MOAB HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Geyser Pass Yurt: A High-Alpine Basecamp Above Moab at 10,500 Feet
A remote, 24-foot yurt near the base of Haystack Mountain that serves as a summer trailhead gateway and a winter backcountry retreat—this guide distills what to expect and how to pack for the stay.
Geyser Pass Yurt: A High-Alpine Basecamp Above Moab at 10,500 Feet.
Adventure brief
Geyser Pass Yurt: A High-Alpine Basecamp Above Moab at 10,500 Feet
Situated in a high alpine meadow at 10,500 feet near the base of Haystack Mountain, the Geyser Pass Yurt offers commanding views of Mount Mellenthin and Mount Tomasaki and a rare, remote base for backcountry outings in winter or for beating the crowds to summer trailheads.
Set against the dramatic red rock landscape of Moab, Utah, the Geyser Pass Yurt offers a distinctive outdoor experience for adventurers seeking immersion in one of the Southwest’s most iconic desert environments. Located within reach of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, this yurt stands as a rugged yet comfortable basecamp from which travelers can explore the vast backcountry beyond the well-trodden paths. Moab’s unique geology, marked by towering sandstone fins, narrow canyons, and sprawling mesas, creates an unforgettable playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Geyser Pass Yurt invites visitors to step away from city life without giving up the essentials of a cozy shelter. Designed to withstand the desert’s shifting conditions, from sun-soaked days to chilly nights, this yurt blends accessible shelter with the raw wilderness around. Wake each morning to sweeping views of ochre cliffs and red rock formations, then venture out on nearby hiking or mountain biking trails that wind through striking landscapes sculpted by millennia of erosion and river activity.
What sets the Geyser Pass Yurt apart is not just its prime location but the sense of rugged adventure it demands and rewards. Moab’s terrain is renowned for slickrock expanses, natural arches, and wildlife sightings including mule deer and golden eagles. Camping here feels like a step back to a simpler way of connecting with nature, yet it comes with the comfort of a sturdy yurt rather than a tent. This one-of-a-kind lodging option provides a rare opportunity to experience Moab’s backcountry firsthand during any season.
Besides the natural beauty, Moab itself is a vibrant hub for outdoor sports, known internationally for its mountain biking trails like the iconic Slickrock Trail, and opportunities for rock climbing on sandstone towers. Staying at Geyser Pass Yurt positions you at the forefront of all this, while offering respite under a durable canvas roof—perfect for stargazing far from city light pollution.
Whether you’re here to hike, bike, or simply soak in the desert’s stark beauty, the Geyser Pass Yurt is a standout destination that elevates your Moab adventure beyond the ordinary. It’s an ideal choice for visitors craving a balance of comfort, access, and wildness, making it a memorable chapter in any outdoor journey through Utah’s red rock country.
Route Schematic
Itinerary Route Schematic
Key local access points and trailheads tied to the yurt, as used in summer and winter.
Geyser Pass Yurt (basecamp)
The 24-foot yurt in a high alpine meadow near the base of Haystack Mountain serves as the accommodation and staging area.
Moonlight Meadows trailhead
One of the summer trailheads accessed from the yurt—used to reach local singletrack and alpine meadows.
Burrow Pass trailhead
A nearby summer access point for trails reached from the yurt.
Whole Enchilada trailhead
The yurt provides an early-season starting gate for riders aiming for the Whole Enchilada mountain-biking route.
This is a high-alpine site at 10,500 feet; weather and seasonal conditions influence access and comfort—plan accordingly and expect remote conditions.
What the day feels like
What It Feels Like to Stay at Geyser Pass
The stay centers on a compact, communal living space: a 24-foot yurt nested in a high meadow where morning light frames Mount Mellenthin and Mount Tomasaki, and where the season governs activity—winter for remote backcountry travel, summer for early access to key trailheads.
THE SETTING
High-alpine meadow at 10,500 feet with panoramic mountain views
The yurt sits tucked into an alpine meadow near Haystack Mountain, with direct outlooks to Mount Mellenthin and Mount Tomasaki—an exposed, elevated site that defines the experience.
THE ACCESS
Gateway to summer trails and winter backcountry
In summer the yurt functions as a starting gate for Moonlight Meadows, Burrow Pass and the Whole Enchilada mountain-biking trailheads; in winter it offers a remote staging point for backcountry adventures.
THE ACCOMMODATION
A roomy, well-equipped 24-foot yurt that sleeps eight
The 24-foot yurt comfortably accommodates eight guests with two bunks and a full-sized futon, and includes a kitchen area, wood-burning stove, dining table and a small library with games.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this yurt suits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bedding is not supplied—bring sleeping bags or sheets for the bunks and futon. The yurt includes a fully stocked kitchen with necessary cooking equipment, a dining table and a wood-burning stove; refer to the operator’s 'What to bring and Amenities' list for full details.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Who operates the Geyser Pass Yurt?
The yurt is operated by Talking Mountain Yurts.
What is the elevation and setting of the yurt?
The Geyser Pass Yurt sits in a high alpine meadow at 10,500 feet near the base of Haystack Mountain, with views of Mount Mellenthin and Mount Tomasaki.
How many people can the yurt sleep and what are the sleeping arrangements?
The 24-foot yurt comfortably accommodates eight guests: two bunks (each configured with one top and two bottom sleeping positions) plus a full-sized futon that sleeps two.
Are bedding and linens provided?
No—bedding is not supplied, so guests should bring their own sleeping bags or linens.
What amenities are available inside the yurt?
The yurt includes a fully stocked kitchen with necessary cooking equipment, a dining table and chairs, a wood-burning stove, and a small library with games.
Is the yurt used year-round?
The yurt serves as a remote option for backcountry adventures in winter and as a summer starting point for nearby trailheads such as Moonlight Meadows, Burrow Pass and the Whole Enchilada.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-16T09:41:38.782Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.