Overview
Window Rock Cabin was built in 1940 and now offers a year-round retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. It is ideally located in one of Gallatin National Forest’s most popular recreation areas.
The cabin is accessible by car in the summer. During the spring (from March 31st through May 15th) the road to the cabin is closed to motorized vehicle traffic every year. Guest should be prepared to hike or bike 12 miles to the cabin during this period.
During winter months the access road is infrequently plowed, so guests should be prepared with a four wheel drive, high clearance vehicle or to ski up to 12 miles to the cabin.
Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Recreation
Hikers and equestrians have access to the Hyalite Peak trailhead that leads into an area of the Gallatin Range known for its waterfalls. Two accessible trails in Hyalite Canyon lead to the waterfalls. Bicyclists can use Hyalite Canyon Road.
Hyalite Canyon is a popular destination for backcountry skiers and ice climbers. Hyalite Reservoir is a mile away, offering opportunities for non-motorized boating and trout fishing. Elk hunting is excellent in Hyalite Canyon in the fall.
Facilities
The cabin sleeps four people on twin beds with mattresses. The wood-burning stove can be used for cooking and heating.A table with chairs, broom and dustpan are provided.
A campfire ring is located outside. The outhouse has an accessible vault toilet.
A horse corral is available with space for six horses.
No water or electricity is provided. Guests must bring their own water supply, garbage bags for packing out trash, as well as bedding, lighting, extra toilet paper and matches.
Natural Features
Window Rock Cabin is nestled in Hyalite Canyon, an area with beautiful wildflower meadows during the summer and thick blankets of pristine snow in winter.
Evergreen forest and the steep ridges of the Gallatin Mountains surround the cabin.Hyalite creek flows nearby.
This area is important habitat for grizzly bears, bison, elk, mule deer, mountain lions, bighorn, wolves and mountain goats.
Nearby Activities
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Winter sports
- Wildlife viewing
Gallery
Directions
From Bozeman, MT: Drive south on S. 19th Ave. for about 7 miles. Turn left onto Hyalite Canyon Road FS 62. Drive about 12.7 miles to the Window Rock Cabin access road and gate on the right (west) side of the road. Use the cabin combination to unlock the gate. Please close the gate behind you. Continue past the gate for about 200 meters to Window Rock Cabin.
Winter Route, December to March 31: the directions are the same except that you must park at the junction of Hyalite Road FS 620 and the Window Rock Cabin access road (which is 12.7 miles from S. 19th Ave.) From there you may hike, ski, or snowshoe the final 200 meters to the cabin. Please park in the wide pullouts to the side of the road so that snowplows and other Forest visitors can pass.
ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION: (Please refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Map )
Hyalite Canyon Road, FS 62, closes to all motorized vehicles the evening of March 31 through May 15. Cabin renters must be prepared to walk, ski, or bike approximately 12 miles to the cabin when the road is closed.
Snowmobiles are not allowed at this cabin or anywhere in Hyalite Canyon past Moser Road FS 6210.
Hyalite Canyon Road FS 62 is intermittently plowed during the winter
GPS Coordinates
Latitude 45° 27′ 43.9999″ N
Longitude 110° 57′ 31.0000″ W