Have you ever stayed in a Backcountry Yurt? This one is luxury compared to most, so if you haven’t: beware the bar will be very high for your next! If you have stayed in one, then you are no stranger to the adventure it takes to get to a backcountry yurt. Idaho Wilderness Yurts are drive up accessible in the summer, but require a trek in during winter. Continue reading to figure out when the best time for you to visit is!
Where are the Idaho Wilderness Yurts Located?
The Yurts are located 30 minutes from Idaho City, Idaho. Idaho Wilderness Yurts are located 90 minutes from Boise, or 3 and a half hours from Twin Falls. The drive is beautiful and takes you through Boise National Forest. Always watch for wildlife like deer and elk on the road when driving here. Idaho Wilderness Website & Booking Link Here
What is inside of Idaho Wilderness Yurts?
These yurts do provide a ton of amenities for you. Enjoy a private bathroom inside with a compostable toilet. I have stayed in the yurts a couple times now and can happily report that the toilet has never smelled! There is also a fully stocked kitchen with plates, utensils, pots to cook, and glasses/mugs to enjoy the locally sourced coffee that comes with each yurt.
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What is on the property?
There are 3 yurts at Idaho Wilderness Yurts. They all are lined up near each other, but a great distance away from each other. They are really peaceful, but Crooked River road does run right past the yurts so during the summer except some traffic noise.
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Riverside Sauna!
There is a sauna on the property! It is a wood burning sauna so you just have to bring some chopped wood down from the yurt’s stock, and light it up! It takes about 45 minutes to warm up. Right next to the sauna is the river so you can cold plunge! I absolutely loved running back and forth from the sauna to the river!
Visiting in the Winter Time
Idaho Wilderness Yurts are open year round, but the adventure changes greatly when you visit in the winter time. Winter means that the road is likely not drivable. Crooked River Road is not maintained. Pretty much as soon as December rolls around it is very possible that you will have to either snow shoe, x-country ski, or snowmobile in. It is 3ish miles to get here from the last main plowed road. If you do not have experience in backcountry navigation a winter trip may not be the right choice for you. It is very important to monitor avalanche conditions and refer to the resources page on Idaho Wilderness Yurt’s website.
It’s a great place to go backcountry skiing and snowmobiling all around the national forest. There are hundreds of miles of public lands to enjoy! Idaho Wilderness Yurts Resource Page
What to see nearby (YES THERE ARE HOT SPRINGS!)
There are some amazing places to see nearby! 4 natural hot springs (some of the best in Idaho) are located within an hour from Idaho Wilderness Yurts! Please make sure to never trash these springs. I am going to share the names with you, but only on one condition: you must promise to leave no trace.
Driving towards Lowman, and another 15 minutes will lead you to Kirkham Hot Springs, and if you continue on for another 20 minutes you’ll find Bonneville Hot Springs! If you turn at Lowman you can find Trail Creek Hot Springs and Pine Flats Hot Springs. Trail Creek was somewhat affected by a recent fire – so be prepared for it to be closed to the public on any day due to restoration process. I don’t have a photo of Trail Creek because of the amount of people who were there when I visited. Kirkham is also very busy!
Also just down the Crooked River Road from Idaho Wilderness is Crooked River Trail that is a 16 mile hike. Driving all around the old dirt roads can be really fun too. Boise National Forest is a magical forest to get lost in. But don’t get too lost, remember you will NOT have service so it’s very important to download maps before heading out on any excursions from the yurts. Be safe, always!
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Earth to Sarah 