Best Backcountry Huts in Idaho — 2026
Idaho has 15 notable backcountry huts for 2026. Huts are managed by 5 different operators. Banner Ridge Yurt ranks highest based on available information and amenities.
Last updated: February 2026
Top Backcountry Huts in Idaho
- 1.Banner Ridge Yurt
Idaho Parks and Rec
Protected in a north-facing bowl, the Banner Ridge Yurt provides a deep snowpack and thousands of vertical feet of skiing with views of the Sawtooth Mountains.
YurtKitchen - 2.Bench Hut
Sun Valley Mountain Huts
The Bench Hut is a wall-tent structure perched on the shoulder of Mount Heyburn, serving as the perfect basecamp for intermediate skiing and advanced technical lines on the surrounding peaks and couloirs.
Backcountry HutKitchen - 3.Bloomington Canyon Yurt
Weber State University
Run by the Outdoor Program at Weber State, This hut offers access to the Bear River Range for students and the general public alike.
YurtSleeps 12Kitchen - 4.Blue Yurt
Idaho Wilderness Yurts
The Blue Yurt is a 27' yurt with access to the Boise Mountains and its vast network of OHV trails. Situated amongst Idaho Wilderness Yurts' two other structures (the Red & Green Yurts), it also sports a shared wood-burning sauna along the Crooked River.
YurtSleeps 8Kitchen - 5.Boulder Yurts
Sun Valley Mountain Huts
The Boulder Yurts are the most popular of the SV Trek yurts. Based at the foot of Butterfield Mountain, these two yurts are a jumping off point for access to gladed tree skiing and bowl skiing above Anderson Creek.
YurtKitchen - 6.Coyote Hut
Sun Valley Mountain Huts
Located in the Smoky Mountains of Idaho, the Coyote Yurt is one of the most remote huts in the SV Trek system and offers a variety of mixed terrain for intermediate and advanced skiers.
Backcountry HutKitchen - 7.Elkhorn Yurt
Idaho Parks and Rec
The most remote hut in the Idaho Parks system, the Elkhorn Yurt offers easy access to a wide variety of terrain. The hut offers magnificent views of local peaks, especially at sunset.
YurtKitchen - 8.Fishhook Yurt
Sun Valley Mountain Huts
Situated in a meadow deep in the Sawtooths, Fishhook Yurt provides access to standout Sawtooth peaks like Thompson Peak and Mount Heyburn. The nearby Profile Lake Basin offers ample terrain for day tours from mild to spicy.
YurtKitchen - 9.Green Yurt
Idaho Wilderness Yurts
The Green Yurt is a 27' yurt with access to the Boise Mountains and its vast network of OHV trails. Situated amongst Idaho Wilderness Yurts' two other structures (the Blue & Red Yurts), it also sports a shared wood-burning sauna along the Crooked River.
YurtSleeps 8Kitchen - 10.Hennessy Yurt
Idaho Parks and Rec
The newest hut in the Idaho Parks & Recreation system, replacing the Whispering Pines yurt that was damaged in the 2015 Pioneer Fire. Plenty of skiing on all aspects from the yurt, including slopes of the recent burn area.
YurtKitchen - 11.Lick Creek Summit Yurts
Payette Powder Guides
Run by the Payette Powder Guides, these huts deliver all the goods. Two yurts located next to 30,000 acres of skiable terrain.
YurtKitchen - 12.Pioneer Yurt
Sun Valley Mountain Huts
Sitting on the edge of Hydman Creek and an alpine meadow, Pioneer Yurt offers access to a variety of terrain. Be it open bowls, steep peaks, or rolling glades – there are opportunities for intermediate riders and expert mountaineers.
YurtKitchen - 13.Red Yurt
Idaho Wilderness Yurts
The Red Yurt is a 27' yurt with access to the Boise Mountains and its vast network of OHV trails. Situated amongst Idaho Wilderness Yurts' two other structures (the Blue & Green Yurts), it also sports a shared wood-burning sauna along the Crooked River.
YurtSleeps 8Kitchen - 14.Rocky Ridge Yurt
Idaho Parks and Rec
Visitors can expect ungroomed trails leading to Rocky Ridge Yurt, located at the end of a rocky finger ridge. The yurt is a favorite of dog lovers, and visitors are treated to spectacular 180-degree views to the East, South and West.
YurtKitchen - 15.Skyline Yurt
Idaho Parks and Rec
Located just off a groomed ski trail, the Skyline Yurt is perfect for beginners.
YurtKitchen
Backcountry Huts Comparison — Idaho 2026
| Hut | Type | Capacity | Price | Kitchen | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banner Ridge Yurt Idaho Parks and Rec | Yurt | — | — | Yes | 2.0 miles / 3.2 km |
| Bench Hut Sun Valley Mountain Huts | Backcountry Hut | — | — | Yes | 5.0 miles / 8.0 km |
| Bloomington Canyon Yurt Weber State University | Yurt | 12 | — | Yes | 7.3 miles / 11.7 km |
| Blue Yurt Idaho Wilderness Yurts | Yurt | 8 | — | Yes | 3.3 miles / 5.3 km |
| Boulder Yurts Sun Valley Mountain Huts | Yurt | — | — | Yes | 1.5 miles / 2.4 km |
| Coyote Hut Sun Valley Mountain Huts | Backcountry Hut | — | — | Yes | 6.0 miles / 9.7 km |
| Elkhorn Yurt Idaho Parks and Rec | Yurt | — | — | Yes | 3.0 miles / 4.8 km |
| Fishhook Yurt Sun Valley Mountain Huts | Yurt | — | — | Yes | 4.0 miles / 6.4 km |
| Green Yurt Idaho Wilderness Yurts | Yurt | 8 | — | Yes | 3.3 miles / 5.3 km |
| Hennessy Yurt Idaho Parks and Rec | Yurt | — | — | Yes | 2.0 miles / 3.2 km |
| Lick Creek Summit Yurts Payette Powder Guides | Yurt | — | — | Yes | 12.0 miles / 19.3 km |
| Pioneer Yurt Sun Valley Mountain Huts | Yurt | — | — | Yes | 6.0 miles / 9.7 km |
| Red Yurt Idaho Wilderness Yurts | Yurt | 8 | — | Yes | 3.3 miles / 5.3 km |
| Rocky Ridge Yurt Idaho Parks and Rec | Yurt | — | — | Yes | 1.75 miles / 2.8 km |
| Skyline Yurt Idaho Parks and Rec | Yurt | — | — | Yes | 2.3 miles / 3.7 km |
How to Choose a Hut in Idaho
- 1.
Consider your fitness level and the approach. Some huts require multi-hour ski tours or hikes with significant elevation gain. Check the access distance and difficulty before booking.
- 2.
Check meals and kitchen availability. Self-catering huts require you to bring all food and fuel. Staffed huts with meal service simplify logistics but may cost more.
- 3.
Match capacity to your group size. Smaller huts offer privacy but limited availability. Larger facilities accommodate groups and often have better amenities.
- 4.
Book early for peak season. Popular huts fill up months in advance, especially for holiday weekends and prime ski/hiking season. Check availability as soon as your dates are firm.
- 5.
Assess winter conditions and safety. For winter hut trips, check avalanche conditions, carry rescue equipment, and consider hiring a certified guide. Many huts in Idaho are located in or near avalanche terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do backcountry huts in Idaho cost per night?
Pricing for backcountry huts in Idaho varies by hut and season. Contact individual operators for current rates.
Do I need to book backcountry huts in Idaho in advance?
Yes, most backcountry huts in Idaho require advance reservations, especially during peak season. Popular huts can book up months ahead for holidays and weekends. Contact operators directly for availability.
What is the capacity of backcountry huts in Idaho?
Backcountry Huts in Idaho range from 8 to 12 guests per night. Smaller huts offer a more intimate experience, while larger facilities can accommodate groups.
Are meals provided at backcountry huts in Idaho?
Most backcountry huts in Idaho are self-catering with kitchen facilities (15 of 15 have kitchens). Bring your own food and cooking supplies.
What gear do I need for backcountry huts in Idaho?
Essential gear includes a sleeping bag, headlamp, layers, and appropriate footwear for the approach. In winter, avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel) is required for backcountry huts. Check individual hut listings for specific gear requirements.