Montana › Lewis and Clark County › Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Granite Butte Lookout

Open

Open year-round. Reservations available via Recreation.gov at $45/night. Winter access requires 4-5 mile ski or snowmobile from Stemple Pass. Roads may have winter conditions November through May. Food storage order in effect for bear country.

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Air Quality Alert issued August 11 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

August 11th, 8:15 AM — 9:00 AM

AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Gallatin, Granite, Madison, Park, Flathead, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, and Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/12/2026 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 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Frenchtown, Great Falls and Hamilton are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Choteau, Columbia Falls, Cut Bank, Helena, Lewistown, Libby, Malta, Thompson Falls and West Yellowstone 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

Granite Butte Lookout is a historic fire lookout tower that was first built in 1932, rebuilt in 1962, and listed on the National Register of Historic Lookouts in 2008. Situated at 7,587 feet atop the Continental Divide, the 15x15 foot cabin sits on a 20-foot wooden tower offering spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, open meadows, whitebark pine stands, and abundant wildflowers. The lookout accommodates up to four guests and is equipped with one twin bed, three cots, a woodstove for heat, propane cook stove, propane lanterns, table, chairs, and basic dishes and silverware. There is no electricity or running water. A vault toilet is located near the tower. Guests must bring their own bedding, water, propane, dish soap, matches, garbage bags, and personal effects. A food storage order is in effect requiring secure storage of all bear attractants. Access requires a high-clearance vehicle for the final 1.5 miles on Granite Butte Road. During winter, Stemple Pass Road is plowed but visitors must ski or snowmobile the final 4-5 miles. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail passes directly by the lookout, offering unlimited hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities. Winter recreation includes cross-country skiing and access to over 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails.

Directions

Located approximately 16 miles southeast of Lincoln, Montana. Take Stemple Pass Road #601 from downtown Lincoln at the blinking light for approximately 14 miles to the top of Stemple Pass. Turn onto Marsh Creek Road #485 and follow south approximately 3 miles to the junction with Granite Butte Road #4133. The final 1.5 miles to the lookout require a high-clearance vehicle. During winter, park at the plowed Stemple Pass cross-country ski area and ski or snowmobile the remaining 4-5 miles.