🧯 Pulpit Mountain Lookout
Gallatin National Forest · Livingston Ranger District
Opens in ~2 months
🏛️ Historic structure 1950
🏔️ 8,800 ft
Views of the Absaroka Range, Yellowstone National Park, and Paradise Valley. Elk hunting access in fall.
Unknown access conditions today
Based on season, weather, wind, and snow. Scores update every 30 minutes.
Weather data temporarily unavailable
Access
🥾 Hike-in required
0.50 mi · 400 ft gain
🛣️ Access road
Forest Rd 486, 19 miles from Livingston
📅 Season
July 1 – September 30
Road distance from town: ~19.0 mi unpaved
Booking
Absaroka Range. Yellowstone views on clear days.
Booking window: 6 months rolling via recreation.gov
🎫 Reserve on recreation.gov →
PeakScout availability data may be delayed — always verify on recreation.gov before making plans.
Amenities & Gear
👥 Capacity:
Up to 2 people
🛏️ Beds:2 cots
🔥 Heating:Wood stove
🍳 Cooking:Propane (bring own)
💧 Water:None
🚽 Privy:
Yes
📞 Phone:
None — satellite recommended
🏗️ Structure:L-4 cab on 41-foot steel tower (1950)
⚠️ Bring your own water unless a reliable source is confirmed with the ranger district. Most MT lookouts have no water or unreliable cisterns.
🐻 Wildlife
Grizzly bear habitat — Yellowstone ecosystem corridor. Bear spray essential. Grizzly density high in fall during whitebark pine season.
ℹ️ Notes
Absaroka Range lookout accessible with moderate effort. Livingston is close gateway city with services.
⛑️ Before you go
✅ Check road conditions with the ranger district 24–48h before departure ·
✅ Carry bear spray and know how to use it ·
✅ Pack all water (no water at this site) ·
✅ Leave a trip plan with someone not going ·
✅ Bring a satellite communicator — no cell service at this location ·
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