Idyllic Yurts in Colorado's Backcountry

Looking for a unique outdoor experience this season? Colorado has a wealth of fun backcountry camping and glamping locations to choose from, and yurts are some of the most fun to stay in!

If you live in our luxury Denver apartments for rent and are looking for a change in scenery, then check out these yurts near Denver for an experience you aren’t likely to forget anytime soon!

What are yurts?

You may have heard of yurts in the context of glamping or camping, but yurts have a history that’s older than most nations, cultures or religions! They are ancient structures that have housed humanity for centuries and have great historical and cultural value. So, what exactly are they? And how have they changed over the years?

If you’re looking for a definition to give you a mental picture, a yurt is essentially a circular dwelling that is easy to set up and take down. Historically, yurts were covered with sheep wool or fabric for insulation and supported by a latticework of poles and stakes. They were built to be portable and sturdy, with the ability to withstand harsh winds and extreme cold. The roof is constructed using poles and a circular crown, which also serves as the chimney for any smoke from fires. 

Yurts date back thousands of years to the Central Asia region. Nomads of the time used yurts as housing as they continuously moved across the flat, barren grasslands. Because of the lack of trees, bushes and obstacles in the harsh landscape, strong winds barrelled over the land and brought with it bitterly cold temperatures. The aerodynamic, circular shape of yurts prevented the wind from tearing them down, and the rounded shape also spreads heat evenly throughout the dwelling. 

For the Mongolian and Turkic nomads thousands of years ago, yurts were the most practical and efficient houses for their lifestyle. Everything was centered around their yurt, which they called a ger. 

Nomads had few possessions aside from hunting and cooking tools, so gers were central parts of many areas in life. It acted as the physical dwelling, the cultural center and also as the spiritual point. 

Women would create large pieces of felt fabric from sheep wool, which were used as walls and roofs. Intricate wooden doors were constructed for the entrance, and colorful rugs woven for the floors and interior walls. When there was nothing else to trade with others, nomads would trade ger construction materials, and Turkic nomads were also known to create beautifully-woven fabric door flaps. 

The floor plan inside the gers were based on the Earth’s four directions, with the door always facing south, the seat of honor always to the north and the male and female areas occupying the easterly and westerly halves of the dwelling. Following these directions gave the gers a sense of balance not just in terms of space, but in terms of the overall place in the universe.  

In the Shamanist traditions of ancient times, the ger was considered to be the entryway and gate between worlds. The central fire which provided warmth and life to the dwellers inside provided a connection to the world below, and the smoke would rise to the world above. The rising and setting of the sun was reflected in the clockwise direction by which one moved through the yurt, and the balance of the circle perfectly represented the yin and yang of the universe itself.

So, yeah, the yurt has been around for a while and holds a fairly significant place in the history of humanity. 

Yurts today

Yurts nowadays are not quite as rugged as the gers of old, but the overall shape and latticework construction has remained the same. They are constructed to be more permanent and sturdy, and most are used as glamping and camping destinations rather than primary dwellings. However, many companies, especially in Europe, provide more traditional yurts for events, personal use and pure curiosity. 

Many associate the yurt with the rugged outdoor nomads of ancient times, which undoubtedly is a draw for many visitors to the rounded huts over the years. When paired with the seclusion of nature and the protection of the elements, yurts provide a peaceful and balanced space that humanity has benefited from for thousands of years. 

Here are some yurts near Denver that you can visit!

Yurts near Denver

Tennessee Pass Nordic Center & Sleep Yurts

Leadville, CO

Distance from Denver: 2 hours, 7 minutes

Complete with kitchenettes, fresh water, handcrafted furniture and solar lighting, these gorgeous yurts are the perfect accommodation for any visitors to nearby Tennessee Pass Nordic Center.

Never Summer Nordic Yurts

Walden, CO

Distance from Denver: 2 hours, 45 minutes

With plenty of accommodations in and around the Colorado State Forest State Park, these secluded yurts are perfect for any winter or summer activities. Each one is different and provides glimpses into the different pieces of Colorado’s gorgeous wilderness.

Joyful Journey Hot Springs

Moffat, CO

Distance from Denver: 3 hours

These fully-furnished and heated yurts are perfect for a quick getaway or a relaxing retreat. Enjoy peace and quiet while also being just steps from the main spa retreat and hot springs. How much better can it get?

Cedar Ridge Ranch ‘Glamping’ Yurt

Carbondale, CO

Distance from Denver: 3 hours, 5 minutes

Located on a private ranch far from the bustle of civilization, this cozy yurt offers gorgeous views of Mt. Sopris and access to ponds, hiking trails, horse riding, alpaca yoga (yes, you heard right!) and private stargazing sessions with local astronomers! 

If that’s not enough, this yurt was also chosen as one of the 23 best glamping spots in the United States, so you’re sure to be in for a real treat!

Kurt’s Yurt

Fairplay, CO

Distance from Denver: 1 hour, 30 minutes

For a more rustic and outdoorsy experience, Kurt’s Yurt is in a great location for mountain biking, fishing, hiking and backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. 

Enjoy!

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Featured photo courtesy Unsplash/Vince Gx