Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout

Open — Open year-round for reservations via Recreation.gov at $65 per night. Storm Castle Road is currently closed to all wheeled motorized vehicles from January 1 through May 15, requiring guests to park at the winter trailhead and travel 6 to 12 miles via ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile.

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About

Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout perches on the summit of Garnet Mountain at 8,245 feet elevation in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, approximately 21 miles south of Bozeman. The historic lookout, built in 1962 to replace an earlier 1930 structure, offers commanding 360-degree views of the Spanish Peaks to the west, Gallatin Range to the south, Hyalite Ridge to the east, and Gallatin River Valley to the north. The lookout accommodates up to four people with provided bunk beds and mattresses. A wood stove provides heat while a propane stove enables cooking. Basic cookware, dishes, utensils, a table with chairs, and a vault toilet outside complete the amenities. Water and electricity are not available, so guests must bring their own water supply and pack out all trash. Access varies seasonally. From May 16 through December 31, hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders can take the non-motorized Garnet Mountain Lookout Trail, a 4.5-mile climb gaining 2,800 feet from Storm Castle Trailhead. Motorcycles and ATVs under 50 inches wide can use the Rat Lake Trail from June 16 through December 1. During winter months from January 1 through May 15, Storm Castle Road closes to all wheeled motorized vehicles at the winter trailhead, requiring skiers and snowshoers to travel approximately 6 miles or snowmobilers approximately 12 miles. The area is prime grizzly bear habitat with abundant wildlife including gray wolves, mountain lions, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and Canada lynx.

Directions

From Bozeman, take US Highway 191 west to Four Corners, then south towards Big Sky for approximately 21 miles to Storm Castle Road FS 132 on the left. For non-motorized access, drive 2 miles to Storm Castle Trailhead and hike Trail 85 for 4.5 miles gaining 2,800 feet. For motorized access (June 16 to December 1), drive 6.8 miles on FS 132 to FS Road 3112, continue 1 mile to Rat Lake Trailhead, then travel Trail 416 for 6 miles. Winter access (January 1 to May 15): park at winter trailhead 0.5 miles from Highway 191 and ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile to lookout.