Closed

Closed for the season. The yurt normally operates December 1 through April 30, requiring ski or snowshoe access. Additionally, the Upper Mill Creek Canyon area is under a closure order through December 14, 2026 for road improvement construction. Contact Salt Lake Ranger District at (801) 733-2660 for updates on reopening.

Flood Watch issued October 10 at 4:07AM MDT until October 12 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Salt Lake City UT

4:07 AM — 7:15 PM

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...A portion of Utah, including the following areas, Western Millard and Juab Counties, Bear Lake and Bear River Valley, Cache Valley/Utah Portion, Eastern Box Elder County, Great Salt Lake Desert and Mountains, Northern Wasatch Front, Salt Lake Valley, Tooele and Rush Valleys, Utah Valley, Wasatch Back, Wasatch Mountains I-80 North, Wasatch Mountains South of I-80, Western Uinta Basin and Western Uinta Mountains. This includes recent burn scars such as Rocky Canyon. * WHEN...From late tonight through Monday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and recent burn scars. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Moisture associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel will move into northern Utah this weekend producing a prolonged rainfall event. In particular, moisture interacting with a frontal boundary across far northern Utah may yield locally heavier rainfall totals compared to other locations. As a result, areal flooding is expected across northern Utah this weekend. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Weed Free Hay Order 04-2021-03

Prohibited by this order: Possessing, storing, or transporting non-pelletized hay, straw, or mulch in the Intermountain Region, unless it is certified as weed free by the state where the product originated.

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Fireworks and Spark Arrestor Order 04-2021-01

Prohibited by this order: Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device. 36 CFR §261.52(t)Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order as described…

About

Big Water Yurt offers a unique backcountry winter camping experience in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Located at the Upper Big Water Trailhead in Mill Creek Canyon, the yurt sits 4.5 miles beyond the winter gate and is accessible only by ski or snowshoe. This makes it an ideal basecamp for winter recreation, with access to Little Water Peak, Big Water Peak, Soldier Peak, and Gobbler's Knob. The yurt accommodates up to 8 people and is equipped with a wood-burning stove for heating and cooking, a table with benches, and multiple sleeping platforms. An outhouse is located next to the yurt. Reservations are managed by Salt Lake County Parks in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and open on November 1 each year at 8:00 a.m., filling quickly due to high demand. Dogs are permitted only during January and March, with a maximum of two dogs allowed. During December, February, and April, dogs are not allowed. Check-in is at 1:00 p.m. and check-out is at noon the following day. Visitors should be prepared for backcountry winter conditions and bring their own water and supplies.

Directions

From Salt Lake City, travel east on 3800 South to Wasatch Boulevard. Turn left and continue to the Mill Creek Canyon Road entrance. Pay at the tollbooth and proceed up canyon. During winter (November 1 through approximately May), the road is gated at Maple Grove. Park at the Maple Grove parking area and ski or snowshoe 4.5 miles up the road to the yurt at the Upper Big Water Trailhead.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups —
Water Hookups —
Sewer Hookups —
Camp Store No
Price $75

Vehicle

Max RV Length —
Max Trailer Length —
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email sm.fs.uwc_info@usda.gov
Phone +1 (801) 483-5473

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

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