Horse Butte Lookout

Horse Butte Overlook is located in the Custer Gallatin National Forest just 20 minutes north of West Yellowstone and outside the boundary of Yellowstone National Park. Custer Gallatin National Forest is known as one of the most ecologically diverse landscapes in the region and covers more than 3.1 million acres. At the top is a historic fire watchtower and a spectacular viewpoint of Hebgen Lake. This tower was constructed in 1953 and is 14 feet by 14 feet and 40 feet tall and was a live-in tower, how's that for small quarters?! There is also an earlier crow's nest lookout that was erected in the 1920s which is still there. At the top and the end of the trail, the elevation is 7,072 feet, over 500 feet above the valley below. There are picnic tables sheltered by the tall trees and an amazing 300-degree view. The road is rocky and narrow, with just enough room to let the occasional oncoming vehicle to pass. The views from the top are spectacular!