Garnet

Garnet is a ghost town in Montana situated in the mountains within a valley called First Chance Gulch. Many original wooden buildings remain today, including miners' cabins, stores, and other structures that reflect the town's appearance during its years as an active mining settlement.

The town emerged in the 1890s as miners came to the area seeking gold, and the population quickly grew to around 1000 residents. Decline began as gold deposits were exhausted and a fire in 1912 destroyed many buildings, prompting most inhabitants to leave.

The name Garnet comes from garnet minerals found in the area that drew early prospectors. The wooden buildings and narrow streets show how closely mining families lived and worked together in this small community.

The site is accessible from Missoula and sits about 11 miles from a main highway junction. The drive over Garnet Range Road takes you on mountain roads; be aware that large vehicles or RVs are not suitable for these routes.

During the coldest months, Garnet is only reachable by snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes, giving the place a completely different character. This winter isolation makes it a rare destination for those seeking a solitary experience in a frozen mountain landscape.