What Is A Yurt
The Portneuf Range Yurt System is made up of five mongolian yurt-style structures located in the mountains to the east of Pocatello, Idaho. Each yurt is outfitted with a wood stove, cooking stove, Coleman lantern, pots, axe and bunk beds. Ideal for back country touring, the Portneuf Range is known for its exhilerating wide open powder slopes and uninhibited cross-country travel. The yurts are spaced so skiers or snowshoers can make yurt to yurt trips--or, if desired, parties can travel into one yurt and make day trips with the yurt serving as a base camp. Designed for all ability levels, the lower yurts are easily accessible to beginners and families, while the higher yurts are oriented to more experienced backcountry skiers or snowshoers. The yurts are made possible through the work of many volunteers at the Idaho State University Outdoor Program, Pocatello Parks and Recreation Department, and the Caribou National Forest.

Reservations and More Information
The yurt system is operated as a public nonprofit system. To avoid conflicts, reservations for the use of the yurts are required. For information on reservations contact the Idaho State University Wilderness Rental Center at (208) 282-2945. For more details on the yurtt system, contact the ISU Outdoor Program at (208) 282-3912. Idaho State Park & Ski stickers (available at cross-country ski stores) are required for parking at yurt trail heads.

Finding the Yurts
A number of resources are available to help you locate and properly use the Yurts: written route descriptions, maps, a yurt manual and a video tape that can be checked out. Even though route information is provided, it is strongly advised that you go on organized outings before undertaking your own tour. Organized trips are provided by the Pocatello Parks and Recreation Department (208) 234-6232, Pocatello Nordic Ski Association (Box 4440, Pocatello, Idaho, 83204), and the ISU Outdoor Program (208) 282-3912. In addition to organized tours, you should take one or more day trips to the yurt before using it. From a safety standpoint, it is essential that you become comfortable enough with the route that you can find your way to the yurt even if the visibility takes a turn for the worst.

Brief Description of Each Yurt
The information below is provided as quick run down of the yurts. This is only a guide. Please be aware that the difficulty of traveling to the yurts can increases dramatically in bad weather or poor snow conditions. All yurt tours are at you own risk. Volunteers and cooperating agencies assume no liability for yurt use.

Rapid Creek Yurt

Difficulty: This is one of the easiest (beginner to advanced beginner) of the yurts, suitable for most ability levels. Even though this is a fairly easy tour, it may be difficult for some skiers. Always be prepared and treat yurt tours with respect.

Distance, Route, & Other: The route into the yurt is two miles across rolling terrain. Total vertical rise is 520 feet. Be careful skiing near barb wire fences. Rapid Creek is the largest yurt (20' in diameter) and will hold 6-8 people.

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Syringa Yurt

Difficulty: Beginner to advanced beginner. Syringa, with an access route through undulating, open country, is another easy hut to reach. Although not difficult, treat the tour with respect. Since the route goes across open areas, make sure you know the route well.

Distance, Route & Other: The tour into the hut is two miles long and is across mostly open, rolling terrain. Total vertical rise is 700 feet. The hut holds six people. Use caution during times of bad visibility in the open areas of the route. 

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Inman Yurt

Inman Hut Difficulty: Advanced beginner. This is a moderately easy hut to reach. The distance and elevation gain is slightly greater than the two previously described huts. Once again, however, for some skiers, this tour can be difficult, particularly in icy snow conditions. Be prepared and use good judgement.

Distance, Route & Other: The route to the hut follows a snowbound road for the first three miles. The last half mile is up a narrow hiking trail through heavy timber. The total distance to the hut is three and a half miles with a vertical rise of 1000 feet. In unusually unstable snow conditions, there are several isolated snow slopes that can slide onto the road. The road is regularly machine groomed and is utilized by skiers and snowmobilers. The hut capacity is six. 

Jackson Creek (Inkom Pass) Yurt

Difficulty: Advance intermediate to advanced. Parties attempting the trip into Jackson Creek Hut should be experienced in backcountry skiing.

Distance, Route & Other: The tour to the hut involves a significant elevation gain (2300 feet) over a 3.5 mile distance and crosses slopes which can be hazardous becuase of avalanches. It is highly recommended that you do not attempt to reach the hut in periods of bad visibility. Skins are needed. Avalanche transceivers and shovels should be carried by all members of the party. Hut capacity is six.

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McNabb Point Yurt

Difficulty: Advanced. Parties attempting the trip into McNabb Point Hut should be experienced in backcountry skiing.

Distance, Route, & Other: The tour to the hut involves a 2500 foot climb over a four mile distance and crosses slopes which can be potentially hazardous because of avalanches. It is highly recommended that you do not attempt to reach the hut in periods of bad visibility. Skins are needed. Avalanche transceivers and shovels should be carried by all members of the party. Hut capacity is six.

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