Schlessman Yurt Village

For us Coloradans, the allure of the mountains is constant, and while we love a good tent camping trip, sometimes we crave a little more comfort without sacrificing the immersive outdoor experience. This is where Schlessman Yurt Village, nestled within the expansive YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, truly shines. It offers a unique "glamping" opportunity that blends the rustic charm of camping with the conveniences of a cozy cabin, making it an ideal retreat for families, groups, or anyone looking for an elevated mountain getaway right here in our beautiful state.

Schlessman Yurt Village isn't just a place to sleep; it's a gateway to endless activities and breathtaking scenery. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the valley, with stunning views of the Front Range Mountains, these yurts provide a comfortable and memorable basecamp for exploring the vast 5,100 acres of meadows, aspens, and spruce forests that define Snow Mountain Ranch. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or looking for a comfortable introduction to the wilderness, this village provides an experience that resonates deeply with the Colorado spirit of outdoor living. This article will guide you through what to expect, from its convenient location to the thoughtful amenities and exciting features that make it a favorite among locals.

Schlessman Yurt Village is located at 310 County Rd 53112, Granby, CO 80446, USA. This address places it squarely within the YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch, a vast and well-known recreational property in Grand County. The location is strategic, offering a sense of being deep in the mountains while still being reasonably accessible from the Front Range and other parts of Colorado.

Access to Snow Mountain Ranch and, by extension, the Yurt Village, is via paved roads, ensuring a smooth journey for all types of vehicles. Once on the ranch property, clear signage guides visitors to the Yurt Village. The yurts themselves are "perfectly perched on a hilltop site," offering expansive views. While luggage carts are available for transporting belongings from the parking area to your specific yurt (some yurts may be about 200 feet from parking), the pathways within the village are designed for easy navigation. The entire Snow Mountain Ranch property is spread over 5,100 acres, ensuring ample space and a genuine sense of being immersed in nature, yet with the infrastructure to support comfortable stays.

• Yurt Accommodation: Each yurt comfortably sleeps up to six guests with one queen bed and two sets of bunk beds. While bed linens and light blankets are provided in the summer, it's crucial to bring warm sleeping bags, pajamas, and extra blankets, as yurts are generally "not heated," and nighttime temperatures can drop significantly, even in July (into the 20s and 30s Fahrenheit).
• In-Yurt Amenities: Yurts include a mini-refrigerator, microwave, and prep tables for easy indoor meal preparation. They are wired for electricity, have interior lighting, windows with screens, a ceiling fan, a retractable skylight for stargazing, and lockable doors.
• Communal Bathhouses: Each yurt village (including Schlessman) has a central bathhouse located nearby. These bathhouses are well-regarded for being "nicer" than typical campground facilities, offering private, lockable bathrooms with hot showers, flush toilets, and sinks for drinking water and washing dishes. Some bathhouses may also have coin-operated laundry facilities.
• Outdoor Space per Yurt: Each yurt comes with its own "yard" space, which includes a picnic table, a charcoal grill, and a fire pit. A two-person tent pad is also available outside each yurt for additional sleeping capacity.
• Communal Gathering Areas: The village typically features a covered pavilion with gas grills, picnic tables, and a large gas fireplace, serving as a perfect communal gathering place for all yurt campers.
• Free Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available, though service can be spotty. This allows for some connectivity while still encouraging a disconnect from constant digital demands.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed in pet-friendly accommodations with a nominal pet fee per night, making it convenient for locals who want to bring their furry friends along.
• Access to Snow Mountain Ranch Amenities: Yurt guests have access to the vast array of activities and facilities offered across the entire YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch property, many of which are complimentary or available for a nominal fee.
• Reservations: Yurts are highly popular and reservations are strongly recommended, often booking months in advance, especially during peak seasons.

• Glamping Experience: Schlessman Yurt Village offers a true "glamping" experience, providing the outdoor feel of camping with significantly more comfort than a traditional tent. This includes real beds, a solid structure, and basic kitchen amenities.
• Stunning Mountain Views: Perched on a hilltop, the yurts boast "gorgeous views of the Front Range Mountains to the east" and overlook the valley, providing breathtaking panoramas of the Rocky Mountains.
• Unique Stargazing: The clear plexiglass dome that forms the yurt's roof is a perfect "skylight" for "seeing the stars at night," offering an unparalleled stargazing experience directly from your bed.
• Extensive On-Site Activities: As part of YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch, guests have access to an incredible array of activities year-round. In summer, this includes a summer tubing hill, horseback riding, zip-lining, archery, hay rides, canoeing, fishing, mini-golf, tennis, disc golf, hiking, biking, and llama trekking. Winter activities include Nordic skiing (82.5k of groomed trails), snowshoeing, dog sledding, tubing, snowmobiling, and sleigh rides. Indoor facilities like a roller-skating rink, climbing wall, swimming pool, and craft shop are also available.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The Yurt Village is particularly popular with families, offering comfortable sleeping arrangements with bunk beds and access to countless child-friendly activities across the ranch, making it a "quintessential family getaway."
• Vast Natural Setting: Spread over 5,100 acres of varied terrain, the ranch provides ample space for exploration, solitude, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Colorado Rockies.
• Affordable Option: Compared to other lodging options at Snow Mountain Ranch or cabins elsewhere, yurts are presented as a "lower-cost lodging option" and a "very affordable" way to experience the mountains with amenities.
• Ideal for "Camping Newbies": Yurts are often recommended as an excellent "intro for camping" for those who aren't quite ready for traditional tent camping.

Address: 310 County Rd 53112, Granby, CO 80446, USA (within YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch)

For reservations and detailed information about Schlessman Yurt Village and other accommodations at Snow Mountain Ranch, the primary contact is the YMCA of the Rockies.

Phone: (888) 613-9622 (Reservations and General Inquiries)

It is highly advisable to book your yurt stay well in advance, as they are very popular and "occupancy in the summer is nearly 100%," with reservations often made months ahead. Their official website is the best source for current availability, rates, and detailed information about all the activities offered.

For us Coloradans, Schlessman Yurt Village at YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch offers a perfectly balanced mountain escape that combines the best of nature with comfortable amenities. We love our rugged wilderness, but sometimes a "glamping" experience with a real bed, a mini-fridge, and a clean bathhouse nearby is exactly what's needed after a day of adventuring. Its location in Granby means it's a manageable drive from many parts of the state, making it an accessible option for a weekend retreat or a longer family vacation.

The fact that it’s part of the extensive Snow Mountain Ranch property is a huge draw for locals. We appreciate having a wide array of activities literally at our doorstep, from world-class Nordic skiing in winter to summer tubing, hiking, and even llama trekking. This variety ensures that every member of the family, from the youngest to the oldest, will find something to enjoy, rain or shine. The generous size of the sites, coupled with the privacy offered by the yurts and their individual outdoor spaces, provides a comfortable base from which to explore.

The unique experience of sleeping in a yurt, complete with a skylight for stargazing, is a memorable highlight that adds a touch of novelty to a mountain getaway. While the yurts are not heated, the ability to bring extra blankets and warm layers is second nature to us Coloradans who are accustomed to variable mountain weather. For those seeking an affordable yet comfortable way to immerse themselves in the Rocky Mountains, enjoy countless outdoor activities, and create lasting family memories without fully "roughing it," Schlessman Yurt Village is an outstanding choice that perfectly caters to the local appetite for adventure and relaxation.

Schlessman Yurt Village

310 County Rd 53112, Granby, CO 80446, USA