FREE Boat Safety Class – Boundary County
The Boundary County Sheriff’s Office and Idaho Parks and Recreation is offering FREE Boat Safety classes. Classes will be offered May 10, 17 and 24 from 8 a.m. to 2p.m. There […]
The Idaho City yurt system started in the fall of 1996 with construction of the Banner Ridge Yurt. From its inception, the yurt system was intended as a place for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of Idaho’s mountains year-round. You can choose from six incredible backcountry yurts which are accessible year-round. The yurts are located about 1.5 hours (56-63 miles) north of Boise, ID.
In winter, the yurts are accessed by a 2-3 mile ski or snowshoe trek. In summer, they are accessed by a few hundred yard hike. During spring and fall, users should be prepared for both summer and winter conditions. Condition updates are posted on the Idaho Non-Motorized Trails Program Facebook page.
Each yurt sleeps six people in a comfortable, well-furnished atmosphere with high mountain views, no neighbors, and access to a wide variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, Nordic and Telemark skiing, and snowshoeing. Our backcountry yurts have plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts at any level, whether beginner or experienced.
Click through the slides below to preview each of the six yurts.
To find the summer or winter guide for a yurt, click the ‘More Information’ button under the yurt you’re visiting. Each yurt page links to both the summer and winter guides.
Because of the backcountry nature of the yurts, IDPR cannot guarantee that all the amenities listed below will be available during your stay.
We recommend a high-clearance, all-wheel drive vehicle when traveling to the Idaho City Backcountry yurts.
Click on the image below to view a 360 degree photo of Stargaze Yurt. The interior layouts are similar in all six yurts.
The maps below are geo-referenced. If you open them using a geo-referenced map reader, like Avenza, as long as you download the map while in phone service, you can use your phone’s GPS tracking after leaving service.
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Backcountry Yurt Program operates on United States Forest Service Land under agreements with the Boise National Forest.
The Idaho City Backcountry Yurts are transitioning to a dynamic pricing model, meaning prices will vary depending on demand. The maximum fees are listed below.
For Idaho residents: $ Up to 115 per night
For non-residents: $Up to 150 per night
There is a $10 plus tax non-refundable reservation fee charged at the time of booking.
Use fees are per night for a party of up to 6. Additional fees are $12 per person per night for a party greater than 6, with a maximum of 9 allowed.
From November 15th through April 30th, yurt users parking in Whoop Um Up, Gold Fork, Banner Ridge, or Beaver Creek parking lots are required to have a Park N’ Ski pass.
For updates on grooming status and trail conditions, visit the Idaho Non-Motorized Trails Program Facebook page.
For air quality, visit the Real-Time Air Monitoring Map by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.
For the 7 day forecast in Idaho City, visit weather.gov.
For regional snow conditions, including depth, visit the National Water and Climate Center’s interactive map.
For road conditions, visit the 511 website.
For avalanche reports, visit Avalanche.org
If a cancellation for a Backcountry Yurt occurs 21 or fewer calendar days prior to arrival, customer forfeits the first night or daily usage fee (base rate). If the cancellation occurs more than 21 calendar days prior to arrival, a cancellation charge of $50.00 will be assessed. At no time shall the customer be charged a cancellation fee that exceeds the base rate paid for the facility.
Cancellation exceptions for air quality concerns will be made if the Air Quality Index reading is at 151 or more. Reservations can be cancelled for a full refund if we are contacted within 48 hours of the arrival date. Please use the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality’s Air Quality Map to monitor the conditions at the yurts in real time.
To cancel a reservation Monday – Friday from 8:15AM – 4:45PM MST, please call (208) 514-2444. To cancel a reservation after business hours, please email IDPR Customer Support. When cancelling a reservation, please have your reservation number available.
Questions? Email the program or call 208-514-2418.
For the health, safety, and enjoyment of all of our guests and staff the following Pet Policy has been established.
All the yurts are pet-friendly all year around. However, pet allowance is a privilege and is based on your cooperation.
Please be a responsible pet owner and respect the following rules:
The Boundary County Sheriff’s Office and Idaho Parks and Recreation is offering FREE Boat Safety classes. Classes will be offered May 10, 17 and 24 from 8 a.m. to 2p.m. There […]
The Boundary County Sheriff’s Office and Idaho Parks and Recreation is offering FREE Boat Safety classes. Classes will be offered May 10, 17 and 24 from 8 a.m. to 2p.m. There […]
Join Ada County marine deputies for a FREE boating safety course! Come learn about safety on the water and learn about Idaho’s Boating laws. This is a six hour course, […]
Join Ada County marine deputies for a FREE boating safety course! Come learn about safety on the water and learn about Idaho’s Boating laws. This is a six hour course, […]
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) is accepting applications to fill vacancies on the following Advisory Committees in the following categories: * Recreational Vehicle Program (RV) Advisory Committee […]