Adventure along the wild road to the lookout at Monument Peak in Meagher County
Monument Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,255 m (7,398 ft) above sea level, located in Meagher County, in the U.S. state of Montana. Drive the unpaved road at your own risk. Very bumpy in good weather, it is not a good idea in rain or snow.
Where is Monument Peak in Meagher County?
The mountain is located in the central part of Montana, within the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. Bears may frequent the area; keep all food out of sight in approved containers and remove all food from the area after eating. Mandatory food storage is required.
What’s at the summit of Monument Peak in Meagher County?
The summit hosts a lookout called Monument Peak Lookout, built in 1936 by the CCC. Abandoned since the 1970s, the cab was lowered to the ground in 1999 and later placed on a short foundation. It has been removed from its original tower and restored for the public.
Is the road to Monument Peak in Meagher County unpaved?
The road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called Monument Peak Road. The road is rough, and a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. During wet conditions, the entire road may be muddy and often slippery. It’s 5.79 km (3.6 miles) long, starting from Logging Creek Road.
Can I drive to Monument Peak in Meagher County in winter?
Set high in the Little Belt Mountains, the road can be snowed in as early as October and is not plowed. Winter access is limited to snowmobile, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing when snow arrives.
Is Monument Peak in Meagher County worth the drive?
Running through a forested terrain with mountainous surroundings, the drive offers views of Monument Ridge and Strawberry Ridge. The summit boasts spectacular 360-degree views of the Little Belt Mountains and beautiful mountaintop meadows to explore. Native wildlife includes black bears, mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, bald eagles, mountain lions, and other species.
Pic: Zack Kephart