Colorado Yurts – Never Summer Nordic – Colorado Trip Advice [GUIDE]

There's no doubt about it--yurts are rad. These structures have been used in central Asia by nomadic Mongols for thousands of years.

In Colorado, they are used for recreation. People travel into the backcountry to these secluded structures to get away from it all for a little while.

This gallery shows pictures of our trip to the Grass Creek Yurt, part of the Never Summer Nordic yurt and cabin system.

A trip to the yurt is definitely an adventure. I like comfy hotel rooms as much as anyone (in fact, I'm writing this from one, just after we came out of the woods from our trip to Grass Creek), but a trip to the yurt is not like a hotel stay. No indoor plumbing, no running water, no electricity, so, yeah, no internet.

Still reading? Good.

Stepping into a yurt brings a special feeling. There is something soothing about these circular structures. They just feels good. It takes hard work to get there. The average ski or snowshoe to the yurt in the Never Summer Nordic system is 1.5 miles. It requires planning. There is navigation involved. There is also wonder. "How much further?" "Did we bring everything we need?" Did we bring too much, because this pack is #$%^&*ing heavy!"

Upon arrival, the packs are put down, and if you forgot the information that Greg or Kyle from Never Summer Nordic (named for the Never Summer mountain range close by) emailed you and realize you don't have the combination to the lock on the yurt door, you may have a long ski or hike back to the car, or their facility nearby.

This is part of the essence of a trip to the yurt. They provide the firewood and axes, the propane and shovels, the pots and pans and various other necessities, but a good part of it is up to the traveler to remember. It's as relaxing, peaceful and serene as any vacation you can take that also involves a little bit of brain power and a little bit of work.

You have to cut some wood for the people coming after you. You have to be able to figure out, in the winter at least, how to stay warm (which simply involves gear, but don't forget it!). It's an adventure to peace. A tough trek to true disconnectedness, because you won't get a signal of any type out there. The yurts are a step up from backpacking, where you carry absolutely everything you need on your back. Instead bringing everything, though, the things that are stocked at the yurt allow you to bring luxuries, like numerous books, special tasty treats that backpackers probably wouldn't carry, like whole pomegranates, limes, or steaks.

You don't have to spend all your time hunting for firewood, so you can spend all your time taking in the vastness of the Rocky Mountains in the most beautiful part of North Park.

Here are some of the items that are already at the yurt

THE YURT HAS:

POTS & PANS

COFFEE POT (PERCULATOR)

KITCHEN UTENSILS

SILVERWARE

DISHES

PAPER TOWELS

DISH TOWELS

TOILET PAPER

MATCHES
DISHSOAP AND DISHPANS

STOCKPOT FOR SNOWMELT

PROPANE COOKSTOVE

PROPANE LIGHT

PROPANE PROVIDED

WOODSTOVE

FIREWOOD

NEWSPAPER (FOR FIRE STARTER)

AXE, MAUL AND FILE (SHARPEN IF DULL)

SNOWSHOVEL

OUTSIDE FOOD STORAGE BOX

TABLE AND CHAIRS

CHARCOAL GRILL (CHARCOAL NOT PROVIDED)

PILLOWS            

MATTRESSES:                 ***bedding is not provided***

CLARK PEAK, DANCING MOOSE-3  floor pads

3 DBLES, 3 SGLES, 3 PADS

MEDICINE BOW- same as above, (no floor pads)

            NOKHU HUT & AGNES CREEK -

            2 DBLES, 2 SGLES, 2 PADS

            ALL OTHER YURTS -

            1 DBL, 3 SGLES, 2 PADS

**THE HUTS ARE VERY CROWDED IF YOU HAVE FOLKS ON THE FLOOR!
WE NO LONGER STOCK CANDLES…YOU CAN BRING YOUR OWN (UNSCENTED PLEASE).

WE NO LONGER STOCK BATTERY OPERATED LANTERNS… BRING YOUR OWN

IF YOU WANT A FULL SET OF CARDS OR GAMES I WOULD BRING YOUR OWN

What You Need to Bring

BRING PERSONAL STUFF:

o Gaiters: knee-high, should cover all your laces and fit snugly

o Synthetic underwear: top and bottom; NO COTTON

o Ski pants or knickers: wool or synthetic blends, Gore-tex

o Wind pants: optional, but very nice

o Socks:  liner pair and outer pair of heavy wool or blend,at least

two complete sets

o Down vest: optional, but very nice

o Sweater: heavy wool or down

o Wind shirt: optional

o Mountain parka: heavy duty, multi-purpose jacket for covering all

your garments, lots of pockets and a hood

o Wool hat: (or synthetic) two- one lightweight and one heavy

o Mittens/gloves: lightweight liners (synthetic), heavy-duty mittens

and overmits

o Down booties:  (or hut scuffs, slippers) handy around the hut

o Scarf or neck gaiter : very handy on cold and windy days

o Sunglasses: or goggles

o Toiletries: comb, handtowel & soap, toothbrush/paste, lip balm,

o Wet wipes/handi wipes: not a bad alternative to a shower!

o Sunscreen: at least SPF 15

o Toilet paper w/ matches: a small personal cache

o First Aid Kit: standard kit of analgesics, moleskin, bandages,

tweezers, etc.

o Repair Kit: should include binding screws, screwdriver, bailing

wire, spare bale, duct tape, etc.

o Wax Kit: a wide assortment for different conditions

o Camera equipment: batteries should be new

o Firestarter and matches: waterproof container

o Pillow Case and twin or full size fitted sheet

o Feminine supplies

o Earplugs
o tie on/clip on mantles for the kitchen light

BRING GEAR:

o Backcountry Skis: metal edges recommended

o Ski skins: can make all the difference in the world!!

o Ski boots: at least ankle length, stiff as possible, waterproofed

o Ski poles:  standard nordic ski poles, the stronger the better

o Snowshoes and snowboard

o Sleeping bag: good to at least 0 degrees, the warmer the better

o Water bottles

o Map and compass: GPS is nice, recommended maps: Nat'l

Geographic #’s 112, 114 &  # 200 if going to Nokhu or Agnes.

o Headlamp: check bulb and batteries, a headlamp is necessary

o Candles: if the mantle breaks , BATTERY OPERATED LANTERN

o Swiss army knife: or equivalent

o Ground cloth or tarp: ideal for emergency bivouacs

o Daypack or large fanny pack: for day tours away from the hut

o Backpack: internal frames are best, ski sled is good alternative   * A sled can carry more volume and weight than a regular back   pack—check outdoor sports shops for rental info.