Idaho Non-Motorized Trails Program

08/28/2026

🪓 Help us stock the Idaho City Backcountry Yurts for winter!

We’re looking for volunteers for our annual wood splitting and stacking days at the yurts. Our main focus will be firewood, with some light maintenance, brush removal, or trail work as time allows.

📅 September 10: Hennessy & Skyline
📅 September 17: Stargaze & Rocky Ridge
📅 September 24: Banner & Elkhorn
⏰ 7:30 AM–6:00 PM
📍 Meet at the IDPR office in Boise and carpool to the yurts

Bring lunch, plenty of water, work gloves, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty!

Interested? Email [email protected] with the date you’d like to volunteer and let us know if you have a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and are willing to drive. Spots are first come, first served!

Volunteers are also welcome to stay at the yurt the night after the workday. 🏕️

08/25/2026

The crew cut out the Valley Trail out of Whoop-Um-Up 🎉Here's a map link: https://arcg.is/1WLqen2

Please remember that Crooked River Trail remains closed due to the Crooked River Fire. Stay safe and enjoy the trails!

08/21/2026

🔥 Crooked Fire Update for Yurt Guests

All Idaho City Backcountry Yurts remain OPEN. At this time, there are no closures affecting the yurts.

However, the Boise National Forest has closed several roads and trails in the area, including the Crooked River Trail. If you’re planning to hike, bike, or explore the area during your stay, please check the current Forest Service closures before heading out and respect all posted closures.

07/29/2026

The Idaho City Backcountry Yurts aren't just for winter. Summer is a beautiful time to visit—cool mountain mornings, wildflowers, and plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding trails and forests. Thanks to KTVB for featuring the yurts and sharing a little bit about what makes this place so special.

Read the story below. ⬇️

From their origins in Central Asia to the mountains of Idaho, yurts offer a unique way to experience the outdoors with a few extra comforts along the way.

07/16/2026

Stargaze Yurt got a major refresh! The crew just finished installing a fresh outer skin. Here's a look at the process and the finished product. ✨🛖

07/01/2026

07/01/2026

Idaho Centennial Trail Signage - Desert Update

A small Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation crew spent three days last month repairing and installing more than 90 Idaho Centennial Trail (ICT) carsonite markers along the desert section of the trail, from the southern terminus to just south of Bennett Mountain. These new signs should make navigation a little easier for users exploring this unique stretch of the ICT. We learned that cows and drivers enjoy knocking these carsonites over, so please don't rely solely on signage for navigation. 🐮

We also added a new logbook - we'd love to hear where you're from, where you're headed, and any thoughts you'd like to share about your adventure!

Our goal is to continue the sign project this fall, extending north to Highway 20. Happy trails!

06/25/2026

The trail crew is making progress on our single-track trail system around the Idaho City Yurts! 🏇🥾🚴 Here is a list of trails that have been cut out: Snowshoe, Snowshoe Connector, Banner, Aspen Grove, Lehn's Loop, Cougar, Cougar Link, Pilgrim Loop, and the northern half of Lower Lamar.
The video below is of the Snowshoe Loop trails, just southwest of Banner Ridge Yurt. It is an awesome, shaded two-mile loop trail. Here is a map: https://arcg.is/1ubKu2
On the maps below, the crew has cut out all trails highlighted in yellow. As always, trails can change quickly, so be prepared for all conditions! 🪚🌱

06/12/2026

🪚Trail maintenance update🪚

The crew finished cutting out *almost* all of the trails between Banner Ridge and Elkhorn Yurts. They removed nearly 300 trees over 5 miles of trail. Check out the screenshotted map below - the highlighted trails have been cut out. 🔥🚴

Remember, trees can fall and conditions can change anytime. So be prepared for all possible conditions!

Here's an interactive map of the area: https://arcg.is/1eXnSS3

05/19/2026

One perk of a slow winter? Early trail maintenance season. 🪚

The crew logged out Summit Trail, clearing around 80 trees! Since much of Summit follows old road grade, it’s a great early-season option for gravel bikers and stock users looking for a gentle trail with some mountain scenery mixed in.

As always, conditions can change quickly this time of year. New trees can fall at any time, mud conditions vary day to day, and users should be prepared for changing trail conditions.