The West is home to some truly magnificent natural wonders, and Idaho is no stranger to having its own fair share of incredible geologic formations. Uniquely, in addition to our treasured mountains, intense rivers, and volcanic landscape, Idaho is also home to a few huge and surprisingly diverse sand dunes with options for hiking, sand boarding, wildlife viewing, and more. So while you may never have thought about hiking through Idaho’s own miniature Saharas for your next spring adventure, there’s more than a few reasons why you should!
Arguably the most well-known of Idaho's dunes, the Bruneau Sand Dunes at the Bruneau Dunes State Park are unique.
These desert mounds form the tallest free-standing sand dunes in the United States, with the Big Dune standing at around 470 feet. But few people realize just how old the sand deposits here are; these unexpected gems were created during the Bonneville Flood an estimated 15,000 years ago. No matter their age, though, the dunes are magnificent! As well as one of the most fragile and complex systems in the entire world.
But few people realize just how old the sand deposits here are - an estimated 15,000 years old and carried here by the historic Great Bonneville Flood.
If you remember your Idaho history, the Great Bonneville Flood - with its swirling oceanic vortexes and intense currents - was what formed the majority of the Snake River Canyon. No matter the age of these dunes, though, they're magnificent! As well as one of the most fragile and complex systems in the entire world.
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While many of the world's sand dunes are slowly migrating, Bruneau's sand mountains are stuck where they are.
When wind looses its velocity and its ability to transport the sand it has carried from the surface, it deposits it on the ground and reforms the sand grains into mounds and ridges. Here, the smaller ridges are free-standing in the center of a cirque rather than on the edge like other dunes; the wind pushing these sandy hills from both sides causes the hills to not only stay put, but to reform and re-cover visitors' footsteps.
That ledge at the top of each dune? Proof of the dunes' regenerative abilities. Fascinating!
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Set in the heart of Buneau Dunes State Park, you'll find the entrance about 18 miles south of Mountain Home.
Idaho's treasured "giant sandbox" really has no rules when it comes to climbing, other than you need to leave the dune buggies behind. No motorized traffic here! However, you can fly a kite, stargaze, "sled," hike, build a castle...
While sand-boarding and hiking to the top ridge during the warmer months are family favorites, this park has a special beauty in winter as well.
You'll find an RV campground (in additional to traditional sites and cabins) with solar showers, restrooms, and electric hookups. Broken Wheel Campground is especially popular for its views of the dunes, while the C.J. Strike Reservoir is a popular place for fishing.
Looking for an adult-sized sandbox to explore without the hike? Check out the St. Anthony Sand Dunes!
The Bruneau Sand Dunes may not be a hidden gem for native southern Idahoans, but there’s definitely more to appreciate about these structures than meets the eye! If you’ve ever visited Bruneau Dunes State Park, we’d love to see your photos.
Official Directions: You can find the entrance off of Highway 51, south of Mountain Home. After crossing the Snake River turn left on to ID Highway 78. Proceed 2 miles to park entrance, which is on the right. A nominal state park fee applies.
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