Recreation area
Garnet Ghost Town
One thousand people called Garnet home in the 1890s as they scoured the mountains for gold. Largely abandoned 20 years later when the gold ran out, today the town is well-preserved and offers a glimpse into the struggles of those early miners and homesteaders.
Listed under Picnic spots · Hiking trails · Bike trails · Nature centers & history sites · Recreation areas
About this place
The visitor center has information about 19th century life here. Two rental cabins are available December through April; arrangements need to be made in advance by calling the Missoula Field Office BLM. Depending on weather, the visitor center is open daily from late May through September from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Practical information
- Town
- Other towns
- Arrival
- From State Highway 200, about 30 miles east of Missoula, turn south between mile markers 22 and 23. Follow signs for 10 miles to Garnet.
- Parking
- This pass does not guarantee parking availability. For your safety, please remember that parking outside of designated areas is discouraged and visitors who park illegally may be fined and towed.
- Fees
- $10 per person, free for those less than 16 years old.
- Hours
- Depending on weather, the visitor center is open daily from late May through September from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
- Dogs
- Dogs are allowed on-site, but not inside the historic buildings. Please clean up after your pets.
- Use rules
- Winter access from either direction is only by snowmobile, snow shoes, or cross-country skis.
- Managed by
- Federal agency
- Phone
- 1 (406) 329-3914
Activities
- Historic and cultural site
- Interpretive programs
- Picnicking
- Visitor center
- Fire lookouts and cabins overnight
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Self-guided history tours
Amenities
- Water
Sources
- from blm.gov/visit/garnet-ghost-town updated
- from recreation.gov/activitypass/AP23157 updated
- from flickr.com/photos/blm_mtdks/24007398061 updated