Staying in a snow-covered backcountry yurt is the perfect winter adventure for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s all the excitement of a backpacking trip paired with the luxuries and comforts of home. Solo adventurers, friends, and families alike will all find the experience one to remember. Idaho is home to several spectacular backcountry yurts. Here are 5 favorites to add to your Idaho bucket list this season.
Banner Ridge
Trailhead location: 23.5 miles north of Idaho City on Highway 21, just past mile marker 61
Trail description: The trail climbs steadily for 2 miles and gains 750 ft along the way. It winds through the forest and finally tops out on Banner ridge. Impressive views of the Sawtooth mountains are the reward for the uphill push. The yurt is nestled in a stand of trees and has a spacious deck that overlooks the valley.
Best suited for: Families, snowshoers, Nordic skiers, backcountry ski/snowboarders
What makes this spot special: This is an excellent choice for beginners and families. The snow is usually powder and there is plenty of it. Over 20 miles of groomed trails, 50 miles of marked ski trails, and thousands of feet of untracked runs are available right from the front door. Kids will love sledding down the hills while adults watch from the deck – or join in the fun themselves!
Where to reserve: Idaho Parks & Recreation Website
Skyline
Trailhead location: 20 miles north of Idaho City on Highway 21, just past highway mile marker 59.
Trail description: The trail to reach Skyline yurt is 2.5 miles with 650 feet of elevation gain. It has a consistent upward grade along a scenic ridgeline with stunning views most of the way in. The trail eventually turns in towards the forest for the last half mile or so, and the yurt can be found on a high knob with breathtaking views.
Best suited for: Snowshoers, Nordic skiers, backcountry ski/snowboarders
What makes this spot special: The 200-degree view to the east, south and west. It’s one of the best in the Boise National Forest! The open, rolling terrain is perfect for those new to backcountry skiing/snowboarding. Kids will enjoy sledding on the hills behind the yurt as well. Everyone will appreciate the masterpiece in the sky as the sun sets behind the mountains.
Where to reserve: Idaho Parks & Recreation Website
Fishhook Hut
Trailhead location: Stanley, Idaho. The trail begins on the road to Redfish Lake Lodge, 4.3 miles south of Stanley on highway 75. There is a pull-out for parking close by, right off the highway.
Trail description: It is 4 gentle miles to the yurt, only gaining 305 ft of elevation. The first 2 miles are along the road to Redfish Lake Lodge, which is closed in the winter. This is frequently traveled by snowmobiles and is typically well tracked out. The last 2 miles are closed to all motor vehicles and follows a meandering creek through meadows to the yurt. This is where the solitude begins and the magic of winter in the mountains truly takes effect. Snow piled on trees and the frozen stream looks like a real-life Thomas Kincaid painting.
Best suited for: Large groups, families, snowshoers, Nordic skiers, both beginner and advanced backcountry ski/snowboarders.
What makes this spot special: The wood fired hot tub truly sets this spot apart. Be prepared for an all-day endeavor. The tub is filled bucket by bucket with stream water and then heated by a small wood burning stove. It is a team effort for sure. However, soaking in the hot tub in subzero temps while gazing up at the milky way is a memory I will never forget. Fishhook yurt can also accommodate up to 14 people. For beginners, there are many opportunities for scenic tours through the meadows and forests that are safe from avalanche hazards. For advanced skiers and boarders, there is incredible downhill and ski mountaineering potential on the big Sawtooth peaks above the valley.
Where to reserve: Sun Valley Mountain Huts Website
Star Gazer
Trailhead location: 25 miles north of Idaho City on Highway 21, just before mile marker 63
Trail description: The trail is a short but steep 1.4 miles with 550 ft of elevation gain. It is not groomed and will make for quite a challenging ascent in fresh snow. The yurt is perched atop an exposed ridge line. High winds and drifting snow are common, but the 360-degree view is well worth the effort to get there.
Best suited for: Snowshoers, backcountry ski/snowboarders.
What makes this spot special: The 360-degree view! Scott Mountain, Jackson Peak, Wolf Mountain, Steele Mountain, Pilots Peak and the Sawtooth Mountains are all visible right from the yurt. Star Gazer point is just a quarter of a mile snowshoe further up the trail and allows for, you guessed it, incredible star gazing. The skies are dark, and the Milky Way lights up the night. Grab your headlamp and a thermos of hot cocoa for a fun little night adventure to this high point. Photographers will love capturing the night skies.
Where to reserve: Idaho Parks & Recreation Website
Boulder
Trailhead location: 17 miles north of Sun Valley Idaho on highway 75. Parking at Billy’s Bridge.
Trail description: 1.5 easy miles with 350 ft of elevation gain. The trail to the yurt parallels the Harriman groomed trail for part of the way. Please note that snowshoes are not allowed on this trail and a pass is required to ski on it. The trail follows bamboo stakes and eventually turns into the forest. After a brief ascent, the yurt is found at the base of Butterfield Mountain and opposite the impressive Boulder Mountains. Fun fact: the outhouse has one of the best bathroom views I’ve encountered.
Best suited for: Everybody! Families, novice and intermediate skiers, track skiers, snowshoers, backcountry skiers and snowboarders
What makes this spot special: The wood fired sauna. This is a unique amenity and allows visitors to relax after a day of playing in the snow. It can also accommodate groups of 14 people. Cross country skiing is available on the groomed 30 Kilometer Harriman Trail. Touring through the meadows and along the ridges is another option as are downhill runs on ice-cream ridge above the Yurt. Kids can spend hours on the sledding slope right outside. For more experienced skiers, there are plenty of peaks, chutes and bowls to explore further above the yurt. The Boulder Yurts is truly a destination for all interests and abilities.
Where to reserve: Sun Valley Mountain Huts Website
No matter which yurt you venture into, the solitude and scenery will keep you coming back for more. Time spent unplugged in a real-life snow globe will become some of your most cherished winter memories. Remember to pack out all your trash and everything you brought in with you. Leave the yurts better than you found them and protect our Idaho forests by following the Travel with Care principles. Always check current weather conditions and travel within the abilities of all group members.
Feature image credited to Stephanie McNulty.
Stephanie McNulty is a travel writer, photographer, and content creator based in Boise, Idaho. She fell in love with mountains as a young mom and has been chasing them ever since. Stephanie can usually be found in the wild places of Idaho, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond… all with four feral children in tow. Follow her adventures on IG @thebackpackingmom.
Published on November 28, 2023
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