Western Uinta Hut System opens up opportunity for backcountry adventure, relaxation

Editor’s note: A previous version of this article referred to priority use permits as “priorities permits,” and stated an incorrect common duration. The story has been updated to reflect the correct information. 

OAKLEY, Utah — On the afternoon of Dec. 11, Inspired Summit Adventures hosted four journalists at a yurt near Smith and Morehouse Reservoir. They showed off the structure, which is part of the newly established Western Uinta Hut System. 

The cozy and inviting yurt had enough space for several people to rest and relax after their day’s adventures. The hut sits outside of cell phone service, allowing an unplugged escape from city life. 

Soup simmered on a propane stove and pizza cooked in the hut’s oven while Shaun Raskin Deutschlander, Inspired Summit Adventures’ founder and lead guide, talked about conceptualizing the system and bringing her dream to life. 

This winter marks the opening of the first two huts; the Smith and Morehouse and Castle Peak Yurts. When completed, the Western Uinta Hut System will consist of five yurts. The remaining structures are still in the planning phase. 

“The Western Uinta Hut System is a culmination of our dedication to stewardship, access, and community,” said Deutschlander.

The hut system is the first of its kind in Utah. Hut-to-hut recreation is popular in Europe. According to Outside Magazine, it has been growing in popularity across the U.S. 

“When I started Inspired Summit over a decade ago, I only dreamed that one day I would be in a position to work with the Forest Service and the outdoor community in such a profound way. This opportunity to create a lasting legacy for the greater outdoor community is a dream come true,” said Deutschlander.  

Establishing Western Uinta Hut System

The process of establishing the system incorporated a lot of collaboration with scientists. A press release said Inspired Summit Adventures has received recognition for its commitment to sustainability. 

“For [Smith and Morehouse] yurt, we had seven specialists come in,” said Deutschlander. “[During] the final stage of the proposal being approved, I had 24 specialists … biologists, hydrologists, botanists, archaeologists … and everything in between.” 

The hut system is operated on a special use permit issued by the Uinta-Wasatch Cache National Forest. Deutschlander said it’s gotten more difficult to get a permit since she acquired her first one in 2014. 

“[It gets] harder and harder every minute to get a guide outfitter permit because there are more guide services because there is more strain on the forest, and because there is less funding to hire people to go through the actual process that is mandated,” said Deutschlander. “So what’s really cool for us is that we were able to move, from a special use permit standpoint, from a temporary. [Now] we’ve evolved into a Priority Use permit.” 

Priority use permits enable a holder the first right to renewal at the end of the term. Inspired Summit Adventures said their permit is for 10 years. 

Accessing thousands of acres

Upon completion, the Western Uinta Hut System will provide year-round access to 100,000 acres of terrain. It will serve recreators of all activities, including backcountry skiers, hikers and snowmobilers.

Inspired Summit Adventures’ website said their goal is to have the entire system completed by 2027. They are working with the Heber Kamas Ranger District of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest to complete it. 

In the meantime, the Smith and Morehouse and Castle Peak yurts are open to backcountry recreation parties looking to adventure on their own, or those looking to participate in guided tours with Inspired Summit Adventures. 

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