“Is staying in a yurt ‘glamping’?”
No.
“Is it ?”
No.
“Is it like staying in a typical Air B&B?”
No.
Yurting is entirely its own thing. For this reason, I had to experience a yurt in order to write an accurate account.
First off, yurting isn’t for those who wish to lounge in the lap of luxury. It’s more of an adventure for those brave soles who are okay experiencing exertion and braving the elements.
After parking, with a backpack filled with three gallons of water, my friend Jack and I trekked to the yurt. After this exertion of the short hike, I shed my outer layers. Feeling my body cool down was a nice sensation.
The Soldier Summit Yurt is a completely off-grid dwelling with two large bunk beds that can sleep up to eight. A wood-burning stove is the heat source. There are lights in the yurt that operate on batteries. I brought an extra electric lantern (which was a good idea since I didn’t pick up the battery pack that operates the main lighting system).
We made the mistake of not starting the fire when we first arrived, but instead, went off to explore the surrounding area, which was very cool and had precisely zero people. There were game trails for deer, and in a more abundant snow year at 8,300 feet in elevation, moose and elk might hang out here as well, not caring that the entire area is private property.
After the hike with my golden retriever, Scamps, dusk settled in and the temperature plummeted. I started the fire when the yurt hit 18 degrees. Yes, we were cold.
But there is something special about being in a cold structure, stacking logs as the flames burn hotter, slowly waiting for the fire to provide warmth.
Eventually, we were at a cozy 60, then 70, then 80 degrees. Woah! It was too hot! We opened the door for a few minutes while we cooked our dinner. The yurt has a working propane stove with two burners to cook big meals and has all the necessary pots, pans and dishware. The joy of being in the primitive wilderness in such a quiet and tranquil setting set in while we ate. We packed in lentils and grass-fed beef hotdogs in a wrap for a keto-friendly meal.
“Man, this is cool!” Jack said, and I agreed. It reminded me of my backpacking days with friends, when all we needed were the stars and warm sleeping bags to brave the cold.
Yurting would be a blast with kids (those who are into nature). It makes for a good guy or girl trip. They have a sister yurt in Monte Cristo (above Ogden Valley). Either way, yurting is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It does require packing and work to carry your water and food, but we both slept well after dinner and good conversation. I certainly want to go yurting again and would recommend it to those who are into experiencing the adventure of being fully away from the aspects of city and home life that can drive us nuts.
Feature Image: Soldier Summit Yurt in the snow. Photos courtesy of Utahyurt.com.
