Two mule deer bucks enjoy the lush, green grass near Greyson Creek. At the upper left, notice the bright sky reflecting on the surface of the water, the plank bridge, the bench, the seat pad, and the rolled hose. These two 4x4s are right in camp, in the middle of the day.

Our guests come from all over the world. They arrive with all kinds of backgrounds and expectations. We have established these Rules to provide a common framework so that everyone can enjoy their mile-high mountain getaway. When you arrive, you will be asked to certify that you have read these Policies and agree to be bound by them. For your safety and comfort, you will also be asked to certify that you have read the US Forest Service "Know Before You Go" web pages concerning the hazards and dangers present in our wildlands.

For information, or to make a reservation, visit our Contact page. You must provide at least three references, none of them relatives. We will call all your references. Two references must be camp hosts or resort operators where you have stayed in the last two years. To secure your reservation, you must present a valid credit card, on which we will place funds on hold, or cash, for 50% of the fees. Your reservation can be canceled without penalty up to 90 days in advance. If you wish to cancel within 90 days of your planned stay, you forfeit your deposit.

Our opening and closing dates can vary from year to year. We usually open for the Memorial Day weekend and close after the Labor Day weekend. Minimum stay is two nights. Maximum stay is seven nights. Damage deposit is $500. Check in no earlier than 3:00 PM. Let us know in advance if you will check in later than 6:00 PM. No check ins after dark! When you check in, you will be asked to schedule your departure. Check out no later than 10:00 AM. We will verify that you are leaving your cabin and surrounding area in the same condition it was at your arrival. At that time, we will refund your damage deposit. We accept VISA, MasterCard, PayPal, and cash. Rates are subject to change, and include applicable taxes.

The same two mule deer bucks, a few minutes later, stop eating to engage in a little friendly sparring. This is strictly a programmed behavior. It is still summer. There is plenty of food available. There are no does nearby, and the jousting never progresses beyond a gentle pushing contest. After a few minutes of locking horns and pushing each other around, they return to their midday meal.

Another common critter in our neighborhood is the skunk. We consider them pests because they kill coniferous trees by eating the bark around the trunk. You don't want to see them around the cabins, either. This fellow was spotted in a hollow well away from camp, trying to avoid being seen. Skunks are part of the mile high experience.

If you are looking for thrills and excitement, this is NOT the place for you. If you need to drink til you're drunk or smoke til you're high, then this is NOT the place for you.

No amplified music, including radio, smart speakers, cell phone, video player, etc. No warning will be given. If it can be heard outside your cabin or vehicle, you will be asked to leave.

In mid-summer, Montana daylight can dawn as early as 4:30 AM. In order to provide the peace and quiet our guests expect, Quiet Hours extend to 7:00 AM. Around the summer solstice, the long hours of twilight in the evening can fool one into staying out much later than you ought. Because of terrain and forest, nightfall comes earlier to some parts of camp. This will affect guest activities and animal movement. In order to provide a uniform schedule for camp, Quiet Hours begin at 9:00 PM.

If your plans include getting an early start, let us know, so that we can help you minimize the disturbance to other guests. If you plan to return late in the day, be sure to arrive before dark, so that you don't need lights to maneuver in camp.

The Bitter Root or Bitterroot is the Montana State Flower. It seems to prefer the rocky, wind-swept, broken shale on top of Hunter Ridge at 5,400 feet. Spring comes late to this elevation. This plant was just starting to bloom near the end of June.

Grouse can be found in most of Montana, but there is one place near the back of the camp where they seem to always hang out. You might hear them first, or they might hold fast until you nearly step on them. Then a blurr of wings and feathers will make your heart stop for a second as they fly from the ground to the safety of a tree branch.

Our cabins are supplied with sleeping platforms, dishes, pots & pans, utensils, dish soap, SOS pads, dish cloth, and a dish towel. You will be expected to account for these items when you check out.

You should bring sleeping pads, bedding, pillows, bath towels, flashlight, lantern, and first aid kit. Groceries, toiletries, and camp supplies are available in Townsend, 20 minutes away.

Firearms are welcome at camp. Both open carry and concealed carry are permitted at all times. We do not have a firing range for practice, but there are public lands nearby. Ask us for advice.

Hunting, target practice, and plinking are not allowed at camp. Weapons should remain holstered unless needed for self defense. Avoid conflicts with wildlife. Discharge of firearms should be a last resort.

Forest fires are part of life in the Mountain West. Every year, we have lightning-caused and human-caused fires in the neighborhood. Even when those fires are hundreds of miles away, they can still bring us beautiful sunsets.

Because wildfire is always a real threat, and because we are surrounded by land administered by the US Forest Service and Montana Department of Forestry, we require every vehicle to carry an axe, bucket, and shovel. Pick good quality tools that you handle well. No fires are allowed at any time. Outdoor cooking is not permitted, as it tends to attract animals. Cooking is permitted only inside cabins on the provided cook stove.

Part of the mile-high experience is that weather conditions can change rapidly. Bring clothing and accessories (coat, hat, gloves) suited for cold temperatures (down to freezing), as well as hot weather (up to 100°F). Rainstorms usually do not last long here. Summer thunderstorms occasionally bring large hail (pea-size, grape-size, and golf-ball-sized). The largest hail can injure people and damage vehicles. We are not responsible to protect you or your personal property from these acts of God.

While exploring the backroads and jeep trails of the Big Belt Mountains, we watched this afternoon thunderstorm drift over the Missouri River valley below us. Even though these storms are brief, the temperature will drop and the rain will drench the unprepared adventurer.

The US Forest Service publishes guides to enjoying the outdoors, being aware of the ordinary hazards to be found there, and common sense steps one can take to reduce the risks. We recommend that you read these guides before you arrive. (Internet service is not available at the cabins.) These will allow you to pack the right equipment and clothing for your mile high adventure.

Bugs of all kinds are native to our area. Mosquitoes, biting flies, and ticks are the most common pests. You might wish to wear long sleeves and long pants during parts of the day, just for insect protection.

A mule deer doe tends to her twin fawns just above Audrey's Cabin. Displays of wildlife like this are part of the mile high experience.

Our trail cameras catch many wildlife activities that we would otherwise miss. Here is a cow elk near Quintin Creek in the middle of the day.

These policies are meant as a general guide for your visit to Mile High Cabins. This brief web page is not exhaustive of the policies, practices, rules, hazards, dangers, and risks to be encountered during your stay. The Boy Scout motto is "Be Prepared." Read the referenced documents and web pages. Come to our camp prepared to have a good time and a memorable experience.

This page updated 28-June-2021.