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.
Adventure brief
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.
Located in the high-altitude expanse near Evanston, Wyoming, Ridge yurt rentals offer a dynamic way to engage with the rugged outdoors of the American West. These yurts create an accessible basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, whether you're embarking on a short overnight stay or a week-long wilderness retreat. Situated at approximately 41.2537° N latitude and -110.9538° W longitude, Ridge presents a distinctive blend of comfort and wildness on the edge of the Uintas mountain range.
Ridge yurts are designed to offer a sturdy, weather-resistant shelter amidst a spectacular landscape shaped by volcanic and glacial forces. The setting is characterized by rolling alpine meadows, dense conifer forests, and distant rocky ridges that catch the first light at dawn. In spring and summer, wildflowers color the landscape, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies, while fall cloaks the hills in vivid golds and reds. Winter transforms Ridge into a tranquil snowfield, perfect for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
What sets the Ridge experience apart is its combination of rustic charm and accessibility. These yurts provide reliable shelter without disconnecting guests from their surroundings. They serve as a gateway to nearby hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and fishing spots. Evanston, just minutes away, offers the convenience of local amenities while maintaining the small-town vibe. The area’s natural diversity makes it a stronghold for wildlife viewing, including elk and mule deer, and birdwatchers often spot raptors soaring overhead.
The cultural backdrop enriches the visit—Evanston was established as a railroad town in the late 19th century, with deep roots in mining and logging that echo through nearby historic sites. The Ridge area respects this heritage through sustainable land use practices, ensuring that natural beauty and wildlife habitats remain intact. Outdoor adventurers are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all waste, helping preserve this distinctive Wyoming landscape.
For photographers, early morning golden hour reveals soft light filtering across the yurts and surrounding valleys. Evening shots capture the crisp silhouettes of pine and aspen against vast twilight skies. Whether your focus is wide-open landscapes, intimate flora, or local wildlife, Ridge offers outstanding vantage points.
Choosing Ridge yurt rental means embracing a versatile outdoor gateway with modern touchstones that enable exploration of Wyoming's residential wilderness. It’s an ideal stopover or extended retreat for those seeking to balance outdoor rigor with a touch of shelter, perfect for families, solo travelers, or groups.
Route Schematic
Route schematic and stops
Key waypoints on the approaches and what you encounter at each.
Trailhead
Your winter approach begins at the trailhead; total distance to the yurt varies by route and is approximately 4.5–6.0 miles.
Sage Draw & Lily Lake
The Sage Draw route climbs past Lily Lake and into a dense part of the forest before opening into a small mountain meadow.
Narrow trail and steep pitch
Beyond the meadow the trail narrows beneath overhanging trees and includes a short, steep, slick section leading toward the ridge top at 9,350 feet.
Ridge Yurt bowl & East Fork slope
The yurt is sited in a natural bowl just below the ridge top; the slope to the east drops more than a thousand feet to the East Fork and offers backcountry skiing opportunities and southeast views ending on Mount Beulah.
Routes are rugged and steep in places (notably Dead Man’s Pass); be prepared for challenging travel when pulling a loaded sled, watch for avalanche signs, and be ready for operator-enforced yurt-use rules and membership requirements.
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.
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: 2026-09-12T12:12:00.091Z
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.