By:
Submission
Situated near the base of Haystack Mountain, the Geyser Pass Yurt sits nestled in a high alpine meadow at 10,500 feet. With commanding views of Mount Mellenthin and Mount Tomasaki out the front door, Geyser Pass offers a remote and rare opportunity for backcountry adventures in the winter; in the summer it is the starting gate for Moonlight Meadows, Burrow Pass and the Whole Enchilada mountain biking trailheads, guaranteeing that you will beat the crowds to the trail.
The Geyser Pass Yurt is a spacious 24-foot yurt which comfortably accommodates 8 guests. We offer two bunks, each sleeping one on top and two on bottom, as well as a full sized futon, sleeping 2 (no bedding is supplied). A kitchen area fully stocked with all necessary cooking equipment, dining table and chairs, wood burning stove and small library with games round out this cozy and comfortable yurt.
During the winter, it’s a 3.7 mile ski/snowshoe tour from the Geyser Pass parking area and trailhead to the yurt. The trail is groomed for all but the last ¼ mile and is flagged along the way. With moderate elevation gain, intermediate experience is recommended. This trail is also open to snowmobiles. Vehicle access to the yurt is typically closed through May.
Summer Directions: From Moab, head south on US-191/Main Street and travel 7.8 miles. Turn left onto Co Rd #127/Old Airport Rd (brown sign indicating Ken’s Lake and La Sals is located at the turn on US-191) and travel 0.6 miles. Turn right onto Co Rd #127/Forest Road #046 (La Sal Mountain Loop) and travel 11.5 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road #071 (Geyser Pass) and travel 8.8 miles. At Geyser Pass you will encounter a small parking area with USFS signage and bathroom; the road splits just beyond this point. Keep left at this junction, where a brown USFS indicates Burro Pass to the left and Dark Canyon to the right. In 150 yards turn left at the junction of forest road #243 and #071. Continue north along this route; in approximately 100 yards you will see the trailhead for the Whole Enchilada and 75 yards further along with bring you to the trailhead of Moonlight Meadows. A large brown sign and information board indicates this position. From the Moonlight Meadows trailhead the route veers to the right and climbs gradually for another 75 yards. From here the yurt will be visible through a narrow clearing in the trees to the right. Turn right at this point and continue another 75 yards to the yurt located on the east side of a line of trees in a large open meadow.
