Maxey Cabin

USDA Forest Service campground, 1 site

Overview

Maxey Cabin offers a quaint mountain retreat that is ideally located in one of Gallatin National Forest's most popular recreation areas. Guests can expect a few creature comforts at the cabin, but they will need to bring some of their own supplies and gear.

The cabin is accessible by car in the summer. During the spring (from March 31st through May 16th) 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. The final mile on the Maxey Cabin Road are not plowed during the winter and guests should come prepared to ski or snowshoe the final distance 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 main cabin has bunk beds with mattresses to sleep up to four people. There is also a wood stove for heat, a table and chairs, a propane lantern, broom and dust pan. A smaller cabin is unheated and is only available in the summer. It provides bunk beds with mattresses to sleep up to two people. The two cabins together can accommodate up to 15 people. A vault toilet and campfire ring are located outside. The cabin does not have water or electricity. Guests need to supply their own drinking water, as well as cooking gear, lanterns or flashlights, bedding, matches, toilet paper, dish soap, towels and other necessities. The cabin will need to be cleaned and all trash removed prior to leaving.

Natural Features

The 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 Reservoir is nearby. This area is important habitat for grizzly bears, elk, mule deer, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, wolves and mountain goats.