Trail Overview

This is a short, but rocky trail from the McGruder Trail up to Burnt Knob Lookout. This is a very popular trail and can get backed up at times due to a lack of parking at the top, so plan accordingly. Overall, this is a very easy trail but will require some ground clearance and 4WD in the best of conditions. Be cautious of late and early snow accumulations that can increase the rating of this trail. Packing extra fuel, food, and water is highly recommended as there are no supplies from Darby, Montana, to Elk City, Idaho.

Photos of Burnt Knob Lookout

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Difficulty

Overall, a very easy trail, but there are some embedded and loose rocks along the trail that will require 4-wheel drive, some ground clearance, and careful line selection to minimize any possible damage.

History

Located approximately halfway through the McGruder Trail and on the very edge of the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness Area, this site was first used in 1922 as a fire lookout point with a cabin built for staff in 1930 and staffed until sometime in the 1960s. It has been generally maintained and preserved from local fires over the years.

Technical Rating

Connor Penna

Jun 14, 2026

Open

Made it up to about 8000’ but some snow with a hollow bottom stopped us just short.