Guides/Overland routes/Montana
Overland route12 mi2,000 ft gaindifficulty: easy

Garnet Range Back Country Byway

RegionMontanaAgencyBureau of Land ManagementLast verified—
Garnet Range Back Country Byway — overland route near Drummond, Montana, Montana
Photo by Alyse Backus / BLM Montana via Wikimedia Commons (public domain)
Trail vitals7 facts
Length
12mi
Elev gain
2,000ft
Technical difficulty
Easy
Direction
Out and back
Vehicle
High-clearance vehicle. The road is graded gravel and accessible to most passenger SUVs in dry conditions; closed January 1 through March 31 except to over-snow vehicles.
Best months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Cell coverage
Spotty
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The Garnet Range Back Country Byway is a 12-mile gravel route in western Montana that climbs 2,000 feet from State Highway 200 to Garnet Ghost Town, a preserved 1890s gold-mining boomtown of 30 standing buildings managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Garnet held 1,000 residents at its peak before the gold ran out 20 years later; today the BLM rents two cabins December through April and runs the town as an interpretive site.

The road is closed January 1 through March 31 to vehicles except over-snow transport. From January through April the route is groomed for snowmobiles. The byway begins 30 miles east of Missoula at the Garnet Range Road junction with Highway 200.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Winter closure. January 1 through March 31 closed to vehicles. Snowmobile access only during this period.
  • Mud. Spring and fall rain creates slick sections.
  • Wildlife. Black bears, mule deer, and mountain lions in the area.
  • Cell coverage. Spotty.
  • Historic structures. 1890s buildings are fragile. Stay on marked trails.

Location

12 mi · Overland route

Approx. location 46.829, -113.320

Trail facts

5 fields
AgencyBureau of Land Management
Nearest townDrummond, Montana
Websitewww.blm.gov/visit/garnet-recreation-management-area
ClosedJan, Feb, Mar
Approx. location46.829, -113.320

Getting there

Directions

From Missoula, drive 30 miles east on State Highway 200 to the Garnet Range Road junction. The byway begins here and climbs 12 miles north to Garnet Ghost Town.

Approximate ghost town coordinates: 46.829° N, -113.320° W.

Photos

1 photo

Photos · 1

Field notes

Getting Oriented

The byway sits in Powell County, between Missoula and Drummond. The Garnet Range is a small mountain group north of Highway 200 that holds significant 1890s mining history. Garnet Ghost Town sits at 6,000 feet near the summit. The BLM Missoula Field Office administers both the byway and the ghost town.

Trail Overview

From State Highway 200, the byway climbs 12 miles up the Garnet Range Road, gaining 2,000 feet through pine forest and meadow. The road is graded gravel suitable for passenger SUVs in dry conditions; spring and fall mud can make some sections slick. The road tops out at the Garnet Ghost Town parking area, where visitors walk through the preserved town. A self-guided interpretive trail runs through the buildings, with a small visitor center open during summer months.

Points of Interest

  • Garnet Ghost Town. 30 preserved buildings from the 1890s. Self-guided walking tour.
  • Visitor center. Open seasonally. Books, interpretation, and ranger contact.
  • Two BLM rental cabins. Available December through April for winter snowmobile-access stays. Reserve via the Missoula Field Office.
  • Garnet Mountain Lookout. A short side trail from the ghost town with panoramic views.
  • Mineral collection. The area is known for garnet specimens; collection rules apply on BLM land.

Where to Camp

Dispersed camping is allowed in the surrounding BLM and Lolo National Forest land with the standard 14-day stay limit. There is no developed campground at the ghost town. Drummond and Missoula have commercial RV parks. The two BLM cabins are the closest indoor option in winter.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Visit May through October for vehicle access. Winter brings snowmobile-only access from January through April.
  • Carry water; the byway has no potable water.
  • Cell service is spotty.
  • Stay on designated trails in the ghost town. Buildings are over a century old and fragile.
  • Hunting is allowed in season. Wear visible colors during fall.
  • Contact the BLM Missoula Field Office at 406-329-3914 for current conditions and cabin reservations.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Garnet Range Back Country Byway?
Garnet Range Back Country Byway is rated easy. The route runs 12 miles with 2,000 feet of elevation gain.
What kind of vehicle do you need for Garnet Range Back Country Byway?
High-clearance vehicle. The road is graded gravel and accessible to most passenger SUVs in dry conditions; closed January 1 through March 31 except to over-snow vehicles.
When is the best time to visit Garnet Range Back Country Byway?
The best months are May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Avoid Jan, Feb, Mar.
Is there cell service at Garnet Range Back Country Byway?
Spotty