The entire experience was memorable and adventurous. The structure has been soundly kept and maintained, the wood stove warmed the place splendidly, and with many items already in place (e.g propane stove, axe, etc) made ease of what little to pack. I also liked that a supply of would was already in the LO and down below and a tradition of prior occupants restocking the wood supply for the next. I/we can’t wait for our next visit! Thank you to all who have helped to maintain this living structure of historic value. Cheers, Kai, Kir, and Lucky

The entire experience was memorable and adventurous. The structure has been soundly kept and maintained, the wood stove warmed the place splendidly, and with many items already in place (e.g propane stove, axe, etc) made ease of what little to pack. I also liked that a supply of would was already in the LO and down below and a tradition of prior occupants restocking the wood supply for the next. I/we can’t wait for our next visit! Thank you to all who have helped to maintain this living structure of historic value. Cheers, Kai, Kir, and Lucky

We had a grand and stormy time at the lookout. There is a lot of wind on this high exposed ridge along the CDT. We had plenty of gales out of the west, rain, low clouds and limited visibility. We also had a few windows of blue sky, enough to hike from the tower, and views in to the Scapegoat section of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. At night lights from Helena, Great Falls and Missoula were visible. Granite Butte LO is accessible by vehicle in the summer, and it sits right on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, so expect visitors, especially on nice days. ATVs like to get to this exposed ridge for the views. There are many backpackers hiking the CDT. They are thrilled to meet folks, and love the sight of this grand structure. Generous folks have left some amenities to help make the place comfortable, but the bedding should be removed. If you like to hike, check out these one way routes in the area: Summit Granite Butte (@ 1 mile from the LO), drop down below Granite Butte to the Marsh Creek Road (2 miles), from the LO to Stemple Pass on the CDT (4 miles); set up a shuttle to hike Stemple Pass to Flesher Pass (11 miles), Flesher Pass to Rogers Pass over Anaconda Hill (13 miles), Rogers Pass to Lewis & Clark Pass & summit Green Mtn. (12 miles), Lewis & Clark Pass & down Alice Creek (a 10 mile loop) or set out to the base of Pyramid Peak In the Scapegoat (10 miles). The surrounding meadows are loaded with wildflowers. Enjoy this beautiful place, and take care of it for the future.

We had a grand and stormy time at the lookout. There is a lot of wind on this high exposed ridge along the CDT. We had plenty of gales out of the west, rain, low clouds and limited visibility. We also had a few windows of blue sky, enough to hike from the tower, and views in to the Scapegoat section of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. At night lights from Helena, Great Falls and Missoula were visible. Granite Butte LO is accessible by vehicle in the summer, and it sits right on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, so expect visitors, especially on nice days. ATVs like to get to this exposed ridge for the views. There are many backpackers hiking the CDT. They are thrilled to meet folks, and love the sight of this grand structure. Generous folks have left some amenities to help make the place comfortable, but the bedding should be removed. If you like to hike, check out these one way routes in the area: Summit Granite Butte (@ 1 mile from the LO), drop down below Granite Butte to the Marsh Creek Road (2 miles), from the LO to Stemple Pass on the CDT (4 miles); set up a shuttle to hike Stemple Pass to Flesher Pass (11 miles), Flesher Pass to Rogers Pass over Anaconda Hill (13 miles), Rogers Pass to Lewis & Clark Pass & summit Green Mtn. (12 miles), Lewis & Clark Pass & down Alice Creek (a 10 mile loop) or set out to the base of Pyramid Peak In the Scapegoat (10 miles). The surrounding meadows are loaded with wildflowers. Enjoy this beautiful place, and take care of it for the future.

Be prepared for weather (wind, ice, etc.). The structure vibrates in high wind, but we were convinced it would not collapse during our stay!

Be prepared for weather (wind, ice, etc.). The structure vibrates in high wind, but we were convinced it would not collapse during our stay!

Love it here, but be prepared for lots of visitors who like to come up the steps and look around, sometimes without asking!

Love it here, but be prepared for lots of visitors who like to come up the steps and look around, sometimes without asking!

We snowshoed in along the road. It was a fairly easy hike, but with our packs and some food breaks it took us about 4.5 hours. We decided to take the ‘hardest’ last bit of the hike up, but in snowshoes it was actually not too difficult. The last stretch getting up to the tower was extremely windy, but the tower itself was very cozy. They’re stocked with pillows/blankets, lanterns, matches, pots/pans, dishes, aluminum foil, cards, and other misc games/reading material. There were also a few partly used propane tanks around, and some leftover food stuffs. We did some snowshoeing around the area and up to Granite Butte (highly recommend!) On our way out, we took the Continental Divide Trail instead of the road, and it would have been lovely, but it was very windy and we were in the middle of a snow storm. Starting from the head towards the tower, it’s a bit long of an uphill hike and much of the trail is exposed to the wind. The descent however felt worth it! Also with some snack breaks, it took us just under 3.5 hours.

We snowshoed in along the road. It was a fairly easy hike, but with our packs and some food breaks it took us about 4.5 hours. We decided to take the ‘hardest’ last bit of the hike up, but in snowshoes it was actually not too difficult. The last stretch getting up to the tower was extremely windy, but the tower itself was very cozy. They’re stocked with pillows/blankets, lanterns, matches, pots/pans, dishes, aluminum foil, cards, and other misc games/reading material. There were also a few partly used propane tanks around, and some leftover food stuffs. We did some snowshoeing around the area and up to Granite Butte (highly recommend!) On our way out, we took the Continental Divide Trail instead of the road, and it would have been lovely, but it was very windy and we were in the middle of a snow storm. Starting from the head towards the tower, it’s a bit long of an uphill hike and much of the trail is exposed to the wind. The descent however felt worth it! Also with some snack breaks, it took us just under 3.5 hours.