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Garnet Mountain Trail

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This information is a public record of the 1979 NRT application and may be out of date if it has not been updated by a trail manager --
check with the trail manager for updated details before visiting.

Garnet Mountain Trail

USDA Forest Service Backcountry Trail
  • Length
    3.4 miles
  • Elevation Gain
    --
  • Route Type
    out & back

Strenuous day hike to the top of Garnet Mountain with old fire lookout, now used as a recreational cabin.

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Garnet Mountain fire lookout, now a rental cabin. Photo by USDA Forest Service.
Garnet Mountain fire lookout, now a rental cabin. Photo by USDA Forest Service.
  • Garnet Mountain fire lookout, now a rental cabin. Photo by USDA Forest Service.
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Location: Just north of Big Sky, MT., In Gallatin National Forest, 25 mi. S of Bozeman on Squaw Creek Road 2 mi. off US 191.

  • States: Montana
  • Counties: Gallatin

This hike has two routes. One follows an old double-track logging road, climbing steadily until the very end. The other is a steep singletrack that ties into the logging road about a half-mile below the peak. The singletrack trail is 3.5 miles to the top, gaining 2,800 feet of elevation along the way. The double-track trail winds around the back side of the mountain, passing Rat Lake, a few ponds, and the turnoff to Pioneer Lakes along its 4-mile length. Both routes offer great views. The canyon's forested slopes and distant peaks make for epic scenery. Near the summit, the trail passes through a livestock fence and climbs to a fire lookout tower atop the mountain. The tower was built in 1930 and is available to rent for camping through the Montana Recreation Rental Program. Carry bear spray.

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Allowed Uses:

Dogs, on leash Equestrian Hiking/Walking

Public Contact

Brian McNeil
3710 Fallon Street, Suite C
Bozeman, MT 59718
[email protected] • (406) 522-2520
www.fs.fed.us/r1/gallatin

Contact the trail manager for current maps and visiting details.

More Details

  • Elevation (low): 5600
  • Elevation (high): 8300
  • Elevation (cumulative): --
  • Part of a Trail System? No
  • Surface (primary): Soil
  • Surfaces (additional): Soil
  • Tread Width (average): 24"
  • Tread Width (minimum): --
  • Running length (minimum): --
  • Tread Grade (average, percent): 15
  • Tread Grade (maximum): 30
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Cross-slope (average, percent): --
  • Cross-slope (maximum): --
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Certified as an NRT
    Oct 18, 1979
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