The Southwest Nordic Center operates two separate year-round backcountry yurt systems. Our original system has four yurts at the southeastern end of the San Juan Mountains, near Cumbres Pass in Southern Colorado. The second system has one larger yurt above Taos Ski Valley in northern New Mexico.
Southern Colorado-Cumbres Pass
SNC has four yurts near the southeastern end of the San Juan Wilderness, by Cumbres Pass, Co. This area is a cross-country skiers paradise with terrain for all skill levels of skiers. Snowshoers will find access to lots of beautiful mountain scenery sur ce site. Access to the yurts is along well marked trails with no avalanche danger. From the yurts, extended touring/snowshoeing and telemark terrain is available. Yurt to Yurt skiing is also an option. Both Flat Mountain and Trujillo Meadows Yurts share the same trailhead making yurt to yurt tours particularly easy. Go to Yurts for information about each individual yurt and its surrounding terrain.
In summer/fall these Yurts offer access to great hiking, biking, and fishing. Beautiful scenery, wildflowers, and wildlife abound. Access to the Continental Divide Trail and south San Juan Wilderness are also available. Yurt to Yurt options are available in summer/fall as well. Access to the individual Yurts varies. Trujillo Meadows can be driven to in the summer/fall. Flat Mountain Yurt is a two mile hike/bike. Check the individual Yurt descriptions for specifics. Of course, you can choose to go further if you desire. Travel from the Yurts is along trails, forest roads, and just cross-country.
Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
The Taos Yurt Is Now Available Year-Round!
The Bull of the Woods Yurt, is two miles from Taos Ski Valley (9,300′) at the Bull of the Woods Meadow (10,800′). This yurt allows hikers, backcountry skiers, boarders and snowshoers access to world class terrain. The yurt lies at the low point along the ridge between Wheeler Peak (13,161′) and Gold Hill (12,700′). One may tour along this ridge into the high alpine terrain and spectacular scenery. Adrenaline junkies will want to take advantage of the extended verticals to be had off of this ridge. There is awesome spring skiing accessible from this yurt.
It is open in the Summer as well. This alpine environment offers great hiking with an abundance of wild life, wild flowers, and expansive vistas.