About Granite Butte Lookout
Number of accommodations: 1
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Hiking
Skiing
Snowmobile
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Cabin Interior
- Heating
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GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
Site Details
Reviews (118)
What Guests Are Saying
Granite Butte Lookout offers stunning 360-degree views and cozy accommodations, making it a popular choice for winter visits. Guests appreciate the well-stocked cabin, including firewood and cooking supplies, although the steep stairs may pose challenges for pets. Some noted issues with the cots and the strong winds, but overall, visitors found the experience enjoyable and recommend it for outdoor enthusiasts.
What Guests Are Saying
Granite Butte Lookout offers stunning 360-degree views and cozy accommodations, making it a popular choice for winter visits. Guests appreciate the well-stocked cabin, including firewood and cooking supplies, although the steep stairs may pose challenges for pets. Some noted issues with the cots and the strong winds, but overall, visitors found the experience enjoyable and recommend it for outdoor enthusiasts.
Review Summary
Kyle S
VerifiedFebruary 21, 2024 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
February 16-19: I skied up with a pack, took me 7 hours but I was going slow and taking breaks, plodding through 6" of fresh snow.
While I was up there, a wind storm took most of the snow off of the top of the butte. When the wind is blowing the wood stove gets all of the heat drawn out of it, so be prepared for cold.
Can't beat the quiet on a still day, or the colors of the sky at dawn and dusk.
Kyle S
VerifiedFebruary 21, 2024 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
February 16-19: I skied up with a pack, took me 7 hours but I was going slow and taking breaks, plodding through 6" of fresh snow.
While I was up there, a wind storm took most of the snow off of the top of the butte. When the wind is blowing the wood stove gets all of the heat drawn out of it, so be prepared for cold.
Can't beat the quiet on a still day, or the colors of the sky at dawn and dusk.
Jeffrey R
VerifiedFebruary 11, 2024 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
One of a kind adventure!
Jeffrey R
VerifiedFebruary 11, 2024 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
One of a kind adventure!
Kyle W
VerifiedFebruary 3, 2024 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
The trip great overall.
Kyle W
VerifiedFebruary 3, 2024 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
The trip great overall.
Jo M
VerifiedNovember 28, 2023 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
This lookout was amazing! There was very little snow at the "Y" of the Stemple Pass Rd, so we attempted to drive all the way to the cabin. We were pleasantly surprised to be able to go the whole way with 4WD and Studded snow tires! There is plenty of wood at the cabin for the next several months for sure if not the next winter.
We had packed our own wood as we were unsure if there would be, but there was plenty! There is also a small propane heater, but this is missing a thermocouple, so it is non functional. There were two small propane tanks there for the propane cook stove that we did not use.
We had a great stay! Except for the beds are awful. My husband has chronic back pain, and although we had booked for two nights, we were unable to stay the second day as the foam pad on ply wood was just not sufficient.
The additional beds are just camping cots. Nice ones! But still just spring frame camping cots.
We will defiantly be back, but will only plan to stay one night.
Jo M
VerifiedNovember 28, 2023 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
This lookout was amazing! There was very little snow at the "Y" of the Stemple Pass Rd, so we attempted to drive all the way to the cabin. We were pleasantly surprised to be able to go the whole way with 4WD and Studded snow tires! There is plenty of wood at the cabin for the next several months for sure if not the next winter.
We had packed our own wood as we were unsure if there would be, but there was plenty! There is also a small propane heater, but this is missing a thermocouple, so it is non functional. There were two small propane tanks there for the propane cook stove that we did not use.
We had a great stay! Except for the beds are awful. My husband has chronic back pain, and although we had booked for two nights, we were unable to stay the second day as the foam pad on ply wood was just not sufficient.
The additional beds are just camping cots. Nice ones! But still just spring frame camping cots.
We will defiantly be back, but will only plan to stay one night.
cynthia p
VerifiedOctober 25, 2023 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
Building is in need of repairs, especially around the windows. Large gaps let in a huge amount of flies and bees. The mattress on the bed was pretty stained and not something we wanted to touch. We took it off and put on of the air mattresses we brought on. The views though are beautiful and the bathroom was clean and well stocked.
cynthia p
VerifiedOctober 25, 2023 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
Building is in need of repairs, especially around the windows. Large gaps let in a huge amount of flies and bees. The mattress on the bed was pretty stained and not something we wanted to touch. We took it off and put on of the air mattresses we brought on. The views though are beautiful and the bathroom was clean and well stocked.
Location Granite Butte Lookout
Address:
1569 Highway 200
Lincoln, MT, 59639
United States
The lookout is located approximately 16 miles southeast of Lincoln. It can be reached via Stemple Pass Road #601, which leaves downtown Lincoln at the blinking light and joins Highway 279 north of Helena. Follow Stemple Pass Road for approximately 14 miles to the top of the pass and then turn onto Marsh Creek Road #485. Follow Marsh Creek Road south approximately 3 miles until the junction of the Granite Butte Road #4133. The road gets narrower and rougher at this point and climbs the final 1.5 miles up to the lookout tower. High clearance vehicles are strongly recommended for the Granite Butte Road #4133. During the winter months, the Stemple Pass Road is plowed in its entirety, but visitors will have to snowmobile or ski in the final 4.5 miles. There is plowed parking available at the Stemple Pass cross country ski area. There are two recommended routes into the lookout. One follows the road as outlined above and the other roughly follows the Continental Divide. If you are planning on snowmobiling into the lookout in the later winter months it is recommended that you take the upper route on the Continental Divide as the Marsh Creek Road develops large wind drifts that are generally impassable by snowmobiles. Please be sure to follow all applicable motorized use restrictions when accessing the lookout and only operate motorized vehicles where allowed. Maps of the ski and snowmobile routes are available at the Lincoln Ranger District and at the Stemple Pass Trailhead. Renters are advised to take a map with them if they are unfamiliar with the area.
The lookout is accessible via Stemple Pass Road #601, which connects to Highway 279 north of Helena. Lincoln is the nearest town, located approximately 16 miles northwest.
Latitude & Longitude: 46.863 / -112.465
Elevation: 2315 feet
Policies & Rules
General
- Granite Butte is located atop the Continental Divide and is exposed to harsh site conditions. Strong winds are common year round and temperatures drop to below zero in the winter months. The Marsh Creek Road and Granite Butte Road may have "winter conditions" and may not be passable for vehicles from November until the end of May depending on snow pack. Winter renters should be prepared for a 4 mile ski or snowmobile trip into the tower and to bring appropriate cold weather camping equipment and gear. Winter renters are encouraged to check weather conditions and to call the Lincoln Ranger Station for current conditions.
- No electricity or indoor plumbing is available at this facility.
- Entry to the lookout is by combination lock, if you did not receive it in your booking email, please call the Lincoln Ranger District at (406) 362-7000 prior to your arrival to obtain the combination.
- Please contact the Lincoln Ranger District prior to arriving at the cabin to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, weather or storms that may affect the quality of your visit.
- A Food Storage Order is in effect throughout the Lincoln Ranger District: all bear attractants must be stored in bear resistant manner, including all food and beverages, grease, garbage, and all parts of harvested animals; coolers are not bear-resistant containers.
- Do not leave food or trash outside the lookout. All garbage and food must be packed out.
- The cabin is no-smoking facility.
- Please clean lookout upon departure.
- Make sure lookout is locked upon departure.
- Learn more about the Helena National Forest .
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
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Last updated: June 4, 2026
