
Granite Ghost Town State Park
Explore the haunting remnants of a once-thriving silver mining town nestled in Montana's scenic mountains.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best weather for road access

Granite Ghost Town State Park
Best Time
Best weather for road access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the haunting remnants of a once-thriving silver mining town nestled in Montana's scenic mountains.
"The journey is challenging but the historic ghost town is worth the effort."

🚗 Choose Your Vehicle Wisely
A high-clearance 4WD is best. Avoid trailers.
🗺️ Navigate with Caution
Follow park signs, not always GPS.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Mining Structures
Main townsite
Explore remnants of Montana's silver boom, including the historic assay office and superintendent's house.

Scenic Mountain Drive
Access road
The journey itself offers stunning mountain vistas, making the drive a memorable part of the experience.

Echoes of the Past
Throughout the park
Wander through the silent streets and imagine life in this once-thriving silver mining town.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Road Conditions & Vehicle Choice
Visitor Center & Information
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Choose Your Vehicle Wisely
A high-clearance 4WD is best. Avoid trailers.
🗺️ Navigate with Caution
Follow park signs, not always GPS.
Road to Granite Ghost Town
🎒 Pack Essentials
Bring water, snacks, and a first-aid kit.
🧥 Be Prepared for Weather
Mountain weather changes rapidly.
Some pictures from the ghost town of Granite
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Choose Your Vehicle Wisely
A high-clearance 4WD is best. Avoid trailers.
🗺️ Navigate with Caution
Follow park signs, not always GPS.
🎒 Pack Essentials
Bring water, snacks, and a first-aid kit.
🧥 Be Prepared for Weather
Mountain weather changes rapidly.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The drive and ruins offer great photo ops.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Granite Ghost Town State Park to be a worthwhile destination for its historical significance and scenic beauty, though the journey can be challenging. The rugged access road requires a capable vehicle and careful navigation, with some reporting issues with GPS directions. The park itself offers a glimpse into Montana's mining past, but on-site visitor information may be lacking.
"Well worth the trip just for the scenery (IMHO). The road is not bad, just steep and narrow - I followed the signs from Granite road. The last mile up is so narrow in some places that 2 full size cars cannot pass. Hopefully the downhill driver is skilled at backing. I would NOT bring a trailer up here - just asking for disaster. If the weather is inclement, I would really recommend 4X4. The Inn at Philipsburg is great and has an RV area. I'd spend a couple nights there and take my 4-wheeler to explore the local area."
MARK
"Worth the visit. Still quite a few structures left. The main road in is a fairly easy drive, but can be steep and narrow. If you end up going higher up towards the superintendents house, the mill, or the ruby shaft, the road does get a lot rougher and steeper, and a high clearance vehicle will be necessary."
Nate Harris
"Do not go by GPS. Turn on nice road to the right. Don't go straight on the dirt road.Just drove up it and got stuck 4 times. There's only forward on road,no turn around area's. It's completely off-road,only for trucks with 4-wheel drive. You end up climbing steep trails, rocky and uneven area, you question yourself, why did I think this was a good idea. Big mistake! Thought the little car wasn't going to make it out. Thank goodness vehicle had 4wheel drive or would still be sitting on Rocky Road. So yes,take road to granite ghost town to the right,don't continue straight which GPS sent us. If you do risk the road we took, don't be surprised when you feel your stomach in your throat, cause you're scared you're going to fall off the road or flip your vehicle. 😂😅"
Connie Szathmary
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main road in is generally better than GPS routes. Turn right onto the road marked for Granite Ghost Town, rather than continuing straight on what might appear to be a main road. The last mile can be steep and narrow, so a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended, especially if the weather is poor.
It's advised not to rely solely on GPS. Some users have reported being directed onto extremely rocky, rutted, or impassable roads that damaged their vehicles. Always prioritize following posted park signs.
No, the road can be challenging. While the main road is manageable for some vehicles, the higher routes towards areas like the superintendent's house require a high-clearance vehicle. A 4WD is highly recommended for safety and accessibility.
If you encounter a road that seems too rough or narrow, it's best to turn back. There are limited turn-around areas, and attempting to push forward in an unsuitable vehicle can lead to getting stuck or damaging your car.
Yes, avoid Highway 169 / Contract Mill Road North when leaving. This route has been described as a deeply rutted boulder field and is virtually impassable, even for 4WD vehicles. Retrace your steps on the main road you used to enter.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information regarding entrance fees is not consistently available in user-generated content. It's best to check the official Montana State Parks website or contact them directly for the most current fee information.
As a historical site, the park is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, specific hours for any facilities or ranger presence may vary. It's advisable to plan your visit during daylight for safety and visibility.
While there may have been a visitor center kiosk in the past, reports indicate it may be vandalized or unmaintained, with missing information. It's recommended to do your research beforehand.
Visiting in winter can be challenging due to snow and road conditions. The access road may be impassable or require specialized winter driving equipment. It's best to check local conditions and road closures before attempting a winter visit.
Advance booking is typically not required for state parks like Granite Ghost Town. However, it's always a good idea to check the official park website for any specific reservation requirements or advisories.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the remnants of a historic silver mining town, including various structures like the assay office and superintendent's house. The scenic drive to and from the park is also a major draw.
A visit can range from a couple of hours to half a day, depending on how much you want to explore and the time taken for the drive. Some visitors found 30 minutes sufficient if weather is bad, while others spent longer.
Information on available facilities is scarce. Reports suggest the visitor kiosk may be unmaintained. It's best to come prepared with your own supplies, including water and snacks.
Yes, the abandoned buildings and rugged mountain scenery offer excellent photographic opportunities. The journey itself also provides scenic shots.
The park consists of historic structures and the surrounding mountainous terrain. The access road can be rocky and uneven, and higher elevations may have snow even in late spring.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no reported food services within the park itself. Visitors are advised to bring their own food and drinks.
The nearby town of Philipsburg offers dining options. The Inn at Philipsburg is mentioned as a good place to stay and dine.
While there may not be designated picnic areas, visitors can likely find scenic spots to enjoy a packed lunch. Ensure you pack out all trash.
Philipsburg offers a range of dining experiences, from casual to more established eateries. It's a good place to refuel before or after your visit to the ghost town.
Given the lack of services within the park, packing all necessary food and beverages is highly recommended for a comfortable visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The abandoned mining structures, the rugged mountain landscapes, and the historic remnants of the town are prime subjects. The journey to the park also offers scenic photo opportunities.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for the historic buildings and landscapes. Midday can be harsh, but still offers good visibility.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. However, a wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive landscapes, and a telephoto lens can help isolate details on the historic structures.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be respectful of the historical structures and the natural environment. Commercial photography may require permits.
Look for interesting textures on the old buildings, dramatic cloud formations over the mountains, and the contrast between the decaying structures and the surrounding nature.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the main townsite area for younger children, as it's more accessible. The drive itself, with its scenic views, can also be an engaging part of the experience. Discussing the history of mining towns beforehand can enhance their understanding and appreciation of the site.
🚗 Adventurous Drivers
Be prepared for the unexpected and always prioritize safety. Avoid relying on GPS, as it can lead to dangerous situations. The reward for navigating these challenging roads is access to a unique historical site and stunning mountain vistas. Just remember to plan your exit route carefully, avoiding roads like Contract Mill Road North.
📸 Photographers
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the scenery and a telephoto lens to focus on intricate details of the historic buildings. Be mindful of the weather, as dramatic skies can add significant impact to your photographs. Remember to respect the historical integrity of the site and avoid disturbing any artifacts.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Access Road
Crucially, do not solely rely on GPS. Several accounts detail being directed onto treacherous, off-road routes that are essentially boulder fields, leading to vehicle damage and getting stuck. Always prioritize following the posted park signs and, if in doubt, retrace your steps. The drive, though challenging, offers spectacular mountain scenery, making it a memorable part of the overall experience.
Exploring the Ghost Town
While the onsite visitor information may be lacking due to vandalism or neglect, the park itself is rich with historical context. Imagine the daily lives, the hopes, and the struggles of the miners and residents as you explore the silent streets. The stark beauty of the abandoned buildings against the rugged mountain backdrop creates a unique and evocative atmosphere, perfect for contemplation and photography.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit