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Experience winter backcountry comfort at the Little John 16-Foot Yurt by Enchanted Forest XC Ski Area in Red River, NM. A cozy, self-sufficient base camp perfect for snowy trail adventures.
Experience winter backcountry comfort at the Little John 16-Foot Yurt by Enchanted Forest XC Ski Area in Red River, NM. A cozy, self-sufficient base camp perfect for snowy trail adventures.
Book with Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area · Red River, New Mexico
Located in Red River, New Mexico, the Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area offers a distinctive winter lodging experience with its Little John 16-Foot Yurt. This semi-primitive yurt, comfortably accommodating up to six guests, sits amid snowy trails that frame panoramic views of the Wheeler Peak Wilderness. Unlike standard winter camping, this setup blends rustic charm with essential comforts — a wood stove for warmth, a three-burner propane stove, kitchenware, and a dining area bring a cozy edge to backcountry accommodations.
The Little John yurt is ideal for winter adventurers seeking refuge after a day of skiing or snowshoeing on groomed and ungroomed trails winding through dense conifer forests and open meadows. While the yurt has no running water or electricity, its design provides a sheltered base where visitors can thaw out without sacrificing the raw feeling of winter wilderness. Because there's no room service, guests bring their own sleeping bags rated for zero degrees or colder and prepare meals themselves, enhancing the genuine outdoor experience.
Getting to the yurt involves a snow trek using your own skis or snowshoes, but the area provides gear pulks to ease hauling your pack, or a gear delivery service ensures convenience. Drinking water comes from melted snow or pre-brought supplies, so planning ahead is crucial.
The Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area anchors winter recreation around Red River, offering diverse trails from beginner loops to advanced backcountry routes. The Little John yurt experience is a standout for those wanting more than a night in a tent but less than a hotel stay — a true winter adventure that connects you directly with New Mexico’s rugged alpine environment.
moderate.
Overnight stays.
Participants should have moderate fitness to ski or snowshoe with gear to the yurt.
No, dogs are not permitted in the Little John yurt during winter. For guests traveling with dogs, the Glade Yurt is a pet-friendly alternative.
No, the yurt is off-grid with no electricity or plumbing. Water must be brought in or melted from snow.
Heating is provided by a wood stove with firewood supplied by the facility.
No vehicles are allowed at the yurt. Access is by ski, snowshoe, or foot with gear transported via sled or pulk.
The yurt includes basic cooking supplies, a three-burner propane stove, pots, pans, plates, and utensils.
The yurt provides shelter and heat but requires some camping know-how, especially with cold weather and stove management.
The Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area has operated since the early 1980s, fostering New Mexico’s winter outdoor community.
The area promotes low-impact recreation and encourages guests to pack out all waste and minimize their footprint on the fragile alpine environment.
Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area operates in Red River, New Mexico, offering hike‑in yurt stays and seasonal equipment rentals for visitors seeking outdoor overnight experiences. The operation lists multiple hike‑in camping yurts by name and size, including the Glade 20‑foot, Latir 20‑foot, Long John 20‑foot, Little John 16‑foot, and the Midway 24‑foot yurt. Winter‑specific options are noted, including Little John 16‑Foot (Winter), Latir 20‑Foot (Winter), and a Glade 20‑Foot 'Dog Friendly' Yurt (Winter). Midway’s 24‑foot yurt is presented as an upscale option that accommodates up to 8 people, equipped with a wood stove, basic kitchen amenities, and views of Wheeler Peak. Beyond yurts, the business provides equipment rentals and seasonal programming. Bike rentals include KHS 4‑Season Fat Bikes for adults and KHS Raptor mountain bikes for kids through a partnership with Sitzmark Sports & Lodging. Nordic walking pole rentals feature adjustable Exel poles with glove‑style straps. Additional available items include queen sleeping bag and liner rentals. The site also lists seasonal events such as Luminaria Ski & Snowshoe. All listings emphasize hike‑in access and self‑propelled arrival by hiking or biking where applicable. The combination of named yurt options, winter variants, and partnered bike rentals supports trip planning for visitors to Red River. Availability and seasonality vary; check specific listings for dates, capacities, and rental policies before booking for real‑time updates today.
Book with Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area