Gird Point
Closed — Closed for ongoing maintenance. Typically operates mid-June through mid-September. Reservations for summer 2025 can be made 6 months in advance via Recreation.gov. Access road closed during winter.
R1-2024-01 Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
R1-2025-01 Camping stay limits & prohibitions on pallets and refuse use for target shooting
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within all national forests in Montana, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
R1-2023-01 Northern Region Camping Restrictions
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Northern and Intermountain Regions Salmon Wild and Scenic River: Occupancy and Use
This order enacts visitor use restrictions for activities within the 80-mile-long wild segment of the Salmon Wild & Scenic River corridor, including a one-quarter mile buffer from the river, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Manag
Northern and Intermountain Regions Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
This order implements visitor use requirements for activities within the Restricted Area and on the Restricted Trails, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan (November 2003).
Bitterroot National Forest Food Storage Order
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and wildlife by minimizing human-bear interactions.
Annual Mill Creek Area Climbing Closure
The Stevensville Ranger District is reminding everyone of the annual climbing closure in the Mill Creek area to allow for nesting of cliff-dwelling raptors.
Trapping prohibited within 150' of groomed cross country ski trails
Pursuant to Title 36 Code of Federal Regulation 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited as described below, within the Darby Ranger District on the Bitterroot National Forest.
Bass Creek Recreation Area
Pursuant to Title 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), the following are prohibited within the Bass Creek Recreation of the Stevensville Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest.
About
The Gird Point Lookout offers a unique overnight experience in a restored historic fire lookout tower in the Bitterroot National Forest. Built in 1939 and restored beginning in 2001, this L-4 cabin sits atop an 8-foot timber tower at 7,702 feet elevation, approximately 11 miles east of Hamilton, Montana. The 14x14-foot glass-paneled room features vintage 1940s lookout furnishings and a 30-inch catwalk that provides near-360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding Sapphire, Bitterroot, and Anaconda-Pintler mountain ranges. The lookout accommodates up to 4 guests with two beds, a table and chairs, propane stove and lantern, basic cooking utensils, and a wood stove for heat. Firewood is typically available but not guaranteed. An outhouse is located outside. No electricity or potable water is provided, so guests must bring their own water, propane canisters (1 lb), bedding, and all supplies. Narrow steps and the elevated platform may present challenges for young children and pets. Access requires driving to the trailhead on Forest Road 714, then hiking approximately 0.75 miles on a moderate grade. The surrounding area offers hiking, mountain biking, and ATV trails through fire-recovered landscapes. Adjacent hillsides show mosaic vegetation patterns from past fires, with hazardous snags still present. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound in this peaceful mountain setting.
Directions
From Hamilton, travel 2 miles south on Highway 93. Turn east (left) on Skalkaho Highway 38 and travel 8.5 miles. Turn north (left) onto Gird Point Road/Forest Road 714 and follow this winding mountain road approximately 13 miles to the Gird Point Lookout Trailhead parking area. Hike approximately 0.75 miles on a moderate grade to the lookout.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 821-3913 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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