Idaho Wilderness Yurts offers new outdoor accommodations

A new outdoor retreat is now available near Idaho City.

Idaho Wilderness Yurts is located on the historic Kempner Ranch property next to the Crooked River. The company, founded by Chris Greiner, opened the doors to its three yurts in January after receiving approval from Boise County in early 2023.

Yurts are round wooden lattice constructions that are a cross between a tent and a hut

“If you come to Idaho to experience its beauty, you must experience a yurt adventure. And if you live in Idaho, you probably already know what the basic experience is like. Yurts have been a topic in Visit Idaho’s travel guide for many seasons and yurting is a popular activity,” Greiner said in a press release. “Idaho Wilderness Yurts offers a new twist on the traditional experience by providing yurts with luxurious interiors and a luxurious sauna right on the river.”

Greiner said he used many local materials and vendors when building the yurts. The wood stoves were manufactured in Idaho, the bunk beds were built by a carpenter in Nampa and the steel for the roofs came from Treasure Valley Steel. Greiner said even the wood used to heat the yurts is locally sourced and was a product of Boise National Forest’s 2018 Pioneer Fire. The yurts feature granite countertops, a gravity-fed water system and solar-powered refrigerators and lighting. energy.

The compostable toilets are equipped with a conveyor system and a continuously running fan to keep odors out of the structures.

The yurts sleep up to eight people each and have two twin bunk beds and a large double berth.

In the warm season, the 8-meter high yurts are accessible by car and guests can drive right to the front door. In winter, those staying in the yurts must hike 5.3 miles into the terrain by snowshoeing, skiing or snowmobiling.

The yurts rent for $199 in the summer and $275 in the winter. Bookings can be made on the Idaho Wilderness Yurts website.