Winter Adventure at the Limber Flag Yurt – Eastern Uinta Mountains, Utah
If you’re looking for a remote winter getaway with breathtaking views and solitude, the Limber Flag Yurt in the eastern Uinta Mountains is the perfect destination. Located roughly 33 miles north of Vernal, Utah, and just 16 miles south of Flaming Gorge Dam Visitor Center, this yurt offers incredible views of the Uinta Basin and Red Fleet State Park. On clear nights, you can even see the city lights of Vernal glowing in the distance.
A Snowy Start from Salt Lake City
Originally, we planned a two-night stay at the yurt. But the day before our trip, Salt Lake City was hit by a massive snowstorm—over 2 feet of snow fell at our house, making the 3.5-hour drive feel impossible. We checked road conditions constantly through UDOT, only to see multiple accidents and worsening conditions.
The next morning, we had to snow-blow another foot of snow, and by the time we were finally able to leave, it was already late. We didn’t arrive at the trailhead until 2:00 PM, leaving us with just enough time to hike in and reach the yurt by 4:30 PM, with daylight fading fast.
Making the Most of Our Stay
Although we only spent about 20 hours total at the yurt, we made the most of it—relaxing, soaking in the views, and enjoying the peace and quiet of the high Uintas. The yurt itself is cozy, and even just one night makes for a memorable winter adventure.
Getting to the Limber Flag Yurt
Accessing the Limber Flag Yurt requires a 3-mile hike, as motorized vehicles are not permitted from December through March. You can either snowshoe or backcountry ski to reach the yurt. However, unless it’s a high-snow year, skiing can be difficult due to frequent downed logs and low sagebrush—snowshoes are usually the better option.
Directions
You can get to the TH from I-80 through Wyoming, using this map
OR
You can get there from HWY 40 and Vernal, UT, using this map
The trailhead for the Limber Flag Yurt starts from the Aspen Nature Trail parking lot on HWY 191. The road is paved the entire way, so you don’t need 4×4 drive.
Trail Info
Distance: 3 miles one way
Elevation gain: 813 ft
Time: 1-3 hours to reach the yurt
Dog friendly? No, dogs are not allowed at this yurt
Kid friendly? Yes!
Fees/Permits? Yes, see below
GPS location of yurt:
40.74421, -109.44190
Altitude: 8,900 ft
FAQs
How can I make a reservation?
Reservations typically open in October, and can be made online through Recreation.gov. Everything is done online, and once you make a payment you will get an email notification with all the yurt info on there and your reservation number. The forest ranger should call you a few days ahead of your reservation to give you the lock code to get inside the yurt.
How much does it cost to stay at the yurt?
The yurt cost $50/night, plus a $10 transaction fee, so for two nights it was $110.00.
How many people can stay in the yurt?
You can sleep a max of 8 people, though I don’t recommend bringing 8 people. The yurt is small and you want some room to put all of your gear. I feel like 6 is a good amount, especially if you have a lot of gear.
What does the yurt provide?
The yurt is equipped with bunks (this one has double mattresses), a propane stove (propane is included), kitchen utensils, and plenty of firewood.
Is there water access?
No. There is no running water nor a nearby stream to filter water. You either need to carry it all in, or melt snow, then filter.
What should I bring?
-Your own sleeping bag and pillow
– toilet paper
– food & alcohol
– games or cards
– really thick socks, slippers, or down booties for inside the yurt
– firewood is provided but you need fire starter & a lighter
– lanterns
– your own sponge, biodegradable soap, and towel to clean dishes
– trash bags (everything must be packed out)
– any other entertainment you want!
The trail starts to the right of the port-a-potty – follow the blue diamonds.
Within 5 minutes you’ll cut through a gate (make sure to close it behind you!), and you’ll see the large blue sign for the yurt.
The trail hikes through a really pretty Aspen area. You can see nobody had been to the yurt since the most recent snow storm. We were making fresh tracks in 4-5 inches of snow, but it wasn’t quite deep enough for snowshoes.
Cross another road, and follow the tall blue pole.
Eventually the trail turns North, and will head down this small hill. You can see where the trail is from here.
The one “steep” section along the trail. It’s not really that steep, but when you are carrying a heavy backpack it sure feels like it’s steep!
Keep following the blue diamonds.
There’s a very faint, small brown sign that says “To Yurt”. Turn right here.
When you see Trail 1170, you are within 5 minutes of the yurt!
Yay we made it in 1 hour 35 minutes!
Christmas Day with my love!
(I swear we didn’t coordinate the lime green & blue LOL!)
View from the deck! There was plenty of firewood to keep the wood burning stove going. I recommend bringing your own knife, saw, or axe to make kindling.
The outhouse. Remember to bring your own toilet paper!
Inside the Limber Flag Yurt
My favorite part of this trip was the sunrise!
It was a short trip, but we still had fun.
Trail Map
My track via Gaia GPS – the best tracking app! Get your app here for a discount.
Also Check Out
Be sure to check out my trip report to the Lily Lake Yurt!
Nearby Hike
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