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Recreation Region: Madison Ranger District

Black Butte Cabin

Black Butte Cabin is a snug log cabin that sits high in the Gravelly Mountains. It sleeps four people and has scenic views of Lion Mountain. 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 open nine months out of the year, July through March, and can typically be accessed by vehicle in summer and fall, however a portion of the roadway may be muddy or snow-covered, requiring four-wheel drive or chains. Snowmobiles are necessary to reach the cabin in winter. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities, including water.

Reservations

Make Reservations Here

General Information

• This is a one room cabin that sleeps 4 (two bunk beds). The cabin is equipped with a wood burning stove for heat. Firewood is available for use in the cabin stove only.
• Bring your own disposable propane canisters for camp stove and lantern.
• There is minimal cooking equipment provided.

Renters must call the district office with their reservation number at 406-682-4253 during office hours for the lock combination. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Mountain Time) Mon-Fri, closed on weekends and Federal holidays. 

• The vault toilet is located approximately 200 feet north of the cabin.
• Bears frequent the area and mandatory food storage and refuse requirements are in effect March 1 through December 1 annually. All food, garbage and animal carcasses must be properly stored and made unavailable to wildlife. 

• Potential exposure to hantavirus due to presence of mice droppings in cabins.
• Rodenticide may be in use in the cabin. Take appropriate precautions to avoid ingestion by children and pets.
• No garbage service provided. Please pack it in, pack it out.
• No cleaning service provided. Please clean the cabin before leaving. Cleaning supplies are provided.
• Please replenish supply of split wood and kindling before leaving.
• There is a spring located south of the cabin.
• Livestock are not allowed within the fenced area around the cabin and must be properly contained. Hay and feed, including grain, must be certified weed-free.
 

Open July 1 through March 31

Open July through March.

Camping not allowed at this site. Stock not allowed within fence around cabin and must be contained properly.

There is a $45.00 per night fee for this cabin.

There is a $45.00 per night fee for this cabin.

Madison Ranger District office building

Address: 5 Forest Service Road Ennis, MT 59729
Phone: 406-682-4253
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 44.917082

Longitude: -111.825761

Directions

The cabin is located approximately 32 miles south of Ennis, MT and 13 miles northwest on Standard Creek Road (FS Road 237) in the Gravelly Range. Take Highway 287 approximately 32 miles south of Ennis to West Fork Rest Area. Turn west, cross Madison River on to Forest Service Road 237 approximately 13 miles.  Depending on snow conditions, snowmobile travel may be necessary. Refer to the Southwest Montana Interagency Visitor/Travel Map regulations.

Facility and Amenity Information

Accessibility

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are not available at this site.

Horse/Pack Animal Information

Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Hiking Hiking
Horse Riding and Camping Horse Riding and Camping
Winter Sports Winter Sports

Day HikesDay Hikes

Horseback RidingHorseback Riding

SnowmobilingSnowmobiling

Last updated March 11th, 2025