This Unique State Park In Idaho Boasts Epic Sand Dunes And Outdoor Adventures

Picture a desert, and you'll instantly think of sand and sun — not the high deserts and the miles of sagebrush that make up much of southern Idaho. However, within this vast region lies one of the Gem State's best-kept secrets, a truly unique state park where you can have the thrill of a lifetime on sand, water, and in the starry skies above.

Bruneau Dunes State Park is home to the tallest freestanding sand dune in North America. At 470 feet, this tremendous mountain of sand was likely formed by the Lake Bonneville flood over 14,000 years ago, along with unique wind patterns at Eagle Cove, where the sand is naturally trapped on a former bend in the Snake River. More surprisingly, the dunes are currently being studied by NASA due to their shape, and may be a key component to a future mission to Mars. Aside from some official testing, no vehicles are allowed on the dunes (although sandboarding, fatbiking, and climbing are!)

The state park lies about 60 miles southeast of Boise, and is just 30 minutes south of Mountain Home, the nearest city and the gateway to Idaho's high deserts. Visitors to the state park will need to purchase a vehicle pass, which costs between $7 and $14, and is only payable by cash or check. Within the park, you'll find several camping areas, a visitor center offering sandboard rentals ($15 a day for one, or $25 for two), and a picnic area overlooking the Big Dune. And, if you're hoping for a much-needed swim, you can dip your toes into the sand and splash or fish the afternoon away at Big Lake.

While many visitors on TripAdvisor say that an afternoon is enough time to explore the small state park, we recommend you consider camping overnight due to the park's special location for desert stargazing. Bruneau Dunes State Park has three different campgrounds that are open year-round. The Broken Wheel and Eagle Cove campgrounds have all of the basic utilities (water, electricity, and restroom facilities), while the third, the Equestrian Campground, is rustic and horse-friendly. Moreover, the park also offers two cozy cabins that are available for rent throughout the year. Both cabins have views of the sand dunes, sleep up to five people, and feature basic amenities like electricity and heat, as well as water access during the spring and summer. Prices start at $80 per night for Idaho residents, with out-of-state visitors paying $90. Visitors planning to stay the night will have to make reservations ahead of time on the Idaho state parks website. Don't forget your sleeping bags or linens, as they are not provided.

Similar to a spectacular nearby reserve in Southern Idaho, Bruneau Dunes State Park is one of Idaho's International Dark Sky Parks, where minimal light pollution and clear skies provide an incredible viewing experience. Before the show starts, the Bruneau Dunes Observatory hosts free sunset tours and solar viewing on Fridays and Saturdays, taking place between March 21 and October 12. Once the sun goes down, the park's Steele-Reese Education Center and planetarium hosts educational events, opening one of the largest telescopes in the state to the public. The events and a glance through the telescope cost $20 for a family, though you won't need to pay anything to witness the heavens in their finest hour. If you're visiting, be sure to bring a lower-powered flashlight to minimize your light pollution.

Bruneau Dunes State Park is one of the few places in Idaho where visitors can try sandboarding — the other being a small town amidst an iconic sand dune paradise. If you're planning to give it a try, note that there are no lifts, and you'll have to climb up and down the dune yourself. Opt for moisture-wicking, natural fabrics, and be prepared for direct sun exposure. Although the dunes never officially close, the Visitor Center ends rentals when the temperature is over 80 degrees Fahrenheit, or at 3 p.m. — whichever comes first. When renting a board, check to see that the board is waxed and well-maintained. If not, you may have trouble riding down the hill.

For intrepid hikers, Bruneau Dunes State Park has a small network of trails through Idaho's high desert, rounding the dunes, lakes, and campgrounds. Two trails loop around Big and Small Lake, though there is very little shade, significant exposure to the sun, and (reportedly) mosquitoes during the summer evenings. Be sure to bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer season. 

For a unique summer adventure, pack a black light and chase desert scorpions across the sand once the sun goes down. Don't worry, they are largely harmless unless you try to pick them up. Bruneau Dunes is home to three out of four types of scorpions living in Idaho, and they glow during the summer months when they are more active. If you're heading east on I-84 after leaving the park, don't miss a stop at another often-passed gem, Thousand Springs State Park, where you can explore a breathtaking gorge and canyon.