down below, but you could drive a little further and then take the little side road closer to the lookout. It's narrow but not rough, and turning around might be tough. But this would cut the hike by 2/3 and elevation change by half. Three, there was a mouse present which isn't a problem if you handle food/trash well. Could bring a mousetrap. Four, it was pretty drafty due to gaps in the window frames - we stuffed some folded paper towels in them, and covered a few with a little duct tape. Five, there is no firewood provided - we carried one bundle up and otherwise scrounged around for firewood. Six, there were two of us and it was very comfortable, but with four people it would be cozy. All in all we enjoyed our stay immensely - great views, nobody around, was able to do some weather-watching too.
We had a great two-night stay. A few pieces of information might be helpful to some. One, the road in was in good shape, but be advised there are no signs giving USFS road numbers. We had brought a downloaded OnX map and that made it easy. Truthfully the main road does go to the lookout, but it splits off quite a few times due to logging operations. Just be advised, especially trying to arrive after dark. Two, we parked off the main road down below, but you could drive a little further and then take the little side road closer to the lookout. It's narrow but not rough, and turning around might be tough. But this would cut the hike by 2/3 and elevation change by half. Three, there was a mouse present which isn't a problem if you handle food/trash well. Could bring a mousetrap. Four, it was pretty drafty due to gaps in the window frames - we stuffed some folded paper towels in them, and covered a few with a little duct tape. Five, there is no firewood provided - we carried one bundle up and otherwise scrounged around for firewood. Six, there were two of us and it was very comfortable, but with four people it would be cozy. All in all we enjoyed our stay immensely - great views, nobody around, was able to do some weather-watching too.
From Hamilton, Montana, travel east on Highway 38 for about 7 mi. Turn north onto Gird Road/Forest Road 714 and continue for about 13 mi to the Gird Point Lookout Trailhead. The tower is approximately 1/2 mi hike from the parking area.
Contact the Darby Ranger District a week before your arrival for the lookout key code.
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.
Utilities
The tower does not have water or electricity.
Safety & rules
No propane fuel is provided for cooking or lighting.
Be aware of bear, water, and weather safety before reserving due to the remote location.
The L-4 cabin is elevated and has hazards; guests are responsible for their safety.
Wildlife & food storage
Guests must pack out all garbage and food.
Local regulations
Call ahead to check for fire closures or restrictions.
General
Learn more about the Bitterroot National Forest
Fires & fuel
Obtain firewood locally and burn it on-site to prevent pest spread.