Gird Point
Closed for the season. The lookout operates mid-June through mid-September, weather and road conditions permitting. Highway 38 (Skalkaho Highway) is closed during winter. Reservations are available via Recreation.gov. Contact the Darby Ranger District one week before arrival for the door lock combination.
Flood Watch issued July 1 at 10:15AM MDT until July 2 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...A portion of west central Montana, including the following areas, Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains, Butte/Blackfoot Region and Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys. This includes the following Specific Areas... Missoula, Butte, Frontage Road from Bearmouth to Drummond, West Valley near Anaconda, Philipsburg, Eds Gulch in Drummond, New Chicago area just east of Drummond, Johnson Fire Burn Area, Daly Fire Burn Area and Sharrott Fire Burn Area. * WHEN...Through this evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Slow moving thunderstorm producing heavy rain. - https://www.weather.gov/mso/hydrology
Special Weather Statement issued July 1 at 4:53PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
At 453 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a line of strong thunderstorms extending from over Victor to near Darby, or extending from 11 miles north of Hamilton to 11 miles south of Hamilton, moving northeast at 25 mph. HAZARD...Heavy rain and pea size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. Locations impacted include... Hamilton, Stevensville, Darby, Woodside, Victor, Pinesdale, Corvallis, Grantsdale, Bell Crossing, Charlos Heights and Como.
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
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, South Dakota, and Idaho
About
Gird Point Lookout offers a unique lodging experience in a historic fire lookout tower originally built to watch for wildfires in the Hamilton/Skalkaho area. Located 11 miles east of Hamilton at 7,702 feet elevation, the lookout was restored beginning in 2001 and now features vintage 1940s furnishings. A 30-inch catwalk surrounds the glass-paneled room, providing near-360-degree views of the surrounding Sapphire, Bitterroot, and Anaconda-Pintler mountain ranges. The cabin is equipped with two beds sleeping up to four people, a table and chairs, propane stove and lantern, wood stove for heat, and basic cooking utensils. Guests must bring their own drinking water, bedding, and propane fuel canisters. An outhouse is provided. No smoking, open flames, candles, or fireworks are permitted inside or near the structure. The surrounding area offers hiking and mountain biking trails as well as off-road vehicle routes on Forest Roads. The adjacent mountainsides have seen several large fires in recent decades, leaving a mosaic of recovering vegetation. Hazardous snags remain standing, so hikers should use caution during high winds.
Directions
From Hamilton, MT 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. From there, hike approximately 0.75 mile on a moderate grade to the lookout.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| 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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