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
Report Incorrect Information
Help us improve by reporting any incorrect amenity information for Granite Butte Lookout.
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
JeanAnn S
VerifiedAugust 21, 2022 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
It was a great family getaway! The views are amazing. We all loved it!
JeanAnn S
VerifiedAugust 21, 2022 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
It was a great family getaway! The views are amazing. We all loved it!
Shelley B
VerifiedJuly 7, 2022 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
It was nice and clean, excellent view and the sunsets and sunrises were amazing!
Shelley B
VerifiedJuly 7, 2022 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
It was nice and clean, excellent view and the sunsets and sunrises were amazing!
Crystal H
VerifiedJune 23, 2022 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
Fantastic view, great weather! Abundant cushion plants and wildflowers! Some snow, and a colony of lady bugs!
After days of rain, we were able to drive right to the lookout, the road was not muddy nor washed out. Because of the easy drive, we had a lot of visitors, 6 groups (~25 people) in two weekdays. We invited most folks up to take in the view from the upper deck of the tower, but eventually closed the door (with the lock and hasp) and went for a hike to avoid the crowd. The door does not latch at all. The door is currently held closed with a large rock when inside the LO, or locked from the outside with the lock and hasp provided.
No pot is provided to heat water or soup, highly recommend you bring your own to heat water for coffee/tea, etc. The previous occupants were untidy, and dirty/moldy dishes found in the cupboard. Please remember to clean before your departure and leave the LO better than you found it. We want to keep these wonderful places accessible to the public!
Crystal H
VerifiedJune 23, 2022 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
Fantastic view, great weather! Abundant cushion plants and wildflowers! Some snow, and a colony of lady bugs!
After days of rain, we were able to drive right to the lookout, the road was not muddy nor washed out. Because of the easy drive, we had a lot of visitors, 6 groups (~25 people) in two weekdays. We invited most folks up to take in the view from the upper deck of the tower, but eventually closed the door (with the lock and hasp) and went for a hike to avoid the crowd. The door does not latch at all. The door is currently held closed with a large rock when inside the LO, or locked from the outside with the lock and hasp provided.
No pot is provided to heat water or soup, highly recommend you bring your own to heat water for coffee/tea, etc. The previous occupants were untidy, and dirty/moldy dishes found in the cupboard. Please remember to clean before your departure and leave the LO better than you found it. We want to keep these wonderful places accessible to the public!
Tia S
VerifiedJune 16, 2022 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
WINDY!!! After reading the log book, I realized it's windy at this lookout 360 days out of the year. The views made up for the wind! We got to watch a storm move in across the mountain, and it was absolutely amazing! The door didn't lock, and there was a steady flow of visitors. Not the lookout for you if you're looking for privacy and seclusion.
Tia S
VerifiedJune 16, 2022 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
WINDY!!! After reading the log book, I realized it's windy at this lookout 360 days out of the year. The views made up for the wind! We got to watch a storm move in across the mountain, and it was absolutely amazing! The door didn't lock, and there was a steady flow of visitors. Not the lookout for you if you're looking for privacy and seclusion.
Phil S
VerifiedJune 15, 2022 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
We really lucked out and were able to drive right to the tower. It was well stocked with firewood and clean! The views were incredible and we had NO wind! Couldn't believe it! We only saw one truck which turned around and left when they saw us. What an amazing experience! Thank you to all the individuals who have cared for this lovely space!
Phil S
VerifiedJune 15, 2022 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
We really lucked out and were able to drive right to the tower. It was well stocked with firewood and clean! The views were incredible and we had NO wind! Couldn't believe it! We only saw one truck which turned around and left when they saw us. What an amazing experience! Thank you to all the individuals who have cared for this lovely space!
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: June 4, 2026
