Garnet Ghost Town | Montana
Step back in time at Garnet Ghost Town, one of Montana’s best-preserved ghost towns. Garnet is about 40 miles east of Missoula, nestled in the Garnet Mountain Range at roughly 6,000 feet above sea level. Once home to about a thousand residents during the 1890s gold boom, the town was largely abandoned when the gold ran out, leaving behind remarkably intact historic buildings for visitors to explore.
From May through September, depending on weather conditions pending, the visitor center is typically open daily, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., offering insights into 19th-century life.
From January through April, Garnet Range Road is closed to all wheeled motorized vehicles and becomes part of the Garnet National Winter Recreation Trail, with access available only by snowmobile, cross country skis, or snowshoes.
Cabin rentals are available on Recreation.gov December through April, with reservations opening October 1.
Camping within ½ mile of Garnet Ghost Town is prohibited.
Flickr Album
Additional Links
- Browse a 3D model of the ghost town.
Contact Us
Activities
Addresses
Geographic Coordinates
Directions
From Montana Highway 200 between mile markers 22 and 23, watch for the brown “Garnet Ghost Town” sign. Turn south onto Garnet Range Road. The first 4 miles are paved, then the road continues as gravel. Continue on Garnet Range Road for about 9 miles and follow signs to the Garnet Ghost Town parking area.
Any alternative route to Garnet Ghost Town is steep, narrow, and rough, and is not recommended.
Fees
Garnet Day Use
$10 per person; free for visitors under 16 years of age.
You may pay fees with cash or check using a recreation fee envelope or use contactless and online payment options at our remote off-grid kiosk (ROK), which accepts credit and debit cards, mobile wallets, and Recreation.gov payments.
Day-use passes can also be purchased online through Recreation.gov.
America the Beautiful Passes cover the standard entrance fee for the passholder and up to three additional adults.
Entrance fees help protect, preserve, and interpret Garnet Ghost Town.
Garnet Winter Cabins
Winter cabin rentals can be reserved and purchased online through Recreation.gov.