Uintah Mountain Yurt Experience

This past week we were finally able to go on our cross country ski yurt trip. As it drew closer I had to admit I was getting nervous about taking the kids into the backcountry in the winter. In our yurt info packet we  received it constantly warned against potential danger, suggested numerous items to bring in preparation for sleeping outdoors, and also highly recommend going on the orientation tour to become familiar with the yurt experience. I am happy to say that for the most part it was a memorable and safe family adventure that allowed for much cooperation and support among each member of our family.

We traveled roughly 2 1/2 hours from American Fork to the Lily Lake Trailhead parking lot 27 miles south of Evanston, Wyo. On the way, we stopped at REI off 33rd in Salt Lake to rent skis for Porter. ($8-$16 depending on if you are a member or not)

The trail was fairly easy to identify although the group on snowshoes, coming in the next day to take our place at the yurt started down a snowmobile trail which probably would have left them on the opposite side of the ravine from where the yurt was. If possible I would totally recommend going on an orientation tour just to become familiar with the trails and yurts you may be traveling to.

The 1 1/2 mile trail we traveled on was good for our family except for the dip into the ravine and back out again. We took off our skis and snow hiked it down and up. My husband's makeshift sled was not ideal for our little two year old.

It was constantly tipping over, and at one tip over he still managed to finish stuffing his trail mix into his mouth as he laid in the snow. After the first tip over of the next day he was done and had an emotional breakdown. Mom had to carry him out over a mile back to the car. Yes, I still had to carry my backpack. Needless to say I was sore the next day, and didn't ski as much as I intended to.
Our little 4 yr. old insisted on skiing in and out and it was his first time on skis so I am sure you can imagine how painfully slow we progressed along the trail. What could take beginner-intermediate older skiers 1-2 hrs to their destination, it took us almost double!!! But he loved it!!

Our overnight stay at the yurt was definitely rustic which the kids were not used to. It took a lot longer to make meals as we had to boil water, make a fire in the fireplace, and walk to the outhouse for potty breaks.

 

There were six large bunks that could easily fit two people each if they are of average size. Our family of six all slept on three lower bunks. Several of us did not sleep well in the yurt though. Between the sounds of mice scratching around, hoping the fire would keep us warm through the night, and me personally worrying about keeping myself and my pillow inside my sleeping bag so I didn't have to touch the yucky sleeping mats made it difficult to go and/or stay asleep. Yes, it has been a long time since I have had a rustic experience. I was not used to the uncleanliness of the situation, but I survived, and I would do it again!!!

 

See previous post for links to receive more info on having your own snow adventure! Yurts can also be reserved in the summer as well which I think would add a little less adventure, but just as much fun.