Garnet Ghost Town — Attraction in Montana

Oh my goodness! This is a ghost town like no other I have ever been to. If you love ghost towns and mining this is a must see. This town has remained largely intact due to a few caretakers over the years and how remotely located it is. 11 miles of mostly gravel roads that are well maintained can lead you to the town. Elevation is about 6000 feet so be prepared to gasp for air as you hike from the town back to the parking lot. There is handicapped parking down in the town but everyone else gets the pleasure of hiking a short distance down to the town. The first view of the town on your hike is so surreal. It is hard to imagine how and why people lived here and created a town basically in the middle of nowhere. All of the history is noted in the brochure that is available at the main office cabin in town and on the signs for various sites and buildings. The buildings are in various states of decay or repair and some are still in use or privately owned. Many of the buildings are full of artifacts from long ago that have been found onsite or donated by kind contributors to the restoration of the town. You can stroll through log cabins, old saloons and general stores. Outhouses are everywhere to remind us how it was without indoor plumbing. Don't miss the short walk to the school house. The school house is furnished and kindly adorned with an Eagle Scout project full of pictures and history of the kids and teachers that used the facilities. Everywhere you walk be sure to look under bushes and trees for the discarded cans and materials of everyday life in a mining town. Every wash is full of ancient debris. It must have been an incredible place to see back in the day. At 6000 feet in elevation you are on the peek of the mountain and susceptible to weather changes. We ran for cover in the school as a rain storm passed over. I'm sure snow will close the road in October and probably not reopen til...

Being an active tourist destination during the summer season it’s made available by Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks services. Its estimated attendance during the season is 33,000 visitors Adults and Children, Handicapped Persons are allowed special parking within a short distance of the Town. It would be advisable to contact the Montana Park Service in Missoula during the planning phase of your upcoming vacation to ensure availability and handouts applicable for directions, hours of operation, availability of services on site. Caution is advised while traveling off the highway on the two lane improved dirt road. Anticipate hazards while traveling Both directions to and from Garnet Ghost town such as; winding roads, sharp curves, blowing dust, livestock at large, fallen trees or branches, rocks on roadway. Please OBEY the posted Speed limit and precautionary warning signs along the route. It’s advised to bring your own drinking water containers, water, food, snacks, etc. Please do not litter the route with trash, whatever you bring with you always bring it out when you depart. “Pack it in and Pack it out and some trash receptacles will be available in the town as well. There’s normally fresh spring water in the town depending on the level of drought conditions that particular time of year. No weapons, drugs or alcohol are permitted in the park. Dogs must have a leash and be controlled. Sunscreen is a good idea to have along too. Cell phone service is very intermittent and scattered. Be considerate of others and your surroundings this pertains to the degree of fire prevention and safety. Keep Montana...

Ignore all other reviews of the roads they are sensationalist and useless this is what you need to know. There are 3 routes to access the town, two from the south (I-90) Bear Gulch Rd., Cave Gulch Rd, and one from the northwest (MT-200) Garnet Range Rd. Pick based on the following:

If you are concerned and have no sense of adventure: Garnet Range Rd. Any vehicle will easily make the trip rain or shine.

If you have a sense of adventure but are concerned: Cave Gulch Rd. Any vehicle will easily make the trip rain or shine. Wide and has plenty of turnouts.

If you have a sense of adventure: Bear Gulch Rd. Any vehicle will make the trip with the right line unless it's a lowered sports car. Narrow and few turnouts.

All the roads are gravel and sand which drains well and has excellent traction in wet weather. Expect bumps. Take the road at 15mph or less. There is plenty of room on either side for a single vehicle and there is no danger of falling over the "cliff". Vehicles in the town parking lot when we got there on a rainy day were: Toyota Tercel, Honda Insight (FWD Sedans) Ford Escape,, Kia Soul (Small/Low SUVs), Toyota Highlander, 4Runner, Ford/Dodge/Chevy Pickup Trucks. Most of the vehicles there did not have 4x4 and nearly all had zero modifications. Any car can make it. Just have a sense of adventure and don't chicken out.

Great place. Fun to camp and...