Granite Butte Lookout

We parked at Stemple Pass trailhead and snowshoed up. The views were amazing. The wind was no joke, but inside the cabin it was nice and cozy.

We did not bring our dog but I’m glad we didn’t because there is no way she would have been able to maneuver the last flight of stairs. They were way too steep (more like a ladder where you need both hands on the rails going up and down).

We parked at Stemple Pass trailhead and snowshoed up. The views were amazing. The wind was no joke, but inside the cabin it was nice and cozy.

We did not bring our dog but I’m glad we didn’t because there is no way she would have been able to maneuver the last flight of stairs. They were way too steep (more like a ladder where you need both hands on the rails going up and down).

I have stayed here in late June and now February, and both were wonderful and windy . It takes some care to remove and replacing the shutter boards, as the wind could catch them, but so worth it for the outstanding 360 views. We had a pretty easy ski in and out with enough snow coverage - only windy on the last mile to the LO.

I have stayed here in late June and now February, and both were wonderful and windy . It takes some care to remove and replacing the shutter boards, as the wind could catch them, but so worth it for the outstanding 360 views. We had a pretty easy ski in and out with enough snow coverage - only windy on the last mile to the LO.

We went mid February however with such a mild winter we snowshoed in on Marsh Creek Rd, sledding in our water and food. There were 4 people in our group and the description was that the lookout had cots, unfortunately they were all in disrepair. 3 of us just slept on the floor with sleeping pads so it worked fine but we were prepared.
People talk about the wind and it’s no joke. I’m guessing 70mph guts our second night.
It was well stocked with wood, a new propane double burner stove and other supplies.
Overall it was a fun weekend and would do it again for sure.

We went mid February however with such a mild winter we snowshoed in on Marsh Creek Rd, sledding in our water and food. There were 4 people in our group and the description was that the lookout had cots, unfortunately they were all in disrepair. 3 of us just slept on the floor with sleeping pads so it worked fine but we were prepared.
People talk about the wind and it’s no joke. I’m guessing 70mph guts our second night.
It was well stocked with wood, a new propane double burner stove and other supplies.
Overall it was a fun weekend and would do it again for sure.

Amazing lookout, very well kept and a joy to stay at. Highly recommend xc skiing in in the winter.

Amazing lookout, very well kept and a joy to stay at. Highly recommend xc skiing in in the winter.

This was a great way to get out of Helena for a little while in November. About half way is the historic community of Marysville which has a great restaurant called Marysville House. As for the lookout itself, it is about a 4 mile hike from the Stemple Pass TH which mainly takes the CDT. It is a really pretty hike and I ended up snowshoeing because there was enough snow by then. There is a road too that leads all the way to the lookout tower as well which is a typical dirt bumpy Montana backroad. There is a restroom near by the lookout tower once you make it up there. The tower space can comfortably sleep 2 people but no more really. It was stocked with the typically gear of lamps, wood, ax etc. Keep in mind that I went in during the winter so wood was available, but not all places like this keeps wood stocked during the summer. Double check this before you go. You do need to haul in water since there is no water pump or natural water source up there. It was about 20 degrees outside during nighttime up there when I went and the small stove in the tower kept me pretty warm. Also, I had cell service while I was up in the tower and certain parts of the hike too. A couple of hunters were out and checked the tower while I was there. I kept note of the animal tracks I saw hiking. I saw deer, bunny, moose, and even mountain lion tracks on the 4 mile hike to the tower, so be mindful of your surroundings. Overall, a really fun place to stay and there is plenty of different trails around Stemple Pass to check out.

This was a great way to get out of Helena for a little while in November. About half way is the historic community of Marysville which has a great restaurant called Marysville House. As for the lookout itself, it is about a 4 mile hike from the Stemple Pass TH which mainly takes the CDT. It is a really pretty hike and I ended up snowshoeing because there was enough snow by then. There is a road too that leads all the way to the lookout tower as well which is a typical dirt bumpy Montana backroad. There is a restroom near by the lookout tower once you make it up there. The tower space can comfortably sleep 2 people but no more really. It was stocked with the typically gear of lamps, wood, ax etc. Keep in mind that I went in during the winter so wood was available, but not all places like this keeps wood stocked during the summer. Double check this before you go. You do need to haul in water since there is no water pump or natural water source up there. It was about 20 degrees outside during nighttime up there when I went and the small stove in the tower kept me pretty warm. Also, I had cell service while I was up in the tower and certain parts of the hike too. A couple of hunters were out and checked the tower while I was there. I kept note of the animal tracks I saw hiking. I saw deer, bunny, moose, and even mountain lion tracks on the 4 mile hike to the tower, so be mindful of your surroundings. Overall, a really fun place to stay and there is plenty of different trails around Stemple Pass to check out.