The active fire lookout sits at 11,214 feet atop Crazy Peak, the crown jewel of the Crazy Mountains. On clear days you can see the Beartooths, Absarokas, and Bridgers stretching to the horizon. The lookout staff is usually friendly to respectful visitors, but this is their workplace during fire season. Bring layers — it can be 80°F at the trailhead and 40°F at the summit.
Reached via a strenuous 4.5-mile hike from the Porcupine Creek Trailhead. The trail is steep, rocky, and gains 3,400 feet. Access road requires high-clearance vehicle and gets rough after mile 8. Summer thunderstorms roll in fast up here, so start early. Staffed seasonally June through September, weather permitting.
Montana's highest fire lookout
Place Details
| Type | Fire Lookout |
|---|---|
| Street address | 542 Crazy Peak Drive, Big Timber, Montana 59011 Get directions → |
| Elevation (ft) | 11214 ft |
| Nearest town | Big Timber, Montana |
| Miles from pavement | 12.3 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Access road surface | Rough dirt |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Best season | July-September |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |