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Frequently Asked Questions – Yurts

What is your cancelation policy? 

Because Enchanted Forest has a limited number of yurts and each yurt stay requires special planning, Enchanted Forest has a strict “no refund” policy for yurt rentals. No refunds will be given for early departures, bad weather before or during your stay, drought, snow (or other weather) conditions, getting lost or failure to reach the yurt, or any other circumstances over which Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area has no control.

Cancellations made over three (3) weeks prior to reserved date may transfer to any available date in the same “season” (winter goes to March 31, summer to November 9, 2020). Alternatively, you may receive a refund equal to 50% of the original cost. Cancellations made within the final three weeks receive no recompense.

It does not matter why you need to cancel your reservation: No reservations carry over to other seasons.

IF YOU NEED TO RESCHEDULE YOUR STAY, DO NOT REBOOK THROUGH THE SITE. Call us at 575-754-6112, 575-770-2430 or email [email protected] and we will assist you in rescheduling your reservation. Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area reserves the right to make the final call.

Customers will receive a full refund or credit in case of OPERATOR CANCELLATION due to unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.

Is it hard to get to the yurts? 

In every case, the difficulty depends on your fitness level, the amount of gear you are carrying/pulling, weather and the altitude — the area is around 9,800 feet above sea level. The trails out to the Latir Yurt, Little John Yurt, and Midway Yurt (summer only) are a moderate walk. The Long John Yurt is more difficult, as it climbs to over 10,000 feet and it is further out. That yurt also offers the greatest reward for your efforts! Is is near the view Enchanted Forest founder John Miller named the “pièce de résistance”, with views of the Moreno Valley, Touch-Me-Not, Baldy, the Wheeler Peak Wilderness, the Upper Red River Valley, Valley of the Pines, Gold Hill and Red River Ski Area.

How do I get to the yurts

There are “To the yurts” signs along the way, as well as red/white “flagging” along the path to the yurts. DO NOT head up Forest Road 488 (the road labeled “Backcountry”). It will not get you to the yurts!

May I drive to the yurts

No. Enchanted Forest has a Special Use Permit with the Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest, US Forest Service. Under the terms of our permit, driving to and from the yurt is not permitted.

Do I need gear delivery? 

That depends. Enchanted Forest provides a “gear pulk” in winter that glides along behind you makes transporting all that extra gear much easier (wagons in summer); however, you should still pack as if this were a backpacking trip, not a car-camping expedition. Some folks like the convenience and ease of having all their gear hauled out for them, as packing for lightness is no longer a concern. With gear delivery, all your gear must fit in the back of a Polaris Ranger (approx. 36 x 54 x 11 inches). An additional $50 will be charged if your gear does not safely fit in one trip and requires a second trip. Last minute gear deliveries may not be accepted.

Are dogs allowed? 

In spring, summer and fall, dogs are allowed on the trails and in the yurts. During the winter when trails are groomed for skiing, dogs are not allowed on the trails or in the yurts. (We do have dog-friendly trails for skiing and snowshoeing.) 

Do you provide firewood? 

Yes

What else do you provide? 

  • Yurt Instructions
  • Beds
  • Dog bed (summer only)
  • Hammock
  • Wood stove, fire starters, matches, and firewood
  • Gas Lantern (and propane)
  • Gas cook stove (and propane)
  • Table-top charcoal grill
  • Water (15-21 gallons; summer only)
  • Cooler
  • Melitta filter cone, carafe, and filters
  • Pots and pans, cutting board & knives
  • Kitchen utensils
  • Spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, cinnamon, cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes)
  • Plates, Bowls and Mugs (+ paper, winter only)
  • Silverware (+ wood, winter only)
  • Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid (Biodegradable) Soap for daily hygiene and washing dishes
  • Dish Scrub Brush with Built-in Scraper, Dishpans and Steramine Quaternary Sanitizing Tablets for washing dishes
  • Trash bags (please pack out your trash)
  • Table and chairs (indoor)
  • Picnic Table (outdoor)
  • Outdoor Fire Pit with grill — Please use sticks and logs from around yurt, not the firewood for the stove, and observe any US Forest Service Fire Restrictions
  • Porta-potty (outside)
  • Toilet Paper
  • Games and cards
  • Books
  • Paper
  • Colored Pencils and Sharpener
  • Star Chart
  • Other items previous guests may have left.

What do I need to bring? 

If you plan to haul your own gear, it is better to pack more closely to backpacking. please do not pack for “car camping”, unless you plan to pay for gear delivery. Things you may need to bring to make your stay comfortable:

  • Bring a cell phone: There is service at the yurts and they are very helpful in an emergency and to brag to friends (Hey, guess where I am!)
  • Hiking boots or trail-running shoes
  • Backpack(s) for gear / day pack(s) for trips from yurt
  • Trekking poles (optional, but very helpful for the knees)
  • Sleeping bags
  • High altitude appropriate clothing:
  • This may include: Hats, gloves or mittens, long underwear, wool or synthetic socks, insulated over pants and jacket/coat, wicking shirts, fleece or sweater. It is very important that you wear layers of clothing. Wicking layers against skin, thin to thick insulation layer, water resistant breathable outer layer. This way you can take off and put on as needed. It is better to start warm than to try and get warm, and you can’t put it on if you left it at the trailhead. Bring extra clothing even if you don’t think you’ll need it, weather can change rapidly in the mountains.
    (A note on cotton: While cotton can be cool and comfortable in summer, in chilly/wet weather it can be disastrous. Once wet it stays wet and, unlike other materials, it is not good for wicking moisture away from your body.)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunblock and SPF lip protection
  • Toiletries (toothbrush and toothpaste; wipes; menstrual products)
  • Trail map (at end of this document)
  • Flashlight or headlamp, plus extra batteries (You will need this for midnight excursions to the outhouse)
  • Water bottles for day hikes
  • All your food and drinks
  • Knife or multi-tool, plus a gear repair kit (if you have an air mattress, for example)

Optional items:

  • Compass (helpful for properly orienting to the map)
  • GPS device
  • Sun hat
  • Slippers
  • Prescription medications
  • Prescription glasses
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera (or phone camera)
  • Interpretive field guide(s)
  • Outdoor journal with pen/pencil
  • Book/reading material
  • Compact binoculars
  • Two-way radios
  • An emergency whistle (it’s louder than yelling for help)
  • Solar charger (Optional, but batteries drain  quickly at altitude)