PARKS &
RECREATION

Banner Ridge Backcountry Yurt

Winter

Banner Ridge backcountry yurt is located just off a high ridge in a protected north‐facing bowl only a few hundred yards from a passable road. It offers spectacular views of the South Fork of the Payette River, Bear Valley and Scott Mountain. During the winter (typically from early December to mid April), the yurt is a telemarker, snowshower, Nordic skier and snowboarder's haven with its long, open slopes, thousands of feet of untracked powder, more than 20 miles of groomed and 50 miles of marked ski trails just outside the front door. 

Summer

During the warmer months, there are many miles of high elevation primitive roads and trails available for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. One backcountry road near the yurt descends 3,000 feet in 12 miles to Kirkham Hot Springs (a primitive soaking pool next to the river) near Lowman. The yurt’s high elevation (6,500 feet) guarantees an assortment of wild flowers all summer long. This is also a wonderful place to experience the power of a summer thunderstorm, view the stars of the Milky Way, watch wildlife, or just to curl up and read a book. The yurt is usually snow free early May to early November.

Elkhorn Backcountry Yurt

Winter

The Elkhorn yurt is conveniently located off the Elkhorn Loop trail for use by Nordic skiers and snowshoers. This yurt is the most remote of all the Idaho City yurts. You have direct access to over 27 miles of groomed and 50 miles of marked ski trails. The 270° view to the east, south and west is spectacular, especially in the evening. From the yurt you can see Jackson Peak, Wolf Mountain, Steele Mountain, the Trinity range, Sunset Peak, and Pilot Peak. The open, rolling terrain below the yurt provides off‐trail skiers a chance to polish their skills. The nearby ungroomed Cougar trail provides access to a prime intermediate/advanced telemark area. This secluded telemark area is about .5 miles away and has 500 feet slopes facing all directions. Snow is usually available early December to mid April.

Spring, Summer, Fall

The Elkhorn yurt is conveniently located for use by hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians who want a remote ride‐in or walk‐in experience. It is about a mile by foot, bike, or horse from any drivable road. Over 50 miles of old roads and single‐track trails can be accessed from this yurt, which is located about halfway around the Elkhorn loop trail. Its high elevation of 6,400 feet offers spectacular views to the north, east, and south. In the evening, a warm orange alpenglow reflects off Wolf, Goat, and Steele Mountains to the east. This is the place to “get away from it all” and watch the wildlife. Elk, deer, bear, and mountain lion are often seen nearby. As the snow melts, hundreds of mushrooms, including the tasty Morel, can be found growing in the dense woods and nearby areas. The yurt site is usually snow free early May to early November.

Skyline Backcountry Yurt

Winter

The Skyline yurt is conveniently situated off the groomed Skyline trail, a popular loop used by Nordic skiers and snowshoers. The yurt provides easy access to over 20 miles of groomed and 50 miles of marked ski trails. The yurt is located on a high sunny knob, which provides a 200 degree view to the east, south and west. The view from the yurt is one of the best in the Boise National Forest. From the yurt deck you can see Wolf Mountain, Steele Mountain, Sunset Peak, and Pilot Peak. The open, rolling terrain below the yurt provides beginner Telemarkers a chance to polish their skills.  Snow is usually available early December to mid April.     

Spring, Summer and Fall

On September 15th the Forest Service locks the gate to this yurt at Highway 21. This is for wildlife protection. From that date on, you cannot drive to the summer parking area; you will park in the Gold Fork parking lot and hike into the yurt approximately 2.5 miles.

Skyline yurt is ideally located for summer use. Many miles of old roads and single track trails are easily accessable for hiking and mountain biking. The yurt is located on the highest point in the area just off the Skyline trail. Its elevation of 5900 feet and open, park ‐ like setting guarantee cool evenings and breezes all summer long. The 200° view east, west and south from the yurt is one of the best in the Boise National Forest. From the yurt deck you can see Wolf Mountain, Steele Mountain, Sunset Peak, and Pilot Peak. Numerous large spruce trees nearby provide a nice shaded area for picnics. A few hundred feet from the site is a prime huckleberry patch. In the fall, flaming red/yellow/orange aspens frame the mountain peaks to the east. A protected tent area is available for extra persons. The yurt site is usually snow free early May to mid November. 

Whispering Pines Backcountry Yurt

Winter

The Whispering Pines yurt is located off the groomed Gold Fork Loop trail. This is a popular loop used by Nordic skiers and snowshoers. The yurt provides easy access to over 27 miles of groomed and 50 miles of marked ski trails. The yurt is located in a high shaded glen. The view from the yurt is one of pine tree covered ridges. The outhouse has a great view of Pilot Peak. Snow is usually available early December to mid April.

Spring, Summer and Fall

Whispering Pines yurt is ideally located for summer use. Hikers and mountain bikers can enjoy the many miles of old roads and single‐track trails that are easily accessable from here. The yurt is located in a shaded area off the north intersection of the Gold Fork Loop and the Lodgepole trail. At an elevation of 5900 feet and in the shade of large evergreens the yurt is guaranteed cool evenings and breezes all summer long. Numerous large trees nearby provide shade for picnics. There is room for a tent if you have extra people. The yurt site is usually snow free early May to early November.

Rocky Ridge Backcountry Yurt

Winter

The Rocky Ridge yurt is accessed from the Whoop-Um-Up Park N’ Ski parking lot. The trails are not groomed to this yurt. The yurt is located at the end of a rocky finger ridge, providing a spectacular 180-degree view to the east, south, and west. This is the “dog friendly" yurt where dogs are allowed in the winter. The rolling terrain around the yurt provides a playground for showshoers. Snow is usually available early December to mid April .

Spring, Summer and Fall

Rocky Ridge yurt is ideally located for fishing in the Crooked River. It is about ¾ of a mile from the Crooked River by way of the Lamar Creek trail. The yurt is located at the end of a finger ridge, with spectacular views to the east, south and west. While exposed to the summer sun, there normally is a good breeze blowing through the area. The yurt is on the southern edge of the trail system where it connects with the Crooked River trail as well as the rest of the Idaho City Area Trail System. The yurt site is usually snow free early May to November.

Stargaze Backcountry Yurt

Winter

The Stargaze yurt is the newest yurt in the Idaho City system designed especially for backcountry Nordic folks. You’ll understand how Stargaze got its name after you ski or snowshoe about 1.3 miles on a marked but un-groomed trail and arrive at the yurt, located just off a high point overlooking the entire eastern horizon. The spectacular 270 degree view from the yurt offers open vistas to Scott Mountain, Jackson Peak, Wolf Mountain, Steele Mountain, Pilots Peak and the Sawtooth Mountains. At an elevation of 6,569 feet, many north and west facing slopes are perfect for Telemark skiing. The snow is usually powder and very deep and is available from early December to mid-April. Access to the yurt is from the Beaver Creek Summit Park N’ Ski parking lot on Highway 21, north of Idaho City, and just before the Snow Plow Turnaround. Take care to park in the correct lot! From the parking lot, ski/snowshoe along the shoulder of Highway 21 for about 300 yards until you reach the highest point, Beaver Creek Summit. At the summit turn left on an old road bed marked with a sign on a 4” x 4” post stating “Stargaze Trail”.

Spring, Summer and Fall

In addition to the spectacular views, the elevation of Stargazer (6,569 feet) guarantees a long season and assortment of wild flowers during the summer months and a blaze of color in the fall. View the South Fork of the Payette River Canyon and the scenic Trinity and Sawtooth Mountains from this hilltop nest or experience the power of a summer thunderstorm, the Milky Way or just read a book. The yurt is usually snow free from early May to early November. Once at the yurt, a short half-mile hike on a trail leads to the top of Stargaze Point. On this point you will have a 360 degree view of the Boise National Forest that includes Pilots Peak, Wilson Butte, Sunset Peak, Rock Creek, Scott Mountain and Stargaze yurt.

Yurt Amenities

What's Inside?

• Futon bed(sleeps 2)
• 2 sets of single bunk beds (sleeps 4)
• Wooden benches
• Mattresses with sheets
• Dining Table/6 chairs
• Propane cook stove
• 2 propane lanterns
• 4 led Solar lights
• Wood stove
• Newspaper/matches to start fire
• Cutlery/plates/bowls
• Cooking pots/fry pans/teapot
• Coffee Militta/paper filters (makes one cup at a time)
• Cleaning supplies and equipment
• Toilet paper, garbage bags
• Towels
• Fire extinguisher

Banner Ridge Backcountry Yurt

Winter

Banner Ridge backcountry yurt is located just off a high ridge in a protected north‐facing bowl only a few hundred yards from a passable road. It offers spectacular views of the South Fork of the Payette River, Bear Valley and Scott Mountain. During the winter (typically from early December to mid April), the yurt is a telemarker, snowshower, Nordic skier and snowboarder's haven with its long, open slopes, thousands of feet of untracked powder, more than 20 miles of groomed and 50 miles of marked ski trails just outside the front door. 

Summer

During the warmer months, there are many miles of high elevation primitive roads and trails available for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. One backcountry road near the yurt descends 3,000 feet in 12 miles to Kirkham Hot Springs (a primitive soaking pool next to the river) near Lowman. The yurt’s high elevation (6,500 feet) guarantees an assortment of wild flowers all summer long. This is also a wonderful place to experience the power of a summer thunderstorm, view the stars of the Milky Way, watch wildlife, or just to curl up and read a book. The yurt is usually snow free early May to early November.

Elkhorn Backcountry Yurt

Winter

The Elkhorn yurt is conveniently located off the Elkhorn Loop trail for use by Nordic skiers and snowshoers. This yurt is the most remote of all the Idaho City yurts. You have direct access to over 27 miles of groomed and 50 miles of marked ski trails. The 270° view to the east, south and west is spectacular, especially in the evening. From the yurt you can see Jackson Peak, Wolf Mountain, Steele Mountain, the Trinity range, Sunset Peak, and Pilot Peak. The open, rolling terrain below the yurt provides off‐trail skiers a chance to polish their skills. The nearby ungroomed Cougar trail provides access to a prime intermediate/advanced telemark area. This secluded telemark area is about .5 miles away and has 500 feet slopes facing all directions. Snow is usually available early December to mid April.

Spring, Summer, Fall

The Elkhorn yurt is conveniently located for use by hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians who want a remote ride‐in or walk‐in experience. It is about a mile by foot, bike, or horse from any drivable road. Over 50 miles of old roads and single‐track trails can be accessed from this yurt, which is located about halfway around the Elkhorn loop trail. Its high elevation of 6,400 feet offers spectacular views to the north, east, and south. In the evening, a warm orange alpenglow reflects off Wolf, Goat, and Steele Mountains to the east. This is the place to “get away from it all” and watch the wildlife. Elk, deer, bear, and mountain lion are often seen nearby. As the snow melts, hundreds of mushrooms, including the tasty Morel, can be found growing in the dense woods and nearby areas. The yurt site is usually snow free early May to early November.

Skyline Backcountry Yurt

Winter

The Skyline yurt is conveniently situated off the groomed Skyline trail, a popular loop used by Nordic skiers and snowshoers. The yurt provides easy access to over 20 miles of groomed and 50 miles of marked ski trails. The yurt is located on a high sunny knob, which provides a 200 degree view to the east, south and west. The view from the yurt is one of the best in the Boise National Forest. From the yurt deck you can see Wolf Mountain, Steele Mountain, Sunset Peak, and Pilot Peak. The open, rolling terrain below the yurt provides beginner Telemarkers a chance to polish their skills.  Snow is usually available early December to mid April.     

Spring, Summer and Fall

On September 15th the Forest Service locks the gate to this yurt at Highway 21. This is for wildlife protection. From that date on, you cannot drive to the summer parking area; you will park in the Gold Fork parking lot and hike into the yurt approximately 2.5 miles.

Skyline yurt is ideally located for summer use. Many miles of old roads and single track trails are easily accessable for hiking and mountain biking. The yurt is located on the highest point in the area just off the Skyline trail. Its elevation of 5900 feet and open, park ‐ like setting guarantee cool evenings and breezes all summer long. The 200° view east, west and south from the yurt is one of the best in the Boise National Forest. From the yurt deck you can see Wolf Mountain, Steele Mountain, Sunset Peak, and Pilot Peak. Numerous large spruce trees nearby provide a nice shaded area for picnics. A few hundred feet from the site is a prime huckleberry patch. In the fall, flaming red/yellow/orange aspens frame the mountain peaks to the east. A protected tent area is available for extra persons. The yurt site is usually snow free early May to mid November. 

Whispering Pines Backcountry Yurt

Winter

The Whispering Pines yurt is located off the groomed Gold Fork Loop trail. This is a popular loop used by Nordic skiers and snowshoers. The yurt provides easy access to over 27 miles of groomed and 50 miles of marked ski trails. The yurt is located in a high shaded glen. The view from the yurt is one of pine tree covered ridges. The outhouse has a great view of Pilot Peak. Snow is usually available early December to mid April.

Spring, Summer and Fall

Whispering Pines yurt is ideally located for summer use. Hikers and mountain bikers can enjoy the many miles of old roads and single‐track trails that are easily accessable from here. The yurt is located in a shaded area off the north intersection of the Gold Fork Loop and the Lodgepole trail. At an elevation of 5900 feet and in the shade of large evergreens the yurt is guaranteed cool evenings and breezes all summer long. Numerous large trees nearby provide shade for picnics. There is room for a tent if you have extra people. The yurt site is usually snow free early May to early November.

Rocky Ridge Backcountry Yurt

Winter

The Rocky Ridge yurt is accessed from the Whoop-Um-Up Park N’ Ski parking lot. The trails are not groomed to this yurt. The yurt is located at the end of a rocky finger ridge, providing a spectacular 180-degree view to the east, south, and west. This is the “dog friendly" yurt where dogs are allowed in the winter. The rolling terrain around the yurt provides a playground for showshoers. Snow is usually available early December to mid April .

Spring, Summer and Fall

Rocky Ridge yurt is ideally located for fishing in the Crooked River. It is about ¾ of a mile from the Crooked River by way of the Lamar Creek trail. The yurt is located at the end of a finger ridge, with spectacular views to the east, south and west. While exposed to the summer sun, there normally is a good breeze blowing through the area. The yurt is on the southern edge of the trail system where it connects with the Crooked River trail as well as the rest of the Idaho City Area Trail System. The yurt site is usually snow free early May to November.

Stargaze Backcountry Yurt

Winter

The Stargaze yurt is the newest yurt in the Idaho City system designed especially for backcountry Nordic folks. You’ll understand how Stargaze got its name after you ski or snowshoe about 1.3 miles on a marked but un-groomed trail and arrive at the yurt, located just off a high point overlooking the entire eastern horizon. The spectacular 270 degree view from the yurt offers open vistas to Scott Mountain, Jackson Peak, Wolf Mountain, Steele Mountain, Pilots Peak and the Sawtooth Mountains. At an elevation of 6,569 feet, many north and west facing slopes are perfect for Telemark skiing. The snow is usually powder and very deep and is available from early December to mid-April. Access to the yurt is from the Beaver Creek Summit Park N’ Ski parking lot on Highway 21, north of Idaho City, and just before the Snow Plow Turnaround. Take care to park in the correct lot! From the parking lot, ski/snowshoe along the shoulder of Highway 21 for about 300 yards until you reach the highest point, Beaver Creek Summit. At the summit turn left on an old road bed marked with a sign on a 4” x 4” post stating “Stargaze Trail”.

Spring, Summer and Fall

In addition to the spectacular views, the elevation of Stargazer (6,569 feet) guarantees a long season and assortment of wild flowers during the summer months and a blaze of color in the fall. View the South Fork of the Payette River Canyon and the scenic Trinity and Sawtooth Mountains from this hilltop nest or experience the power of a summer thunderstorm, the Milky Way or just read a book. The yurt is usually snow free from early May to early November. Once at the yurt, a short half-mile hike on a trail leads to the top of Stargaze Point. On this point you will have a 360 degree view of the Boise National Forest that includes Pilots Peak, Wilson Butte, Sunset Peak, Rock Creek, Scott Mountain and Stargaze yurt.

Yurt Amenities

What's Inside?

• Futon bed(sleeps 2)
• 2 sets of single bunk beds (sleeps 4)
• Wooden benches
• Mattresses with sheets
• Dining Table/6 chairs
• Propane cook stove
• 2 propane lanterns
• 4 led Solar lights
• Wood stove
• Newspaper/matches to start fire
• Cutlery/plates/bowls
• Cooking pots/fry pans/teapot
• Coffee Militta/paper filters (makes one cup at a time)
• Cleaning supplies and equipment
• Toilet paper, garbage bags
• Towels
• Fire extinguisher