If you're into roughing it - the Bear River Outdoor Recreation Alliance has 5 yurts for rental year round. I particularly like going to these yurts during the winter - as you can backcountry ski to your own little piece of solitude in the snow. The actual yurts are 30 miles south of Evanston in the north slope of the high Uinta mountains. Great spot for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, hiking and backcountry skiing.
My husband and I first discovered this spot back in 2015 - we rented the Boundary Creek yurt, which is the only one out of 5 that you can't access via snowmobile. It's the most rustic of the huts without a propane gas tank. We were out there in early December, and had to break trail for 2 miles following a snowstorm - tough work but super worth it!!
This year, a group of us rented the Ridge Yurt over New Years Eve. It was a perfect spot for 7 of us, and our 2 dogs, to bring in the new year. This yurt has a propane stove, a set of 3 bunkbeds - 7 of us fit comfortably. There were sleeping pads provided for 6 of us - although, you that was a luxury that is not promised when you first reserve the yurt - so we were happy with the extra padding.
Plenty of firewood provided, pots, pans, plates and utensils provided. We took it easy and booked a snowmobile shuttle from Bear River Lodge, as we got to the area late from SLC, and it allowed us to carry in more weight to make fancy meals.
Had a great time hiking around during the day to earn a few turns. Sunsets were absolutely incredible. Had lots of peace and quiet and wasn't bothered by a soul the whole trip. If you're a backcountry skiier or boarder, the 4.5 mile ski out is easy peasy. Took us around 1.5 hours to ski out with our packs. Beautiful scenery the whole way down.
Only complaint both times was the snowpack - wished there was more pow! Be sure to keep an eye on the Utah Avalanche Center for updated reports if you go out. Also - spots go FAST for the winter - keep an eye out for when they're taking reservations, and have a few dates in mind. Reservations are only taken over the phone. read more