Pioneer Yurt via Hyndman Creek Trail

This trek starts about 25 minutes from Ketchum, Idaho at the Hyndman Creek Trailhead. As a general rule of thumb, Sun Valley is a great place to be in the fall, and this adventure is no different. The hike itself follows the beautiful Hyndman Creek and is only about 3.5 miles, but the daunting statistic is the 1,000' elevation climb over the last three-quarters of a mile to the yurt. I'm warning you now, it's steep. Mountain biking is possible up until this point but a lot of bikers elect to stash their bikes in the bush and finish the ascent on foot. Although the last half mile or so can be fairly brutal, the yurt is worth.every.step.

Pioneer Yurt sleeps 16, is seated at 8,740', and is outfitted with a ton of gear and supplies. The company that runs the yurt, Sun Valley Trekking, really has thought of everything you may need in the backcountry. In addition to it's vast caches of gear, the yurt also features an outside deck, restroom, outdoor fire pit, and a wood burning sauna nearby. The yurt is hidden in the trees next to the trail and is easy to walk right past.

Once you're settled in the yurt, continue up the trail for epic views of Cobb Peak, Hyndman, Old Hyndman, and Duncan Ridge. We found a few campers at the base of Cobb who planned on climbing to the top of it in the morning. We rallied up to Duncan Ridge and witnessed one of the most impressive sunsets I've ever seen.

As beautiful as it is during the dry seasons, winter is really where the yurt earns it fame. There are ample opportunities in the area to catch some freshies. You can hire a snowmobile to tow you up the majority of the way or you an even be flown in via helicopter.

For more information, reservations, and additional pictures, check out the Pioneer Yurt website.