Montana · Camping · Bozeman · Near Emigrant

Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout

1
sites
Jul–Sep
best months

Is Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Bozeman Ranger District. It doesn't name Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout, so check the source for the area it covers (17 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Bozeman Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

  • 1 site for cabin campingReservable on Recreation.gov
  • At 8,217 ftHigh camp: expect cold nights, even in summer
  • Near BozemanBozeman Ranger District · Custer Gallatin National Forest

Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout sits on the apex of Garnet Mountain, at an elevation of 8,245 feet. The lookout provides a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Highlights include 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. The structure can be accessed by hiking, horseback or mountain bike on the Garnet Mountain Lookout Trail in the summer. The 4.5-mile trail gains 2,800 feet along its path. Motorcycles and ATVs can access the lookout 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, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Around this trail

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    Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout

    Campground

    Sites open the weekend of Dec 25 on Recreation.gov

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More in Emigrant

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jul–Sep

    Best time to visit Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout

    Best months: July–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      30° / 9°

      13 wet

    2. Feb

      34° / 9°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      42° / 17°

      12 wet

    4. Apr

      48° / 23°

      11 wet

    5. May

      58° / 30°

      14 wet

    6. Jun

      67° / 36°

      14 wet

    7. Jul

      78° / 41°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      77° / 39°

      11 wet

    9. Sep

      68° / 33°

      10 wet

    10. Oct

      53° / 25°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      37° / 16°

      11 wet

    12. Dec

      27° / 9°

      14 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Big Sky 2wnw, MT, 11.8 mi away at 6,590 ft. The station sits about 1,600 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout

1 site for cabin camping

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