🧯 Silvertip Lookout
Gallatin National Forest · Gardiner Ranger District
Opens in ~2 months
🏛️ Historic structure 1947
🏔️ 9,612 ft
Remote hike-in lookout with views of Yellowstone's Hellroaring country, the Absaroka Range, and Yellowstone River canyon. Wildlife paradise.
Unknown access conditions today
Based on season, weather, wind, and snow. Scores update every 30 minutes.
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Access
🥾 Hike-in required
6.00 mi · 2,400 ft gain
🛣️ Access road
Hellroaring trailhead from US-89, 6 miles hike
📅 Season
July 1 – September 30
Road distance from town: ~0.0 mi unpaved
Booking
Close to Yellowstone. Very popular — books within hours of 6-month window opening.
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 backpacking stove (bring your own)
💧 Water:Spring nearby (treat all water)
🚽 Privy:
No — pack out
📞 Phone:
None — satellite recommended
🏗️ Structure:L-4 cab on 21-foot ground-level platform (1947)
⚠️ Bring your own water unless a reliable source is confirmed with the ranger district. Most MT lookouts have no water or unreliable cisterns.
🐻 Wildlife
Active grizzly, wolf, bison, and elk corridor. Bear spray required — not optional. Cache food properly.
ℹ️ Notes
Hike-in only via Hellroaring trailhead in Yellowstone NP (day permit required for trailhead). USFS permit needed for overnight in lookout.
⛑️ 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 (source at site may be unreliable) ·
✅ Leave a trip plan with someone not going ·
✅ Bring a satellite communicator — no cell service at this location ·
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