Meredith J
VerifiedJuly 15, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BLACK BUTTE CABIN
Had a great night at the cabin! One of the cleanest forest service cabins we’ve ever seen!
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About Black Butte Cabin
Black Butte Cabin is a snug log cabin that sits high in the Gravelly Mountains. Originally part of the old Madison National Forest, the cabin was built in 1919 as an intermediate summer station for inspections of sheep allotments. It sleeps four people and has a beautiful view of Lion Mountain and the headwaters of Standard Creek. The area is home to a variety of wildlife and provides access to numerous trails for hiking, horseback riding and off-road vehicles during warmer months, and snowmobiles in the winter. The cabin is just off the side of Standard Creek Road 237 and can receive quite a bit of traffic on weekends.
The cabin is open nine months out of the year, July through March, and can typically be accessed by vehicle, in summer and fall, however a portion of the roadway may be muddy or snow-covered, requiring four-wheel drive or chains. Snowmobiles are necessary to reach the cabin in winter, but not allowed until after December 1. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities, including water.
Black Butte Cabin is closed on Mondays for administrative purposes from July into November.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
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Currently open - Jul 1 to Dec 31
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001, Loop: AREA BLACK BUTTE CABIN
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Cabin
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- 4 guests
Site Details
Up to 4 guests
Reviews
47 reviews
Summary
The Black Butte Cabin is a well-kept and clean accommodation with beautiful views and close proximity to hiking trails. Guests appreciated the serene location and the wildlife sightings, such as a bull moose. However, there were some minor concerns regarding signs of mice and potential issues with local wildlife chewing on car wires.
Based on guest feedback
4.2
Overall rating
Based on 47 reviews
5 stars
59.6% (28)
4 stars
23.4% (11)
3 stars
4.3% (2)
2 stars
4.3% (2)
1 star
8.5% (4)
Showing 47 reviews
Verified Only
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Chris A
VerifiedMarch 30, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BLACK BUTTE CABIN
Great spot to stay for a snowmobile trip. Nice bunks with a pad. Wood stove with wood stocked. And plenty of amenities like lanterns, cook stove and dishes. Will definitely be back
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Chris A
VerifiedMarch 30, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BLACK BUTTE CABIN
Great spot to stay for a snowmobile trip. Nice bunks with a pad. Wood stove with wood stocked. And plenty of amenities like lanterns, cook stove and dishes. Will definitely be back
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Jim T
VerifiedFebruary 18, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BLACK BUTTE CABIN
Didn't get a chance to go my son ghosted me. So hopefully next year we can make it work.
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Jim T
VerifiedFebruary 18, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BLACK BUTTE CABIN
Didn't get a chance to go my son ghosted me. So hopefully next year we can make it work.
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Lee B
VerifiedFebruary 6, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BLACK BUTTE CABIN
One of our favorite cabins! Beautiful scenery. Love Black Butte mountain down the road-a must see. Awesome snowmobiling trip there
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Lee B
VerifiedFebruary 6, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BLACK BUTTE CABIN
One of our favorite cabins! Beautiful scenery. Love Black Butte mountain down the road-a must see. Awesome snowmobiling trip there
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Eric T
VerifiedOctober 2, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BLACK BUTTE CABIN
This was the best of the three Guard Stations I have rented. Consider bringing fly paper, as flies appeared inside, as if spontaneously generated. No big deal, as there were two fly swatters. I could hear mice, but saw none. I used ear-plugs to sleep. The wood burning stove warms the place to almost too warm or I just don't know what I am doing. Be aware that you can't park right at the door to preserve the patch of fenced grass in front. Pit toilet is a walk, but not overly far. On the moon-less night I was there, I couldn't see my hand in front of face. It was darker than dark. Do not hesitate to stay here, it's fantastic.
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Eric T
VerifiedOctober 2, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BLACK BUTTE CABIN
This was the best of the three Guard Stations I have rented. Consider bringing fly paper, as flies appeared inside, as if spontaneously generated. No big deal, as there were two fly swatters. I could hear mice, but saw none. I used ear-plugs to sleep. The wood burning stove warms the place to almost too warm or I just don't know what I am doing. Be aware that you can't park right at the door to preserve the patch of fenced grass in front. Pit toilet is a walk, but not overly far. On the moon-less night I was there, I couldn't see my hand in front of face. It was darker than dark. Do not hesitate to stay here, it's fantastic.
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Leslie S
VerifiedJuly 14, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BLACK BUTTE CABIN
A clean cabin at the edge of alpine glory--wildflowers everywhere, and beautiful rocky bluffs to climb and view. This cabin was very well kept, with new bunk pads and chinking, screened in shelving, a nice fire ring with plenty of dead pine wood to gather nearby. Wilderness--it's in there a ways--but accessible for the patient. We did not need to use the wood stove for heat, but it was well-stocked with kindling. Very private.
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Location & Directions for Black Butte Cabin
5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729 United States
Elevation: 2,722 ft
Getting There
Black Butte cabin is located one quarter mile from the junction of Forest Service roads FS290, FS1012 and FS237. From Ennis, travel south on US Highway 287 for about 32 mi to the West Fork Rest Area. Turn right onto West Fork Road/Forest Road 20...
Black Butte cabin is located one quarter mile from the junction of Forest Service roads FS290, FS1012 and FS237. From Ennis, travel south on US Highway 287 for about 32 mi to the West Fork Rest Area. Turn right onto West Fork Road/Forest Road 209 and continue for about 2 mi. Turn right onto Standard Creek Road/Forest Road 237 and travel 18 mi to the cabin. This is the easiest option by snowmobile. Maps may be purchased by calling the Madison Ranger District.
Another option is to take MT287 southwest of Ennis, toward Virginia City, about 2 mi to the Varney Road, which will lead to the Gravelly Range Road FS290, total distance about 40 mi. A third option is south of Alder, up the Ruby River on Centennial Road, FS100. From FS100, travellers can reach the Gravelly Range Road FS290 from Warm Springs Road FS163, Cottonwood Road FS1012 or Eureka Basin Road FS347.
All roads in the Gravelly Range are closed to wheeled motorized use from April 1 through June 30. Over snow vehicles are permitted December 2 through May 15. Snow can make the cabin inaccessible by vehicle in late October and November.
Highway access
Black Butte Cabin is accessible via US Highway 287, which is approximately 32 miles from Ennis. Other access options include Montana Highway 287 and various Forest Service roads.
Near Yellowstone National Park
The closest entrance is: West Entrance
Approximate drive: 49.2 mi · over 1 hr (84 min)
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
- The cabin is locked, and you'll need a combination available with your receipt. Call for assistance during business hours.
- Check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Safety & rules
- Familiarize yourself with safety guidelines for bears, water, and weather hazards before booking.
- There may be a risk of hantavirus exposure due to mice droppings in the cabin.
- Pack out all garbage and food; do not leave anything behind.
- The cabin is not cleaned between visits; bring cleaning supplies and clean before leaving.
- Renting in October and November may involve risks of snow and inaccessibility.
Utilities
- There is no water or electricity at the cabin.
General
- Learn more about the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
Fires & fuel
- Do not move firewood; obtain it locally to prevent pest spread.
Site types & loops
- Horses are not allowed at this site and there are no horse facilities.
Site capacity
- The cabin can accommodate a maximum of four people; no additional guests, tents, or campers are allowed.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: November 2, 2026
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Explore Ennis, MT
Population: 777
Nearby city: Bozeman, MT
Approx. 65 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 4,941 ft
Ennis, MT
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service