Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout

About

Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout is a historic fire lookout tower originally built in 1962, now available as a rental cabin in the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Perched at 8,245 feet on the summit of Garnet Mountain, it offers unobstructed 360-degree views including the Spanish Peaks to the west, the Gallatin Range to the south, Hyalite Ridge to the east, and the Gallatin River Valley to the north. The lookout is an excellent vantage point for watching sunrises, sunsets, and stargazing. The cabin accommodates up to 4 guests and includes bunk beds with mattresses, a wood stove for heating and cooking, a table, chairs, basic cookware, dishes, and utensils. An outdoor vault toilet is provided. Firewood is supplied from October through May only. Guests must bring their own water, bedding, flashlights, toilet paper, garbage bags, and cleaning supplies as the facility is not cleaned between every visit. Summer access is via a 4.5-mile hiking trail from Storm Castle Trailhead gaining 2,800 feet of elevation. Mountain biking and horseback are also permitted. ATVs and motorcycles under 50 inches wide can use the Rat Lake Trail from June 16 through December 1. Winter access requires skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling approximately 10-12 miles from the winter trailhead, as Storm Castle Road closes to wheeled vehicles January 1 through May 15. Grizzly bears are extremely common in this area.

Directions

From Bozeman, take US Highway 191 west to Four Corners, then south toward Big Sky/West Yellowstone for approximately 21 miles to Storm Castle Road (FS 132) on the left, immediately crossing the Gallatin River on a concrete bridge. Drive 2 miles on Storm Castle Road to the Storm Castle Trailhead. Take Trail 85 south, staying left to avoid the Riverside Trail. Climb 4 miles and 2,500 feet to the lookout. Alternative motorized access (June 16-Dec 1): Continue 6.8 miles on FS 132 to FS Road 3112, then drive about 1 mile to the Rat Lake Trailhead and take Trail 416 for 6 miles.