EVANSTON HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Boundary Creek Yurt — a raw, wood‑stove refuge tucked at 9,550 feet, two miles past Ridge Yurt
A backcountry winter yurt rental best known for ungroomed approaches and high alpine ski and snowshoe terrain; this guide explains what to expect, what’s provided, and the responsibilities that come with staying here.
Boundary Creek Yurt — a raw, wood‑stove refuge tucked at 9,550 feet, two miles past Ridge Yurt.
Boundary Creek is the original 16‑foot diameter yurt relocated from the Bear Claw site and sited on Boundary Creek at 9,550 feet. The structure sleeps at least four on bunks and is outfitted with a wood‑burning stove (with a supply of firewood) and a white‑gas cooking stove — there is no propane. Available as 1–7 night winter rentals, the yurt is intended as a backcountry ski experience: it sits about 6.5 miles from the trailhead and roughly 2 miles beyond Ridge Yurt, accessed via an unmaintained, ungroomed route marked with blue‑diamond symbols. After fresh snowfall guests should be prepared to break trail; the open slopes above climb to just shy of 11,000 feet and offer prime backcountry skiing and snowshoeing — where avalanche sense is essential.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Original 16‑foot yurt with wood stove and bunks
Boundary Creek is the original 16‑foot yurt relocated from Bear Claw. It contains bunks for at least four people, a wood‑burning stove with a good supply of firewood, and a white‑gas cooking stove — there is no propane.
A committed, ungroomed route
Expect a genuine backcountry approach: the yurt sits about 6.5 miles from the trailhead and roughly 2 miles beyond Ridge Yurt on a trail that is not maintained or groomed. The route is marked with blue diamond symbols, and after new snowfall groups must be ready to break trail.
High‑alpine slopes for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing
The open slopes above Boundary Creek rise to just under 11,000 feet, providing excellent terrain for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing; users are reminded that avalanche awareness and common‑sense backcountry skills are required.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
The trip is a committed winter outing: from the trailhead it’s roughly 6.5 miles of travel across unmaintained terrain, passing Ridge Yurt and then following blue‑diamond markers for the final two miles to Boundary Creek. The approach can require breaking trail after new snow. Arrival is rewarded by a compact, wood‑heated yurt with bunks and a white‑gas stove; guests provide food, sled gear or skis, and the mountain skills and conditioning needed to reach and use the site safely.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring full winter backcountry kit and personal gear; booking confirmation includes Packing Recommendations. Note the yurt has a wood‑burning stove (with firewood provided) and a white‑gas cooking stove — there is no propane. Pack out all food and trash.
The yurt provides bunks, a wood stove (do not burn plastic or non‑burnable items), and a white‑gas cooking stove. Leave kindling for the next group and follow yurt cleaning and stove‑use responsibilities.
Use the provided outhouse and follow the yurt rules: remove trash, leave a clean waste container, and pack out any food you brought in.
Upon booking you will receive a Yurt Rental Orientation packet, Directions, Rescue Plans, Packing Recommendations, and waivers that must be completed prior to arrival.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long can I reserve Boundary Creek Yurt?
Yurt rentals are available for 1–7 nights.
When do reservations open?
Reservations for winter and spring open starting on the last Monday of October; yurts are available on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
Can I get early reservation access?
Yes — you can qualify for early reservation (one week prior to the general public) by joining a summer or fall yurt work party; subscribe to the operator mailing list for updates.
What amenities are provided inside the yurt?
The yurt includes bunks to sleep at least four, a wood‑burning stove with a supply of firewood, and a white‑gas cooking stove; there is no propane.
Are there membership or paperwork requirements?
The leader of the group must have a Bear River Outdoor Recreation Alliance (BRORA) membership, which is $20 per year, and all guests will receive and must complete waivers and orientation documents upon booking.
What are my responsibilities while using the yurt?
Users must leave the yurt as clean or cleaner than they found it, wash and store dishes, leave kindling and wood appropriately, not burn plastic, remove trash, use and maintain the outhouse, tie down window coverings, and pack out all food brought in.