Ibex Cabin
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
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
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