The Yipping Coyote is a portrayal of creative resourcefulness, challenging the definition of "waste"...stories of old life given new, its components serving as working examples of an intact nutrient cycle and environmentally appropriate and practical adaption to changing times.

Educational programs, recreationally-oriented social gatherings, or romantic interests, the secluded and unique Yipping Coyote yurt is an ideal year-round getaway. Located in the foothills of the Pioneer Mountains, along a spur of the Oregon Trail and adjacent to the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, the Yipping Coyote is nestled in an Aspen grove 140' above the valley floor with views in nearly every direction. 300° are framed by the Pioneers while the remaining 60 is a window to the Great Rift and the largest lava field of its type in the Lower 48.

In addition to the charming landscape, this yurt is within large tracts of private land protected by restricted access and conservation easements. This not only preserves the biological and historical resources, it assures privacy and tranquility for guests and a greater chance of seeing wildlife. This is home to bear, cougar, bobcat, wolves, foxes, and coyotes as well as elk, moose, deer, pronghorn, and more. Elk are often seen in the fall and heard bugling. Pronghorn are common in the spring, moose are seen with some regularity most months, and it's not uncommon to see bear in the summer. Deer and smaller wildlife are commonplace... and coyotes can clearly be heard yipping most evenings under one of the darkest skies in the nation.

Catching whiffs of sage and aspen, while listening to the symphony of coyotes and staring at the Milky Way, is like stepping back into the Wild West. It is an ambiance unlike any other. Welcome to the Yipping Coyote yurt!

A Variety of Ski Terrain	Adbundant Wildlife	Expansive Views	Beautiful Sunrises

The yurt: Handcrafted in Stanley, Idaho in 1987 by "the father of backcountry yurts", Kirk Bachman, this 20' diameter yurt was first erected in the City of Rocks National Reserve area and used for counseling the chemically dependent. It spent the next 20 years of its life along the Salmon River near Riggins, serving as guest lodging for a river outfitter. Badly dilapidated, it was salvaged just prior to its trip to the landfill in 2013. After massaging the shell back to life, other rescued materials were used to custom build the new door, skylight, and furnishings as well as the outhouse, rainwater/snowmelt harvester, sauna, shower, and hot tub. From the ground up, this project was built almost entirely from repurposed and salvaged materials, each piece artfully reshaped for its new life. The patina of time and story behind every component add another dimension.

Salvage near Riggins.	New platform. New location	Heating shower water in the wood-fired water heater.	Salvaged materials lend themselves to handcrafting.	Welcome!
Enjoy the views of the Pioneers or Milky Way from a one-of-a-kind wood-fired hot tub.	Table built on salvaged yurt compression ring.	Indoor loo.	A little fun throughout.	Composting toilet. Finished compost nourishes area trees, completing the natural cycle.
Firewood storage also harvests rainwater & snowmelt. Collected water is piped downhill to yurt.	Greywater reuse. Water from the kitchen sink runs to a sub-mulch basin watering trees/bushes.	Wood fired sauna made from reclaimed grain hopper & other salvaged materials.	Firing up the sauna in an early fall evening.	When done yurting, enjoy the hotspring a few miles down the road.

Access: Mountain bike, skis, or snowshoes (limited vehicular access for special spring and summer events - high clearance vehicles only).

Distance: Depending on route: 7 miles for summer travelers and 3.3 miles for skiers. One way.

Difficulty: The mountain bike route is mostly flat with two relatively gentle and short hill climbs. The steepest climbs 140' in .4 miles.

The winter route is not groomed, mostly exposed, and undulating. The only climb to speak of gains 225' in 1/4 mile. Depending on the conditions and level of fitness, it takes between 2 and 3.5 hours to ski in and 3.5 to 5.5+ hours to snowshoe in (snowshoers should be in excellent physical condition!). The group leader should have experience in winter travel and avalanche safety. A Yurt Rent Guide is required for first time visitors.

Highlights: Volcanism, historical Goodale Cutoff, wildlife, wildflowers, solitude, a variety of ski terrain (conditions dependent), hiking, vast views, sauna, hot tub, unique yurt and landscape.

Best visit times: Mid May to mid June for the most greenery, wildflowers, and wildlife variety; late fall for best chance of seeing and hearing elk bugle; mid January for the best snow.

Max occupancy: 8 (there is tent space outside for larger summer groups)

Provisions & amenities:

• wood-fired hot tub with pre-cut firewood (October - April)
• wood-fired sauna with pre-cut firewood (October - April)
• running water inside yurt (April - October)
• three seperate decks and table against yurt for conversation, views, eating
• gravity fed water filter/purifier
• wood heated outdoor shower with views (April - October)
• ample and varying seating arrangments, inside and out
• 3 bunk beds with sleeping pads (bottom of 2 bunks are futons for couples. Fold into couches by day seating 2-3 people each)
• dining table with seating for 6
• 9' long window bench with view overlooking valley floor and Pioneers beyond
• 8' long kitchen counter with double sink, extra shelves,and pantry
• basic cookware, cups, and eating utensils
• wood stove with glass door for fire viewing
• pre-cut firewood for heating/cooking
• battery powered lanterns with backup propane lantern
• portable propane 2-burner cook stove
• outhouse with skylight roof, composting toilet, solar light, and view
• private indoor loo (number 1 only!) for those who would rather stay within the warmth of the yurt at night
• small library: local fauna, flora, and geological guides; conservation; building inspiration; philosophy; health; & more
• guestbook including history of place, reflections, orgin and story of each component of yurt including explanation of greywater, composting, sauna, tub, shower, and rainwater/snowmelt harvesting system
• maps of the area showing alternative routes, additional skiing and mountain biking, and points of interest for exploration

Guests only need to bring:

• sleeping bag
• food
• appropriate clothing
• personals

Fees, Frequently Asked Questions, and Itinerary Ideas

It is a magnificent weekend journeying in and out, enjoying the yurt in the interim and topping the experience off with a soak in the hotspring. There are also many fun options to enhance the adventure whether it be additional skiing or mountain biking, or hiking to incredibly expansive views. Check out the Itinerary Ideas.