Garnet Ghost Town is a preserved gold-rush settlement in Montana, about 40 miles east of Missoula at roughly 6,000 feet above sea level. You can walk among more than 30 historic buildings, but road access, hours and services vary with the season, so plan around current conditions.
- Setting: About 40 miles east of Missoula.
- Historic scale: More than 30 preserved buildings; Garnet had about 1,000 residents during the 1890s gold boom.
- Road approach: Garnet Range Road runs about 9 miles from Montana Highway 200.
- Day-use fee: $10 per person; visitors under 16 enter free.
What makes Garnet Ghost Town notable
Garnet Ghost Town preserves the buildings and setting of a Montana mining community that grew during the 1890s gold boom. At its peak, about 1,000 people lived there; more than 30 historic buildings remain.
The Bureau of Land Management’s Missoula Field Office manages the site in partnership with the Garnet Preservation Association. Its elevation, roughly 6,000 feet, and its remote mountain setting are part of the visit, not just the preserved streetscape.
Garnet is about 33.4 miles from a two-star hotel in Missoula. The distance makes it a substantial day outing, and seasonal road conditions can affect the approach.
How do you get from Missoula to Garnet Ghost Town?
The recommended drive follows Montana Highway 200 to Garnet Range Road, then continues about 9 miles to the parking area. The BLM advises turning south between mile markers 22 and 23, then following Garnet Range Road and the signs.
The first 4 miles of Garnet Range Road are paved; the rest is gravel. The BLM says other routes are steep, narrow and rough, and does not recommend them. Allow for the change from pavement to gravel as you plan the drive.
Garnet Range Road is closed to wheeled motorized vehicles from January through April under the BLM’s guidance. The Garnet Preservation Association describes vehicle access from May 1 through December 15, depending on snow conditions, and notes that spring or fall visitors may need to park and continue by ski or snowmobile. Winter access is by snowmobile, cross-country skis or snowshoes. Check current road conditions before setting out.
Visitor facilities, fees and preservation rules
The day-use fee is $10 per person, and visitors under 16 enter free. The BLM says America the Beautiful passes cover the standard entrance fee for the passholder and up to three additional adults.
Payment options include cash or check through a recreation fee envelope, as well as contactless or online payment at the remote, off-grid kiosk. The kiosk accepts credit and debit cards, mobile wallets and Recreation.gov payments; day-use passes are also available through Recreation.gov.
The Garnet Preservation Association says dogs are allowed on leash, picnic tables are available and there is no restaurant. Two water pumps can be used to fill bottles; bottled water and soda are available at the visitor center during the season.
The main parking lot is uphill outside town. The BLM reports accessible parking in town for visitors with a valid permit or license plate, and ramps at four main buildings. Camping is prohibited within one-half mile of Garnet Ghost Town.
Building a safe day-trip plan
Plan your visit around both the road and the site’s seasonal schedule. The visitor center is typically open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from May through September, depending on weather.
The Garnet Preservation Association gives site hours of 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily and says the main buildings are generally open from Memorial Day through October 1, with possible weather-related changes.
Those schedules describe different parts of the site, and conditions can change. Before you go, check the official site of the Bureau of Land Management for current access and visitor details. Bring water for the drive and visit, and don’t count on a restaurant on site.
For a broader look at local conditions and seasonal packing, the Missoula weather and packing guide can help you plan what to bring.
If your plans include time in town as well, getting around Missoula is a separate part of the itinerary.
FAQs
How much does it cost to visit Garnet Ghost Town?
The day-use fee is $10 per person, and visitors under 16 enter free. America the Beautiful passes cover the standard fee for the passholder and up to three additional adults.
Can you drive to Garnet Ghost Town in winter?
Wheeled motorized vehicles are barred from Garnet Range Road from January through April under the BLM’s guidance. Winter access is by snowmobile, cross-country skis or snowshoes.
Is there food or water at Garnet Ghost Town?
There is no restaurant. Two pumps are available for filling water bottles, and bottled water and soda are available at the visitor center during the season.