Gird Point

The Gird Point Lookout offers a unique chance to camp on top of a mountain peak in a rustic, old-time setting. It sits high above the valley and provides panoramic views of three surrounding mountain ranges. Comfortably equipped, the lookout tower provides almost everything anyone would need to enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities available in the mountains of western Montana. A variety of hiking and mountain biking trails are available in the area, as well as some off-road vehicle trails. The adjacent mountainsides have had several large fires in the last few decades and visitors will see a mosaic of recovering vegetation patterns; hazardous snags still remain standing, and hikers should use caution, especially during high winds. The lookout is known for its scenic views, which can be enjoyed on just about any day of the year regardless of current weather, and it provides a peaceful location to relax and enjoy nature. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area as well. The 14-by-14 lookout is equipped with two beds that can sleep up to four people. It has a table and chairs, a propane stove and lantern, basic eating and cooking utensils and pots and pans, as well as a wood stove for heat and cooking. Firewood should be available at the tower but supply cannot be guaranteed, and an outdoor toilet is provided. Guests will need to bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning, as well as propane fuel canisters. Bedding, including mattress pads, is not provided, so plan to bring bedding, towels, soap, matches, garbage bags, toilet paper and food, among other necessities. Guests are required to pack out all trash and clean the cabin prior to leaving; basic cleaning equipment is provided. No smoking or open flames, including candles, are allowed in the lookout, and no fireworks. The lookout can be accessed by vehicle and then a short hike over a moderate grade for the remainder of the route, and guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety. The historic L-4 cabin sits on top of an 8-foot high tower, with narrow steps and catwalk, which may pose a hazard for children and pets. The lookout is located 20 miles east of Hamilton, Montana, in the Bitterroot National Forest at an elevation of 7,702 feet. A 30-inch catwalk surrounding the glass-paneled room offers unobstructed views of the Sapphire, Bitterroot and Anaconda-Pintler mountain ranges. The tower was originally built to watch for forest fires in the Hamilton/Skalkaho area, but was later turned into a public recreation location, restored beginning in 2001 and now furnished in vintage 1940s style. Nearby, Highway 38, also called the Skalkaho Highway, continues into the Sapphire Mountains along a primitive and once widely used Native American trail; the scenic drive, closed during winter, was built to provide access between mining areas and agricultural communities in the Bitterroot Valley.