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Views of the Crazy Mountains on the way to Ibex Cabin
Closed

Closed for the season due to road and wildlife protection. The cabin reopens June 1 and operates through March 31. Reservations available up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov. Maximum 5-night stay limit.

Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 7:30AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

7:30 AM — August 11th, 9:00 AM

AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Gallatin, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Park, Powell, Ravalli, Silver Bow, Sweet Grass, Sanders, Yellowstone counties in effect until 9AM on 08/11/2026 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 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls, Frenchtown, Libby and Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Dillon, Great Falls, Helena and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Butte, Cut Bank, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant 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

Ibex Cabin was constructed in 1939 as a shelter for Forest Service rangers working the Shields Ranger District. Situated at 6,600 feet in the foothills of the Crazy Mountains, the cabin rests at the edge of a wildflower-filled meadow with views of 7,354-foot Ibex Mountain. A lodgepole pine forest grows behind the structure, and wildlife including mule deer, elk, and porcupine frequent the area. The cabin offers very rustic accommodations with limited amenities. Inside you'll find bunk beds with mattresses for four, a wood heating stove, propane cookstove and lantern, table, chairs, and basic cleaning supplies. A vault toilet outhouse and campfire ring are located outside. There is no electricity or potable water; guests must bring all water and treat any collected from natural sources due to Giardia risk. Summer visitors can drive to the cabin from June through fall, though high-clearance 4WD is strongly recommended due to rough road conditions. Winter access requires a 5.5-mile trip by ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile from the parking area. Nearby trails include Trespass Trail and Cottonwood Lake Trail for hiking and horseback riding.

Directions

From Livingston, travel north on US 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 4WD strongly recommended.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed No
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $35

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (406) 587-6710

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Views of the Crazy Mountains on the way to Ibex Cabin
Ibex Cabin sits on the edge of a meadow
Ibex interior
Fire ring
Ibex wood stove
Cabin in the Crazy Mountains
Outhouse with a view
Ibex bunkbeds

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