{"id":29870,"date":"2017-12-05T07:00:27","date_gmt":"2017-12-05T14:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitidaho.org\/?post_type=trip_guide&p=29870"},"modified":"2022-04-11T08:23:49","modified_gmt":"2022-04-11T14:23:49","slug":"idahos-epic-winter-escape-yurts","status":"publish","type":"travel_tip","link":"https:\/\/visitidaho.org\/travel-tips\/idahos-epic-winter-escape-yurts\/","title":{"rendered":"Idaho\u2019s Epic Winter Escape: Yurts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
This winter, why not load your backpack, grab some friends and hit the trail for a sleepover in a backcountry yurt. Miles away from the hustle and bustle of a city, Idaho has dozens of cozy yurts to call home while exploring marvelous mountains. From quiet cabins to hot-tub ready huts, check out some of the best winter yurts in Idaho.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several Idaho state parks include yurts in their lineup of overnight lodging options. Many of the yurts sleep up to six people, are accessible by vehicle and are equipped to withstand all sorts of weather conditions. These are an excellent option for those looking for a unique outdoor experience without going too far off the grid. Find out more about reserving a yurt here. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are four yurts located in Winchester State Park: Tamarack Yurt, Ponderosa Yurt, Lodgepole Yurt and Snowberry Yurt. Each yurt can sleep up to five people, allows dogs and has at least one designated parking space. Make sure to book at least 48 hours in advance! While you’re in the area, check out the nearby Wolf Education and Research Center<\/a> to learn about the area\u2019s wolves and their habitats. Tours are free for kids under age six! Call ahead to reserve your spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take the family on an unforgettable winter camping trip at Cygnet Yurt or Wyethia Yurt in eastern Idaho’s Harriman State Park. Each yurt is outfitted to sleep up to six people with two bunk beds, a picnic table, wood-stove, propane cooking stove, and lantern. Drinking water, firewood, and a vault toilet are located just outside the yurt. Be prepared to pack in flashlights, sleeping bags, water containers, food, camp cookware, propane, and most importantly, don\u2019t forget to pack your snow gear for unforgettable winter adventures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Designed to accommodate a crowd, Osprey Point Group Yurt Camp features three yurts that can house up to 30 people. Two yurts share one deck with the third yurt on an adjacent deck, leaving a common space for vehicles and gear in between. Each yurt has basic equipment like a wood stove, drinking water, and bunks. For a day trip that is equal parts fun and relaxing, check out Gold Fork Hot Springs<\/a> located just outside the park in Donnelly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Galena Lodge<\/a> in Ketchum has four on-site yurts available for guests looking for a unique winter escape. Yurt dwellers can also enjoy the wood-fired sauna to unwind and warm up after a day of playing outside. For those looking to up the game on creative culinary experiences, you can even have a hearty and delicious dinner delivered right to your door (you must arrange this in advance). If you need to get out of the snow for a day, make the short trip into Sun Valley for a horse-drawn sleigh ride<\/a> or an afternoon ice skating <\/a>at Sun Valley Resort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Located at the southern end of the high ridge above Galena Lodge, Senate View Yurt is perfect for a family getaway due to its close proximity to the sledding hill and main lodge. The yurt can sleep up to eight people and is equipped with essential amenities. It is next door to Star\u2019s Perch yurt, making it a popular location for large groups renting both yurts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Star\u2019s Perch Yurt sits in between two other yurts and is a short distance from the lodge. The yurt sleeps eight people and has a wood-fired sauna that is open to all yurt guests. Fully equipped with essentials, games, books and lovely views, Star\u2019s Perch is a cozy haven within a winter wonderland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tucked away from the other yurts on a ridge behind the lodge, Honeymoon Yurt is named for its cozy, quiet location. Great for a romantic night for two or an adventure as a family of four, the yurt has two double futons, a wood stove and plenty of games to stay entertained. This is also a dog-friendly yurt, but be advised that not all surrounding trails are open to dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Located just off Jenny\u2019s Way Nordic Trail, The Miner\u2019s Yurt is ideal for a remote rendezvous. The yurt is dog-friendly and can sleep up to eight people. There are several trails that can be accessed from the yurt, making for great snowshoeing and skiing. Miner\u2019s Yurt also has a deck that offers spectacular views overlooking the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [travel-tip-signup list=”General”]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Experience a winter night under the stars in one of the Idaho City backcountry yurts<\/a>. Up to six people can sleep comfortably on two bunk beds and a futon located within each yurt. Each yurt has a table, wood stove, cooking and dining utensils and cleaning supplies for use. Outside, there is a primitive toilet, fire pit, woodpile, and snow shovel available for guest use. Plan for a two to three-mile snowshoe or ski trek to access the yurts. Once your alpine adventure is complete and you head back to civilization, make time for a stop at The Springs in Idaho City<\/a>. You\u2019ll return home feeling warm and rejuvenated after a healing soak in the natural hot pools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Situated on a high knoll encircled by pine trees, Skyline Yurt is a favorite for winter wanderers on snowshoes or Nordic skis due to its close proximity to Skyline Loop \u2013 a groomed 5.2-mile Nordic track. Several peaks can be seen from the yurt and the surrounding open terrain makes an excellent spot for backcountry beginners to test their skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Traveling with a four-legged family member? Rocky Ridge Yurt is one of the few dog-friendly yurts in the Idaho City system and is accessed from the Whoop-Um-Up Park N\u2019 Ski parking lot. The yurt is situated on the end of a rocky finger ridge with a superb snowy playground surrounding it. Be advised that trails to and around the yurt are not groomed, so be sure to plan accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This yurt didn\u2019t get its name at random. Located on an open point at an elevation of 6,569 feet, the yurt has incredible views and offers easy access to slopes for skiing and snowboarding and wooded areas for off-trail exploration. For an adventurous night trek, head up to Stargaze Point above the yurt for next-level stargazing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the shore of Upper Jug Creek Reservoir in McCall, a cozy cabin adventure is waiting. The Alpine Cabin<\/a> (a converted shipping container) at Jug Mountain Ranch is ideal for exploring miles of surrounding trails on snowshoes or skis and the views overlooking the reservoir make for an unforgettable sunrise. The cabin can sleep up to seven people and is equipped with essentials like cookware, a wood stove, lighting, water and cleaning supplies. Guests will need to pack sleeping bags, snow gear and food, which can be packed in on snowshoes or brought in by Jug Mountain Ranch Staff. Vehicles are not permitted at the cabin, allowing guests to have a remote, relaxing Idaho adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWinchester State Park, Winchester<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Harriman State Park, Island Park<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Lake Cascade State Park, Cascade<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Gear Up for Adventure at Galena Lodge Near Ketchum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Senate View Yurt<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Star\u2019s Perch Yurt<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Honeymoon Yurt<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The Miner\u2019s Yurt<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Idaho City Backcountry Yurts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Skyline Yurt<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Rocky Ridge Yurt<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Stargaze Yurt<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Alpine Cabin at Jug Mountain Ranch in McCall<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Yurts & Huts with Sun Valley Trekking in the Sun Valley\/Sawtooth Area<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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