The Mill Hollow Backcountry Yurt is located in the High Uintas Wilderness, with a 6 mile hike/ski/snowshoe to reach the yurt. The “trail” follows HWY 35 for 3 miles, before turning off onto forest roads. This ski in requires you to have comfortable backcountry skills, as well as appropriate gear (beacon, shovel, & probe), as avalanches have occurred here. The hike/ski in is well worth it, as you are surrounded by a winter wonderland, yet have a warm hut to hang out in. Plan to spend at least two nights here – one night is not enough to fully enjoy the area, get out for a tour, or relax.
Other yurts I’ve blogged about
Directions
From SLC head East on I-80, then south on HWY 40. Take exit 4 towards Kamas, UT. At the stoplight in Kamas, turn right. At the stop sign in Francis, UT, turn left. Drive to the very end of HWY 35 until you reach the winter gate. Park here – a port-a-potty is available.
Here is a driving map from SLC
Trail Info
Distance: 6 miles one way
Elevation gain: 1,400 ft
Time: 3-6 hours to reach the yurt (depends on method of transportation)
Dog friendly? Yes, a max of 2 dogs are allowed
Kid friendly? No due to the distance
Fees/Permits? Yes, see below
GPS location of yurt: 40.47792, -111.08835
Altitude: 8,950 ft
FAQs
How can I make a reservation?
Reservations can be made on Air B&B! Search for “Mill Hollow Yurt”. You will get an email with the lockbox code to access the yurt as well.
How much does it cost to stay at the yurt?
The yurt cost $109/night + Air B&B fees.
If you book last minute, and can go in the next two days when you make the reservation its only $87/night + fees.
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 (surprisingly soft 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!
Day 1 – 6 miles in
Charlie gets comfortable for the drive to the Nobletts Creek TH!
Ready to go! The “trail” is really easy to follow – just stay on HWY 35 for 3 miles. It’s typically groomed, but also gets rutted out from snowmobilers.
Turn right at the signed Mill Hollow Reservoir and ski up 1.5 miles. This section will have the tightest canyon walls, so avalanche danger is a big concern. Make sure you check UtahAvy before heading out.
At 4.5 miles, just past the Mill Hollow Guard Station, turn left and cross a bridge. Continue along this until you reach the yurt, only 1.5 more miles.
Taking in the view – so pretty!
The last 1.5 miles was fresh snow, so Ian and Charlie broke trail in the winter wonderland.
We could finally see the YMCA Camp area, and we were really close.
Finally, after 4.5 hours we reached the yurt! I was extremely slow since I had a heavy pack plus had never skied that far before. I ended up having really bad blisters under both of my feet in the same places.
Home for 2 nights!
Day 2 – rest day for me, ski day for the boys
On a clear day you can see Bald Mountain and Hayden Peak!
The beautiful meadow, this time with snow showers!
Looking SE, out towards the YMCA Camp from the Yurt deck.
There are 4 port-a-potty’s nearby – this one was so snowed in and hard to get into.
Instead, we found these under the main lodge and it was much easier access. Anytime we wanted to get out, we had to put our skis on the snow was so deep. The yurt actually had two pairs of snowshoes that you could use if you wanted, but skis will help you float better.
Nap time for this pup!
After skiing most of the day the boys were worn out!
Day 3 – headed home!
So sad to leave so quickly! On the way back it only took us 2 hours exactly – half the time getting in since we could ski most of the way out. The last 2 miles we had to put our skins back on since the road was too flat to skate ski on.
Flying down one section of trail!
On the drive home I highly recommend stopping at the Woodland Biscuit Company in Francis, UT – they are only open until 2pm, so leave early enough to grab a homestyle breakfast meal. They make everything from scratch and it’s soooo good.
The hot chocolate was also amazing and made me feel all warm and cozy!
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Trail Map
My track via Gaia GPS – the best tracking app! Get your app here for a discount.
Recommended Gear
Nearby Hike
Hiking to Nobletts Creek, Uintas
(A good year-round hike!)
Also check out
TUNA Yurt in the Uintas!
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