What is a Yurt?
A yurt is a portable structure that provides good insulation from summer heat, but keeps the heat in during the winter. The yurt was invented to be a portable dwelling for nomads. The original yurt was made out of wooden frame and tied with rope to help keep it a round circle. The cover was felt made from wool and sometimes it took six layers to keep the yurt well-insulated. A yurt can be warm in a temperature of -40 degrees and stay cool in 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Click here to learn how The Yurt was constructed and view step-by-step pictures of the construction process!
The Yurt at Cedar Breaks
The Yurt acts as a small visitor center for those traveling through Cedar Breaks during the winter months. The Yurt is staffed by volunteers on weekends between 11am-3pm. Stop at The Yurt and enjoy friendly company, a cup of hot chocolate, and ask questions before you head back out to the cold trail. Please note that overnight stays are not allowed at The Yurt.
To get to the Yurt in the winter: Drive on Highway 143 until approximately three miles south of Brian Head, at the junction with Utah Highway 148 (Cedar Breaks Scenic Drive). A plowed parking lot is maintained at this junction, except during and immediately after snowstorms. The Yurt is located about one mile south on the groomed trail, up two small hills. You can cross country ski, snow shoe, or snowmobile!
Parking at The Yurt is only available in the summer and fall, due to The Yurt's location at the northern trailhead of the Alpine Pond Trail.
GPS Coordinates
N37 38'31.00 by W112 49'20.07
37.641944 -112.822242
View the Yurt in Google Maps
Prospective Yurt Volunteers
Cedar Breaks relies on the services of dedicated, generous volunteers to staff The Yurt on winter weekends. These volunteers provide a valuable contribution to the Monument's winter operations- they are the "eyes and ears" for the Monument during this time.
We are always appreciative of new individuals seeking to volunteer at The Yurt. When considering this opportunity, please keep in mind the following:
- You must be physically able to ski, snowshoe or snowmobile at least two miles. This equipment is not provided, but rental options are available in Brian head.
- You must participate in training prior to any service. This training is provided at the beginning of the winter season. Special accommodations can be made at mid-season. You will also be paired with an experienced volunteer before being allowed to work independently.
- Communication is required with Zion National Park Dispatch via cell phone or two-way radio (both are provided).
- Potentially severe weather conditions can pose safety hazards.
Please contact peg.simons@gmail.com with for more information about volunteering at The Yurt. For information on other volunteer opportunities at Cedar Breaks, click here.
