Garnet Range Road
Ghost town gateway through mining country
This 12-mile dirt track winds through the heart of Montana’s Garnet Mountains, connecting Highway 200 to the historic Garnet Ghost Town. The route follows old mining roads built in the 1890s when prospectors pulled millions in gold from these hills. Steep climbs through dense lodgepole pine give way to open ridgelines where you can see the Blackfoot Valley stretched out below. The ghost town itself sits at 6,000 feet, with over a dozen preserved buildings including the JK Wells Saloon and Davey’s Store.
High clearance is mandatory — this isn’t a Sunday drive in the family sedan. Rocky sections, loose scree, and steep grades demand attention, especially when wet. The road is typically passable May through October, but check conditions with the BLM Missoula office before heading out. No cell service, no water, and the nearest fuel is 30 miles away in Potomac. But you’ll have 30,000 acres of roadless wilderness practically to yourself, plus some of the best-preserved mining ruins in the West.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6000 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Potomac, Montana |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Subaru Outback make it to Garnet Ghost Town?
Yes, high-clearance 2WD vehicles can handle this trail, though you'll want to take it slow over the rocky sections. The road is well-maintained enough for most crossover SUVs with decent ground clearance.
Is Garnet Range Road accessible in winter?
No, the road is typically snow-covered and impassable from November through April. Best access is May through October when conditions are dry and stable.
Do I need permits or pay fees to visit Garnet Ghost Town?
There's a small day-use fee at the ghost town itself (usually $3-5 per person), but no permits required for the drive. It's managed by BLM and the Garnet Preservation Association.
What's the trickiest part of this trail?
The steepest climb with loose rock happens about halfway through - nothing technical, but you'll want momentum and steady throttle. Some washboard sections can get rough during dry spells.
Can I camp along Garnet Range Road or only at designated spots?
Dispersed camping is allowed on BLM land along the route, just follow Leave No Trace principles. There are several good flat spots for camping before you reach the ghost town area.