Wow, oh wow, oh wow! What an experience this was! Staying at this yurt was one heck of a way to…read morekick off the winter season. This yurt - named after the man responsible for the entire six-yurt system just north of Idaho City - is hidden away three miles in the Idaho City backcountry. During the winter months, this yurt is ideal for snowshoers and backcountry skiers. (Although, I wouldn't suggest trying to ski to it as it has a lofty climb towards the end of your ascent.)
Every part of this experience was lovely. The hike in was fun and challenging, the yurt is housed with more than enough amenities necessary to make for a comfortable stay, and the views are priceless! This experience was not glamping by any means, but I wouldn't quite call it roughin' it in the wilderness. It falls somewhere between the two. It requires a 3 mile trek, is located out of cell phone service, houses no running water, no electricity, and its restroom facility is a permanent outhouse 20 yards away from the yurt which has no door (the most scenic view you'll ever have while using the restroom, IMO). Once you are in the yurt you'll find two sets of bunk beds, a futon, table, chairs, a kitchenette stocked with cups, mugs, knives, forks, plates, paper towels, pots and pans, as well as a wood fire stove (along with more than enough wood to keep it running) and a mini propane stove. This yurt is also stocked with board games, coloring pencils, and a journal so you can share your experience with future yurt patrons.
The Hennessy yurt is brilliantly located on a peak that overlooks Pilots Peak, Sunset Peak, Trinity Mountains, Steele Mountain, Wolf Mountain and the Crooked River Valley. Watching the sunrise from the deck was unlike anything I've ever seen. There was a thick layer of mist that sat on the trees below us - it actually felt like we were up in the clouds!
Other thoughts/things to note:
- I was concerned that I would be cold throughout this experience, but I didn't even come close! Snowshoeing in made me work up a sweat, and the wood fire stove kept us cozy and warm through the wee hours of the night.
- The view of the stars at night from this yurt is remarkable - you are aways out from any light pollution, allowing you to see stars you had no idea were there!
- You'll have to pack in your own food. We brought chili that was prepped and cooked before hand for dinner, and SO MUCH BACON, veggies, and other fixin's to make a scramble for breakfast. I also suggest bringing tea, coffee, hot coco, or some other sort of warm drink to keep you feeling cozy!
- While you can melt snow down and proceed to boil it for 15 minutes, then let it cool, then drink it - I would suggest packing in some water bottles, just to make your life a little easier.
- Snowshoeing to the yurt is a blast, but be sure to take some time to snowshoe around the yurt once you've arrived!
- Be sure to book in advance!!!! My friend who booked this yurt did so in September. From what I gathered, the yurt is completely booked for the 2018/19 winter season (on the weekends and optimal times, at least). If this is something you want to do, plan ahead, find out when booking opens up for these, and hop to it as soon as you can!
- Cost was $115 a night - split between 6 people, that's a little less than $20 a person. That is a steal for the views and experience you get here!