Gird Point

P.O. BOX 388
DARBY, MT 59829

Overview

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.

Recreation

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 that can be enjoyed on just about any day of the year, regardless of current weather conditions. It provides a peaceful location to relax and enjoy nature. A variety of wildlife make its home in the area as well, providing ample sightseeing and wildlife viewing opportunities, from a vantage point at least 8 feet from the highest point in the region.

Facilities

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. An outdoor toilet is also provided. Guests will need to bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes, as well as propane fuel canisters. Bedding, including mattress pads, is not provided. Visitors should 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 (candles) in the Lookout. No fireworks. The lookout can be accessed by vehicle and then a short hike over a moderate grade for the remainder of the route. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety. The historic L-4 cabin sits on top of an 8' high tower, with narrow steps and catwalk. This may pose a hazard for children and pets. Guests are responsible for their own safety.

Natural Features

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 surrounding Sapphire, Bitterroot and Anaconda-Pintler mountain ranges. The 8-foot tower was originally built to watch for forest fires in the Hamilton/Skalkaho area, but it was later turned into a public recreation location. The lookout was restored beginning in 2001 and now has vintage 1940s furnishings.

Nearby Attractions

Highway 38 is also called the Skalkaho Highway. It continues into the Sapphire Mountains along a primitive and once widely used Native American trail. The scenic drive, which is closed during winter, was built to provide access between mining areas and agricultural communities in the Bitterroot Valley.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Longest RV: 20 ft
Largest party: 4 people

Directions

From Hamilton, Montana, travel east on Highway 38 for about 7 miles. Turn north onto Gird Road/Forest Road 714 and continue for about 13 miles to the Gird Point Lookout Trailhead. The tower is approximately 1/2 mile hike from the parking area.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

14 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

1 stars

Jerry G

Loop:Area Gird Point

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Very cool spot. Picked huckleberries on the way up. Fairly steep climb carrying all the water and stuff but well worth it. Would not have wanted to try to find it in the dark. Only regret was not bringing sleeping pad and pillows. Pad provided was extremely firm. Beautiful spot though and definitely will try to get a reservation again next year.

Joel K

Loop:Area Gird Point

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

We did a roadtrip visiting and stay in 7 different fire lookouts 7 days in a row, bringing our cat along with us. If you want more information about that, find me on YouTube @JoelKalich. Location and Access: We found the hike to be 0.5 miles round trip, not one way. The last 0.5 miles of road is very rough, but otherwise the road was largely well maintained with one slight drainage washout. My lifted Volvo XC70 had no issues, and I imagine a stock Subaru Outback would not struggle. Anything less capable would struggle with the last half mile. Our cat shockingly walked the entire way up and down to and from the lookout. The trail is steep, of course, we took frequent breaks (for the cat, not for us). The lookout: We had no issues getting into the lookout, the code worked well. The hatch is closable, which is nice for being able to walk all the way around the catwalk. The lookout wasn't the cleanest we'd seen, but it was fine. The main table for cards and whatnot was in good shape and very usable. The beds DO have pads, though they're very minimal, they were the things on the walls of school gyms. We wish this had been more clear, as we would've just roughed it and left our pads in the car. The cooking and eating utensils were plentiful. Other guests have left a few things that were not mentioned in the listing, namely a cooler (bring your own ice), propane canisters, and even some beer! We didn't bring ice, so we begrudgingly left all of the warm beer for the next guests. Our cat did manage to rustle up a mouse, but failed to catch it, even though she had ample opportunity and seemed to be very interested in doing so. We were very disappointing in her, and apologize to future guests on her behalf. The views here were some of the best, though not as secluded as other lookouts on our trip, as we could see a city in the distance. The bathroom was quite a ways from the lookout in distance and elevation, but clean and well stocked with TP, with a great view.

Amanda B

Loop:Area Gird Point

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

Beautiful spot! Very clean considering remote location and popular use. Not too bad of a hike to get to. We did use the side road to cut hike down but road is very narrow and no good place to turn around, had to back out. We also found a few ticks on us after hiking around lookout in the grass.

Aaron H

Loop:Area Gird Point

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

Richard E

Loop:Area Gird Point

Site:

Reviewed 3 years ago

Great views, not much fire wood for the fire, and the sleeping mats were very stiff, I would recommend bring your own. Great place.

Brian P

Loop:Area Gird Point

Site:

Reviewed 3 years ago

We had a great two-night stay. A few pieces of information might be helpful to some. One, the road in was in good shape, but be advised there are no signs giving USFS road numbers. We had brought a downloaded OnX map and that made it easy. Truthfully the main road does go to the lookout, but it splits off quite a few times due to logging operations. Just be advised, especially trying to arrive after dark. Two, we parked off the main road down below, but you could drive a little further and then take the little side road closer to the lookout. It's narrow but not rough, and turning around might be tough. But this would cut the hike by 2/3 and elevation change by half. Three, there was a mouse present which isn't a problem if you handle food/trash well. Could bring a mousetrap. Four, it was pretty drafty due to gaps in the window frames - we stuffed some folded paper towels in them, and covered a few with a little duct tape. Five, there is no firewood provided - we carried one bundle up and otherwise scrounged around for firewood. Six, there were two of us and it was very comfortable, but with four people it would be cozy. All in all we enjoyed our stay immensely - great views, nobody around, was able to do some weather-watching too.

Availability

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