EVANSTON HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Ridge: A high-bowl yurt above Evanston’s East Fork
Ridge is a winter-access yurt 4.5–6.0 miles from the trailhead, available for 1–7 night rentals and reached by ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile.
Ridge: A high-bowl yurt above Evanston’s East Fork.
Perched just below a 9,350-foot ridge above the East Fork of the Bear River, Ridge is a winter yurt accessed by skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling along routes that range from 4.5 to 6.0 miles from the trailhead; the site sits in a natural bowl with backcountry skiing terrain descending more than a thousand feet toward the East Fork and a southeast view that terminates on Mount Beulah.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Multiple winter approaches across varied terrain
Access ranges from 4.5 to 6.0 miles from the trailhead and may be made by skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobile; routes include a rugged, steep East Fork Trail over Dead Man’s Pass and a gentler ascent up Sage Draw past Lily Lake into a small mountain meadow.
Backcountry turns and avalanche awareness
The mountain slope east of the yurt drops more than a thousand feet to the East Fork and offers fine opportunities for backcountry turns; visitors should be cognizant of snow conditions and watch for signs of avalanche danger.
A sheltered bowl and shared stewardship
The Ridge Yurt sits in a natural bowl just below the ridge top and is intended for public enjoyment under an understood set of upkeep responsibilities enforced by the U.S. Forest Service and BRORA Yurt Patrol.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
Expect a winter approach through dense forest and open meadow, a final slick, steep pitch to the ridge crest, and a yurt tucked into a protected bowl—arrive via skis, snowshoes, or snowmobile after a 4.5–6.0 mile approach and be rewarded with broad southeast views along the East Fork that end on Mount Beulah.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits and what it requires.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Access is by skis, snowshoes, or snowmobile; plan for winter travel, hauling gear (often by sled), and bring equipment appropriate for cold-weather backcountry travel—packing recommendations are provided after booking.
Yurt users assume maintenance responsibilities including cleaning, stove care (do not burn plastic), leaving kindling, removing ashes, packing out trash and food, and securing window coverings before departure.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When can I make a reservation?
Reservations for winter and spring open starting on the last Monday of October; yurts are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
How long can I rent the yurt?
Yurt rentals are available for 1–7 nights.
How do I reach the yurt?
The Ridge Yurt is about 4.5–6.0 miles from the trailhead and is accessed by skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling; route options include the steep East Fork Trail over Dead Man’s Pass or the Sage Draw route past Lily Lake.
What documentation will I receive after booking?
Upon booking you will receive informational documents including Yurt Rental Orientation, Directions, Rescue Plans, Packing Recommendations, and waivers to complete prior to your reservation date.
Is any membership required?
The leader of the group must have a BRORA membership, which is $20 per year.
What are my responsibilities while using the yurt?
Users must leave the yurt clean, wash dishes, leave kindling and wood chopped on the outside block, not burn plastic in the stove, remove ashes, pack out all trash and food, use and maintain the outhouse, and secure window coverings; failure to comply can result in loss of yurt privileges.