View of the outdoors from the kitchen table

Montana › Gallatin County › Custer Gallatin National Forest

Eldridge Guard Station

Open

Open year-round and reservable via Recreation.gov. Summer vehicle access typically begins in May when snow melts; drive 6.5 miles on Taylor Fork Road/FSR 134 from Highway 191. Winter access requires a 2-mile ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile trek from Albino Lake Trailhead. Maximum 7-night stay per group.

Notify on Availability Reserve

Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 7:30AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

7:30 AM — August 11th, 9:00 AM

AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Gallatin, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Park, Powell, Ravalli, Silver Bow, Sweet Grass, Sanders, Yellowstone counties in effect until 9AM on 08/11/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls, Frenchtown, Libby and Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Dillon, Great Falls, Helena and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Butte, Cut Bank, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Moderate. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us

About

Eldridge Guard Station is a primitive log structure nestled between the Madison and Gallatin Mountain Ranges in the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The cabin sits at the edge of a meadow at 7,030 feet elevation with Taylor Creek flowing nearby. This year-round rental offers access to extensive trail systems for hiking, mountain biking, and motorized vehicles under 50 inches in summer, with snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing available in winter. The cabin sleeps 6 with a maximum overnight group size of 8. Basic amenities include a wood stove for heating, propane gas stove and small refrigerator for cooking, two cots, two full-size futons with mattresses, a table and chairs, and minimal cookware. An outhouse is located behind the cabin. Note that this is an uninsulated, high-ceiling structure that can be very cold in winter even with the wood stove burning. Guests must bring their own drinking water, flashlight, bedding, matches, toilet paper, trash bags, and dish soap. Firewood is provided from October 1 through May 31; guests must gather their own from June 1 through September 30. A corral is available for stock animals. The area is high-population grizzly bear habitat, so carry bear spray and store food securely from March through December.

Directions

From West Yellowstone, Montana, proceed north on Highway 191 for approximately 33.5 miles. Turn left on Taylor Fork Road/Forest Service Road 134 and proceed for approximately 6.5 miles. The cabin will be on the left side of the road. Winter access requires parking at Albino Lake Trailhead (4 miles up FSR 134) and skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling the remaining 2 miles to the cabin.