Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout
Big Sky, Montana · 8,219 ft · In Custer Gallatin National Forest
Photos: Kelly Camacho
At a glance
3 of 8 facts known · recreation.gov, checked Sep 24, 2026
- Elevation
- 8,219 ft (2,505 m)8,219 ft2,505 m
Loops1
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From recreation.gov's site list, Oct 10, 2026. Loop names are trimmed and merged.
Amenities
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About
Overview
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.
From Recreation.gov, Recreation.gov — campground rate cards, and USDA Forest Service — Recreation Opportunities · · Edit
Cell service
Report signal- VerizonNo coverage on FCC map
- AT&T4G LTE
- T-Mobile4G LTE
Cell service at Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout: FCC map Sep 2026
Weather
National Weather Service
- ThuPatchy Fog then Mostly Sunny, 4% chance of rain49°27°
- FriSunny67°33°
- SatSunny68°34°
- SunSunny65°36°
- MonSunny, 1% chance of rain67°36°
Nearby camping
SeeSee all on the map
Spire Rock Campground
Public Land · 1.0 mi · Big Sky
Spire Rock Group Campground
Other · 1.1 mi · Big Sky
Fr132-05
Dispersed · 1.2 mi · Big Sky
3 more within 25 mi
Nearby
The closest of each, in a straight line from here.
Dispersed camping nearby
Free dispersed camping within 19 mi, on public land.
Location and contact
Data from Recreation Information Database (RIDB) / Recreation.gov, Recreation.gov — campground rate cards, USDA Forest Service — Recreation Opportunities
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