Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout

Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout sits on the apex of Garnet Mountain at an elevation of 8,245 feet, with a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks and valleys: the Spanish Peaks to the west, the Gallatin Range to the south, the Hyalite Ridge to the east and the Gallatin River Valley to the north. A fire lookout has existed on Garnet Mountain since 1930, the current structure was built in 1962, and it is available year-round. In summer the lookout can be reached by hiking, horseback or mountain bike on the Garnet Mountain Lookout Trail, a 4.5-mile route that gains 2,800 feet along its path. Motorcycles and ATVs can access it via the Rat Lake Trail from June 16 through December 1. During winter months, guests must plan on skiing, snowmobiling or snowshoeing up to 10 miles. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety. Hikers, mountain bikers and off-road vehicle riders can use the same trail used to reach the lookout. Snowy conditions offer abundant opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and big game hunting for bear, elk or moose is a popular autumn pastime around Garnet Mountain. The lookout can sleep up to four people on provided bunk beds with mattresses. There is a wood stove for heat that can also be used for cooking, and firewood is provided; other amenities include a table with chairs, basic cookware, dishes and utensils. A vault toilet is located outside the facility, and there is a campfire ring outside as well. Water and electricity are not available, so guests must bring their own water supply and garbage bags for packing out trash, along with bedding, flashlights or lanterns, dish soap, extra toilet paper and first aid supplies. The lookout is an excellent vantage point for watching sunrises and sunsets, or for gazing at the stars on a clear night. Grizzly bears are extremely common in this area, and gray wolves, mountain lions, deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep and the Canada lynx also make their home here. A wide variety of bird species can also be seen.