Ibex Cabin

Open — Open June 1 through March 31. Closed April and May for road and wildlife protection. Reservations available up to six months in advance via Recreation.gov.

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About

Ibex Cabin was constructed in 1939 as a shelter for Forest Service rangers working within the Shields Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest. Today it serves as a peaceful, remote mountain retreat available for summer and winter recreational use. The rustic cabin is nestled at the edge of a meadow in the foothills of the Crazy Mountains at an elevation of 6,600 feet, with a forest of lodgepole pine behind and views of 7,354-foot Ibex Mountain to the front. The cabin accommodates up to 4 guests and features a wood heating stove, propane lantern, and basic furnishings. No potable water is available, so visitors must bring their own. A vault toilet is provided outside. Summer access requires high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles, as the road can become muddy and rough. Winter access is by ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile for the final 5.5 miles from winter parking areas. The surrounding area offers excellent hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing opportunities on trails like Trespass Trail and Cottonwood Lake Trail. The meadow bursts with wildflowers in summer, and wildlife including mule deer, elk, and porcupine frequent the area. Big game hunting is popular in fall. The Cottonwood area can be extremely windblown during winter, and roads may drift with snow quickly during high winds.

Directions

From Livingston, travel north on U.S. Highway 89 just past Clyde Park. Turn right onto Cottonwood Bench Road and continue 3 miles. Turn right onto Cottonwood Road and proceed about 7 miles to the intersection of Upper Cottonwood Creek Road and Lower Cottonwood Road. Turn left on Upper Cottonwood Creek Road, then take the next right continuing on Upper Cottonwood Creek Road. Continue approximately 4.5 miles to an intersection and bear left onto Ibex Road, following signs for 2.5 miles to the cabin. High-clearance four-wheel drive vehicles strongly recommended. In winter, park along the county road or in the private winter parking area at the intersection of Briggs Lane and Upper Cottonwood Creek Road (approximately 9 miles from Highway 89), then ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile the remaining 5.5 miles to the cabin.