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
Evan P
VerifiedMay 24, 2022 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
Super windy and indescribably beautiful! Heading up in May required a ~4 mile hike from Stemple Pass, but it was worth it - total seclusion, only saw one friendly dirt biker while we were there for two nights. Highly recommended.
Evan P
VerifiedMay 24, 2022 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
Super windy and indescribably beautiful! Heading up in May required a ~4 mile hike from Stemple Pass, but it was worth it - total seclusion, only saw one friendly dirt biker while we were there for two nights. Highly recommended.
Jessica A
VerifiedMay 9, 2022 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
Did not realize that the road is impassable in early May. We got about 5 miles from the lookout and went to turn down the road and it was covered in about 2 feet of snow. I've stayed at this lookout twice in the past and will visit again when the snow is melted.
Jessica A
VerifiedMay 9, 2022 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
Did not realize that the road is impassable in early May. We got about 5 miles from the lookout and went to turn down the road and it was covered in about 2 feet of snow. I've stayed at this lookout twice in the past and will visit again when the snow is melted.
Mara L
VerifiedMay 4, 2022 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
Cozy dark little lookout at the end of a slushy slog up the mountain! Stove worked great at drying us out and we spent a warm night out of the wind. Plenty of wood up there for lookout renters. Beautiful.
Mara L
VerifiedMay 4, 2022 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
Cozy dark little lookout at the end of a slushy slog up the mountain! Stove worked great at drying us out and we spent a warm night out of the wind. Plenty of wood up there for lookout renters. Beautiful.
Marilee W
VerifiedMarch 23, 2022 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
Snow shoed in on the road, very windy and icy near the top. So windy! Very difficult to chop wood in the wind. Very loud with the wind during the night, hard to keep the fire going and warm enough during the night. Very drafty in the lookout. Lots of wood available but difficult given then wind. Memorable experience for sure. We left a night early.
Marilee W
VerifiedMarch 23, 2022 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
Snow shoed in on the road, very windy and icy near the top. So windy! Very difficult to chop wood in the wind. Very loud with the wind during the night, hard to keep the fire going and warm enough during the night. Very drafty in the lookout. Lots of wood available but difficult given then wind. Memorable experience for sure. We left a night early.
Jeremiah O
VerifiedMarch 9, 2022 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
Coolest lookout I've stayed in. Would definitely go back.
There is a non-standard sized mattress that can sleep at most 2 adults, 2 adult sized folding cots, and a toddler sized cot.
You won't have problems getting cell service at the tower.
We left behind more propane than we used but pack ~2 bottles (small green ones) just in case. Please don't leave empty bottles behind as some people did.
Bring disposable plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery as doing dishes is a pain with the near constant, intense wind. That should leave you with the pot and pan as your only dishes you will have to clean there. Clorox wipes and paper towels are really nice to have on hand as well.
And of course a bottle of whiskey will serve you well. Cheers.
Jeremiah O
VerifiedMarch 9, 2022 • Stayed at: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT, Loop: GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT
Coolest lookout I've stayed in. Would definitely go back.
There is a non-standard sized mattress that can sleep at most 2 adults, 2 adult sized folding cots, and a toddler sized cot.
You won't have problems getting cell service at the tower.
We left behind more propane than we used but pack ~2 bottles (small green ones) just in case. Please don't leave empty bottles behind as some people did.
Bring disposable plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery as doing dishes is a pain with the near constant, intense wind. That should leave you with the pot and pan as your only dishes you will have to clean there. Clorox wipes and paper towels are really nice to have on hand as well.
And of course a bottle of whiskey will serve you well. Cheers.
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
