About Indian Meadows Guard Station
Overview Indian Meadows Guard Station is located near the Copper Bowls snowmobile area and the Scapegoat Wilderness, offering exceptional opportunities for both motorized and non-motorized winter enthusiasts. The cabin is available for rent from December 1st to March 31st each year. Miles of Groomed snowmobile trails and renowned off trail riding in the nearby Copper Bowls are right out the door from this cabin. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers can explore the quiet of the Scapegoat Wilderness to the north with several trails and endless acres of cross-country terrain. Visitors will enjoy a very remote experience as this cabin’s location is not well travelled in the winter months. Consequently, visitors should come well equipped and well prepared to travel the approximately 8 miles over snow to this remote outpost. The cabin is approximately 5,500 ft. in elevation and sits within sight of the tallest peak in the greater Bob Marshall Wilderness complex, the 9,411 ft. Red Mtn. Wildlife abounds in this area in the summer months, but it is noticeably quieter in the winter months when this cabin is available for rent. Visitors will still have good opportunities to track wildlife in this area, such as Canadian Lynx, Wolverines, Fox, Wolves, snowshoe hare, among others. Recreation Recreation activities are primarily winter based at this location. Snowmobiling, Cross-country Skiing, Back Country Skiing, and Snowshoeing are the primary activities for visitors. Snowmobiling is prohibited in most of the area to the North and East of the Cabin. The Copper Creek Road is regularly groomed by the local snowmobile club and it provides access to the popular Copper Bowls at the base of Red Mountain. The groomed network of trails also extends to the South and access the town of Lincoln via the Sucker Cr. Road #1800. In early season visitors may find that they can hike on the nearby Mainline Trail #480 and the Landers Fork Trail #438 with relatively little snow cover. Heart Lake is
How to Get There
From Lincoln Mt., visitors will travel approximately 5 miles East on Hwy 200 to the Copper Creek Road #330. The snowmobile Trailhead is located approximately 2 miles North on Copper Creek Road #330 and is located on the west (left) side of the road. There is ample parking here for trailers and vehicles. The trailhead is plowed and maintained by the local snowmobile club. Most visitors will park here and proceed over snow for the remaining 8 miles to the cabin. In early December it may be possible to drive further in on Copper Cr. Road towards the cabin. Visitors can follow the below directions in their vehicle in the event that the area is accessible due to lack of snow, but visitors should obey posted closures and pay close attention to weather forecasts to avoid becoming snowed in at the cabin with their vehicle. From the Copper Creek TH visitors can snowmobile, ski, or snowshoe to the cabin. The majority of the route is on marked, groomed snowmobile trails. From the TH visitors will head North East on the Copper Creek Rd #330, known as Snowmobile Trail #4 in the winter months. Proceed on Trail #4 for approximately 6 miles to the jct. with the Indian Meadows Road #1882. This is the end of the regularly groomed snowmobile trail and visitors should expect powder and wind drifts for the remaining 2 miles. At this signed intersection visitors will turn North (right) onto Road #1882 and proceed about 1 ½ miles to the entrance of the Indian Meadows Trailhead. The road forks right
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Indian Meadows Guard Station
Heading to Indian Meadows Guard Station? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Indian Meadows Guard Station?
No central reservation system listed for Indian Meadows Guard Station. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10040565) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Indian Meadows Guard Station?
From Lincoln Mt., visitors will travel approximately 5 miles East on Hwy 200 to the Copper Creek Road #330. The snowmobile Trailhead is located approximately 2 miles North on Copper Creek Road #330 and is located on the west (left) side of the road. There is ample parking here for trailers and vehicles. The trailhead is plowed and maintained by the local snowmobile club. Most visitors will park he…
How do I contact Indian Meadows Guard Station?
You can reach the park at phone: 406 362 7000 or email: N/A.
References & Official Resources