Overview

Black Butte Cabin is a snug log cabin that sits high in the Gravelly Mountains. It sleeps four people and has scenic views of an ancient volcanic cone. The area is home to a variety of wildlife and provides access to numerous trails for hiking, horseback riding and off-road vehicles during warmer months, and snowmobiles in the winter.

The cabin is closed just three months out of the year and can typically be accessed by vehicle, however a portion of the roadway may be muddy or snow-covered, requiring four-wheel drive or chains. Depending on the weather, snowmobiles might be necessary to reach the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities, including water.

Natural Features:

The cabin is located on the edge of a large, grassy meadow in the Gravelly Range at an elevation of 8,900 feet. 10,542' Black Butte, the highest peak on the range and an old volcanic cone, overlooks the cabin. The cabin is used primarily for hunting and snowmobiling and is available from July 2 to March 31.

Four-wheel drive and chains may be needed to access the cabin due to mud or snow. During winter or depending on snow conditions, snowmobiles may be necessary for up to 21 miles of the route. Various weather conditions can impact the area's avalanche risks; guests are encouraged to practice safe snowmobiling techniques.

Recreation:

A number of hiking and horseback riding trails originate along the road adjacent to the cabin and explore various drainages in the area. Hikers can also access Black Butte on a trail that easily climbs to the peak behind the cabin. Off-road vehicles must stay on designated trails at all times. The area is also popular during winter months for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.

Guests enjoy hunting in the surrounding wilderness. The area is home to some of the highest-elevation pronghorn antelope, as well as other wildlife. Fishing is allowed in nearby Standard Creek, where anglers might catch Arctic grayling and brown trout.

Facilities:

The primitive one-room cabin sleeps up to four people and has two bunkbeds with mattress pads. It is equipped with a propane stove and propane lantern, however propane is not supplied.

A table and chairs, basic cooking equipment and a wood stove for heat are provided. Firewood is available, stacked against the fence behind the cabin. An outhouse with a vault toilet is located across the road, about 100 feet from the cabin.

Guests need to bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes, as well as bedding, towels, food, toilet paper and garbage bags, among other necessities. Guests are required to replenish the supply of split firewood, pack out all garbage and clean the facility prior to leaving. Cell phone service is not available in the area.

Nearby Attractions:

The cabin is approximately 60 miles west of Old Faithful Geyser.