Temporary bear-related closure at Ghost Village lifted

UPDATE: May 28, 2026 at 11:40 a.m.

The temporary closure around Ghost Village due to bear activity has been lifted, according to the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The area is back open to public use.

The forest service reminded recreators to always carry bear spray and know how to use it, make noise along trails, store food properly and stay alert.

BOZEMAN, Mont. — A temporary safety closure is in place around Ghost Village in the Hebgen Lake Ranger District because of bear activity.

Custer Gallatin National Forest shared in a Facebook post on May 18, 2026, that the area was closed to all entry and asked people to stay out of the marked closure zone.

The closure includes Ghost Village Road 989 and a larger area outlined on the posted map. Refuge Point Trail is still open, but people cannot leave the trail and enter the closed section.

The closure stretches from Highway 287 near Ghost Village Road 989 to the Campfire Lodge area, then around the Madison River, Earthquake Lake and Beaver Creek before looping back along Refuge Point Trail and Highway 287.

Anyone with questions can call the Hebgen Lake Ranger District at (406) 823-6961.