For an unfurgettable experience in southwestern Idaho, check out the Bruneau Dunes State Park! Located 64 miles south of Boise, this 4,800-acre site features the tallest single-structured sand dune on the continent, with a peak rising almost 500 feet above the surrounding desert floor. Intrepid adventurers wouldn't want to miss this pawsome place! Bring the whole family, including your four-legged members!
Put on your hiking boots and get ready for a puptacular hike across the desert. Bruneau Dunes offers a 6-mile, self-guided trail that will have you and your pooch traversing a semi-wilderness desert terrain with lakes and marshland. The circular path starts and ends behind the visitor center, and there are 15 white marker posts along the way to help guide you. As you and your furry hiking partner follow the trail, you will be treated to pawmazing views and abundant flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for desert flowers in bloom during May and June, as well as various wildlife such as coyotes, gopher snakes, jackrabbits, buffleheads, and herons. Remember to pack plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray. Keep in mind that it gets very hot in the summer, so hit the trail in the morning or evening during the warmer months.
For an extended adventure, make yourselves at home in one of the park's serviced or standard campsites. Note that while electricity is available in the campgrounds throughout the year, water is turned off from late fall to early spring. Bruneau Dunes also has two cabins that are available for rent. Only one is dog-friendly, though, so be sure to book early! After you've tucked your pampered pooch in, check out the night sky at Idaho's only public observatory, located right inside the park. Make sure someone from your pawty stays behind with your pupper, though, as doggos may not be left unattended.
Wherever you go in the park, always keep your pup on a leash and clean up after them. A pawtastic time awaits you and Fido at the Bruneau Dunes State Park!Â