Idaho is the only western state that does not have a national park. However, some parts of the Yellowstone National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are in Idaho.
Yellowstone National Park has witnessed a boost in the number of visitors in 2025. Furthermore, it has been recently in the news for how AI audio recorders are documenting bird chirps and wolf barks.
Furthermore, while we can call Yellowstone the only and the best national park in Idaho, the state also has some state parks, national reserve, national monument, and national preserve.
Beyond the parks, Idaho offers incredible lakeside destinations like Sandpoint, located in the northern panhandle.If you want to explore the state’s diverse landscapes while staying in comfort, book a place to stay! Vacation rentals Sandpoint Idaho, serve as a perfect home base for exploring nearby nature trails and the beautiful Lake Pend Oreille.
So, if you are looking for the best national parks in Idaho, you can visit these places.
What Are The Best National Parks In Idaho?
You can start your exploration of the best national parks in Idaho with Yellowstone National Park, as I have mentioned.
Then, you will also love the Farragut State Park, City of Rocks National Reserve, and other outdoor gems in Idaho.
1. Yellowstone National Park
The geology and the wildlife of the Yellowstone National Park are fascinating. However, only 1% of this magnificent national park is in Idaho.
Furthermore, the UNESCO World Heritage Convention says,
“Yellowstone contains half of all the world’s known geothermal features, with more than 10,000 examples.
It also has the world’s largest concentration of geysers (more than 300 geysers, or two-thirds of all those on the planet).
Established in 1872, Yellowstone is equally known for its wildlife, such as grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and wapitis.”
So, it is no wonder that the Yellowstone National Park is at the epicenter of the “Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem,” (GYE) that stretches over 7 million hectares.
In addition, you will find fossil plants of around 150 species here. Moreover, it has the largest recognized caldera in the world.
Yellowstone National Park Now
The Yellowstone National Park has witnessed a surge in its visitor numbers in 2025.
According to the latest data from the National Park Service, 4,762,988 people visited this national park in 2025. It has secured the third position among the most-visited national parks in the USA.
Furthermore, the Yellowstone National Park now has the “Cry Wolf” Project. It is a collaboration of the Yellowstone Wolf Project and Jeff Reed, a computational linguist.
With this project, 50 recording units have been installed across 50000 acres of the park. These AI sound recorders record “Yellowstone’s wolves as they bark, yip, howl, and whine.”
Wolves have always been one of the most difficult animals to monitor. Thanks to this recorder, the problem of monitoring them has been solved here.
2. Craters Of The Moon National Monument And Preserve
From one geological wonder to another! Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve has one of the most unique landscapes in the United States.
What’s more fascinating is that the landscape is formed due to volcanic activities occurring over the last 15000 years.
So, today, you will notice cinder cones, lava fields, and even “underground lava tubes” in this 753000-acre preserve.
Furthermore, it gets its name from its unique terrain that looks like a lunar surface. Also, did you know that back in the 1960s, astronauts used to prepare for their lunar missions here?
In addition, this national preserve is home to a wide range of wildlife, including:
Pika
Proghorn
Mountain Lions
Packrats
Moreover, this national preserve with a volcanic landscape looks the most beautiful in the spring season.
In the spring season, you will notice a wide range of wildflowers blooming on the dark rock.
Again, the Craters Of The Moon National Monument and Preserve is one of the five designated dark skies in the state of Idaho.
How To Explore The Craters Of The Moon National Monument And Preserve
You can take the seven-mile Loop Road to get easy access to the trails of the preserve.
Hike through these trails to explore the unique geological features like the Inferno Cone and Big Craters.
Moreover, here you can see many lava tube caves. However, you will need a flashlight and, most importantly, a free permit to explore the caves.
Furthermore, you can camp in the grounds of the Craters of the Moon, and don’t miss the exhibits on the geological forces at work here.
Having said that, please keep in mind that the caves are now closed here due to snow and ice. They have been closed since 11/13/2025 and will remain closed till June 2026.
3. Sawtooth National Recreation Area
With an area of 756,000 acres, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, east of Boise, stands out with its jagged peaks.
It has more than 300 alpine lakes. Furthermore, its wilderness trails are a paradise for hikers and backpackers.
The most popular hiking trails here lead to Redfish, Sawtooth, and Alice lakes. You can also hike the Fishhook Creek Trail, which is easier to conquer and ideal for wildlife spotting.
Moreover, this national park was established by the U.S. Forest Service, which still manages the diverse ecosystem and natural landmarks of this recreational area.
Along with hiking, you can even paddle in Redfish Lake, do rock climbing, and camp in the two campgrounds of the park.
In addition, during the winter months, skiing and snowshoeing on the trails near Ketchum make the recreation area a winter paradise.
4. City Of Rocks National Reserve
Close to the Almo town, you will find the City of Rocks National Reserve. It is at Idaho’s southern edge, and it stands out with its unique rock formations rising from the high desert floor.
It also has monoliths and granite spires.
Today, when you visit this national reserve, you will be transported to the mid-1800s. Then, this area was a landmark along the famous California Trail.
You can still see how the emigrants inscribed their names on the rocks while passing the trail.
Moreover, today, you will find over 600 routes of climbing with changing difficulty levels here.
You can even hike through the Creekside Towers Trail that passes through sagebrush valleys.
5. Farragut State Park
Farragut State Park, with an area of 4000 acres, stands out due to its historic significance.
During World War II, it was a naval training station, and you can still see the remnants of the training facility here.
Furthermore, today, it has many recreational amenities, such as launching a boat. You can also fish and swim in some of the deepest and largest lakes of Idaho.
So, it has beautifully blended military history with modern recreational facilities here.
Moreover, it has trails of around 40 miles, ideal for adventure activities such as horseback riding, biking, and hiking.
You can even stay in the park as it has 223 campsites.
6. Bruneau Dunes State Park
If you drive for an hour south from Boise, you will find the Bruneau Dunes State Park. It has the “tallest single-structured sand dune in North America.”
The dune has a height of 470 feet, and it is a telltale of how wind and erosion have created a gorgeous landscape at the Bruneau Dunes State Park.
Furthermore, the landscape, which is a work of the natural forces over 1000 years, is a sharp contrast against the mountainous region of Idaho.
You will find the most popular trails in the park near the dunes, and while exploring them, you can spot wildlife such as mule deer, owls, and lizards.
Moreover, the ancient channels of the Snake River have created many lakes and channels here. So, you can even do birdwatching, boating, and fishing here.
Stargazing At Bruneau Dunes State Park
Bruneau Dunes State Park is the third designated Dark Sky Park in Idaho. It has a public observatory that conducts a telescope program for visitors across all age groups.
Low light pollution and year-round camping facilities in cabins and RV sites further make it ideal as a stargazing location.
In the June 14, 2024, publication of DarkSky, Amber Harrison, the Dark Sky Places Program Manager, remarked,
“For over 25 years, the Park has demonstrated a commitment to preserving natural dark skies.
Bruneau Dunes State Park’s astronomy programs are vital for raising awareness about protecting natural darkness from artificial light at night.
Programs are offered to the public each weekend, attracting visitors with stunning celestial views and educational content, emphasizing dark sky conservation.
This initiative benefits the local community and draws photographers and amateur astronomers from nearby Boise, solidifying Bruneau Dunes as a supreme destination for a quality celestial experience and education.
We are excited to see another International Dark Sky Park in Idaho.”
7. Minidoka National Historic Site
The Minidoka National Historic Site holds much more history of World War 2. This park is also situated in the central part of Idaho.
This park is naturally beautiful as the place is long and covered with rich, stretching green lands. This total area has a historical background and the history of World War 2.
During the world war 2, 13000 Japanese Americans were imprisoned. And in 1979, this place was counted as a national historical site in the United States.
The site measures more than 210 acres. The Minidoka National Historic Site and the monuments are the best attractions of the place.
So, along with the excellent walking trails, you can explore the significant historical grounds to feel the site’s history.
Quick Details: A Summary Of The Entry Fees And Timings Of Best National Parks In Idaho
Best Outdoor Attractions in Idaho
Hours Open
Entry Fee
Yellowstone National Park
24/7
$20 Onward
Craters Of The Moon National Monument And Preserve
24/7
$10 Onward
Sawtooth National Recreation Area
24/7
Free
City Of Rocks National Reserve
24/7
Free
Farragut State Park
7 AM to 10 PM
$14 Per Vehicle for Non-residents and $7 Per Vehicle for Locals
Bruneau Dunes State Park
Sunrise to Sunset
$7 Per Vehicle
Minidoka National Historic Site
10 AM to 5 PM
Free
So, which one among these parks and reserves is your favorite?
Sibashree is a travel, culture, and leisure writer who has been writing since the age of 12 and professionally since 2014. With more than a decade of travel writing experience and journeys across India and several parts of the world, she brings a deeply personal and thoughtful perspective to her work. A student of English Literature and Mass Communication, Sibashree has always viewed travel as more than movement — for her, it has been a way of understanding people, cultures, and herself. Her passion for spiritual exploration has also led her to many unusual and meaningful destinations over the years. Outside of writing, Sibashree enjoys watching European cinema, reading about global politics, and reflecting on the stories hidden within everyday places.
One of the most enjoyable jobs on the planet is being a tour guide. If you love to travel and enjoy sharing that love with others, as well as the knowledge you have gleaned about the destinations you are guiding them to, then you should consider building a career based on that passion, and become a tour guide!
There are lots of options out there, walking guides for the city sights, cruise and bus tour guides, and museum or special attraction guides. Finding work is fairly easy as there is always a demand, and when that tour operator payment gateway sends you your reward you will feel great knowing you earned it doing something that brought a smile to people's faces!
The best tour guides have a certain set of skills in place that suit their profession, here are some of the most important:
Knowledge –
A tour guide needs to know a lot about where they are taking their group, and what they are showing them. They should have an in-depth knowledge of the area and its attractions that they can share with their group in order to give them the best experience possible. They are always prepared to answer unexpected questions, and ready to give pertinent insights and recommendations. A knowledgeable tour guide is one the tourist never forgets, and they will recommend you to their friends.
Communication –
t's important for tour guides to have excellent communication skills, they should be able to speak clearly and informatively, with proper pronunciation in order to facilitate easy-to-understand directions and information sharing, and to avoid any potential misunderstandings. They should also have a loud enough voice to carry across a crowd without the aid of a microphone or bullhorn and be able to command the attention of many people at the same time.
Charisma –
Being a tour guide is very much a people-oriented profession, one must be able to share their passion for the experiences they are guiding people to, share information in an informative yet fun and engaging manner, and build a cheerful rapport with their group. A successful tour guide has enough charisma to bring repeat customers back, not just to see the sights again, but for the pleasure of their company!
Understanding And Empathy –
People sometimes experience difficulties, even when they are out on a pleasant excursion. A tour guide must be sensitive to the individual's needs, and be able to handle any problems their charge is having with sincerity, kindness, and grace, as well as be accommodating as possible. The best tour guides are quite simply put, nice people!
Flexibility -
Things don't always go as planned, and in the event of a course change, the tour guide has to be able to think on their feet and make adjustments on the fly. Always have a Plan B in place!
Check out the Tourism Australia website for more useful information for both guides and tourists. Good luck with your tour guide career
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Few experiences compare to traveling or living abroad. The thrill of immersing yourself in a vibrant new culture or experiencing the lifestyle of a different country is unrivaled.
But despite the sheer joy of these adventures, many travelers and ex-pats will miss certain home comforts from time to time. Whether it’s your favorite snack or a specific brand of skincare you’ve always used, there are always things we miss when we’re abroad.
But getting your hands on your favorite products when you’re abroad can be a challenge. Local international shops have limited options, and international fees can quickly get expensive. The good news is there’s a simple solution — parcel forwarding services.
If you’re an ex-pat or a globetrotter looking to buy products from home, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together everything you need to know about parcel forwarding in one place.
Understanding Parcel Forwarding
At its core, parcel forwarding is a pretty straightforward concept- pretty much like what Canada shipping companies do. It’s a service designed to make international shopping easier and give access to a wider range of products.
We’ll dig into the specific steps of how it works later, but here’s roughly how it works:
Go to your favorite eCommerce store and shop as you usually would
When it comes to ordering the products, you use a local delivery address that your parcel forwarding service has provided.
The parcel forwarding service receives your order, usually at a warehouse where it will be processed.
The company will ship your parcel to you wherever you are in the world.
Essentially, the parcel forwarding service gives you a local address and then takes care of getting your parcel to you. Plus, they often offer parcel consolidation, so you can order from multiple places and just pay one shipping fee.
The Benefits Of Parcel Forwarding
Obviously, the biggest benefit of parcel forwarding is you can order from anywhere in the world without having to worry about shipping restrictions. But the benefits go well beyond that:
Consolidation Of Multiple Purchases
One of the significant benefits of parcel forwarding services is the ability to consolidate multiple purchases into a single shipment. This not only simplifies the tracking process but can also save substantially on international shipping costs.
Reduced Shipping Rates
Parcel forwarding companies have contracts with leading courier companies, which allow them to negotiate lower shipping rates. These reduced rates are passed on to customers, making international shipping more affordable.
Reliable And Secure
Parcel forwarding services are known for their reliability and security. They ensure your packages are safely stored and securely shipped to your destination. In many cases, insurance is also available for added protection.
Flexible Delivery Options
Whether you need express delivery, standard shipping, or other specialized shipping methods, you can select the best option for your situation.
Efficient And Time-Saving
Parcel forwarding takes the hassle out of international shipping. They manage all aspects, including customs documentation, which can save customers a significant amount of time.
Your Step-By-Step Guide To Parcel Forwarding
Now you understand what parcel forwarding is and why it's a fantastic tool for international shoppers, let's dive into how to make the most of it:
Step 1: Choose Your Parcel Forwarding Service
Start by selecting a parcel forwarding service provider aligned with your needs. Look for a company with a good reputation, transparent pricing, excellent customer service, and flexible shipping options.
Step 2: Setting Up Your Account
Once you've selected a service, the next step is to set up an account. During this process, you'll provide essential details such as your contact information, shipping address, and payment details.
Step 3: Time To Shop!
Now comes the fun part — shopping! When you're ready to checkout, simply use the address provided by your parcel forwarding service.
Step 4: Handling Your Parcels
Once your items arrive at the forwarding service's warehouse, they'll notify you. At this stage, you can choose to consolidate multiple packages or select your preferred shipping method.
Step 5: Forwarding Your Parcels
Finally, your items are forwarded to your current location. Choose your preferred shipping method, pay the associated costs, and wait for your package to arrive!
Tips And Tricks For Parcel Forwarding
Just like any process, there are a few tips and tricks to make parcel forwarding a breeze:
Merge your packages — If you're shopping from multiple stores, take advantage of your service's package consolidation feature. This can significantly reduce your overall shipping costs.
Check prohibited items — Always check the shipping restrictions of your current country before making a purchase. A good parcel forwarding service should have a comprehensive list of prohibited items for reference.
Repackaging options — Look for parcel forwarding services offering repackaging to reduce shipping weight and subsequent costs.
As a traveler or ex-pat, parcel forwarding is a fantastic tool for maintaining access to your favorite products without the hassle and high costs of international shipping. So the next time you crave a taste of home or spot a must-have item, don't let shipping restrictions hold you back.
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Visiting El Paso? Curious about the things to do in El Paso?
El Paso, located in the foothills of the stunning Franklin Mountains, is a vibrant and diverse community with a wide range of attractions and year-round fun. El Paso's attractions include a historic theater, concert venues, Spanish Colonial missions, museums, and beautiful state parks.
Things To Do In El Paso
If you enjoy being outside and want to visit one of Texas' most interesting cities, you should visit El Paso. Continue reading to get a sense of what Sun City has to offer.
Also, click here to order a free travel guide to help you plan your next vacation. Here are some of the best things to do in El Paso:
El Paso Mission Trail
Explore El Paso’s early history by visiting the El Paso Mission Trail, which includes two 17th-century missions and a chapel built in the late 1800s. The oldest, which is the Ysleta Mission, was built in 1682. It is Texas’ oldest functioning parish. El Paso’s magic charm will sway you into the blue sky of romanticism and inspire you to move to Texas.
Admire the white adobe-walled structures along the trail, then visit museums such as the Tigua Indian Cultural Center and the Los Portales Museum and Information Center. The El Paso Mission Trail, in addition to its attractions, hosts cultural festivals throughout the year.
Ascarate Park
Escape to nature at the 400-acre Ascarate Park, El Paso County's largest recreational area. Play a round of golf on the 18-hole, par-71 Ascarate Golf Course, explore the 48-acre lake by canoe or pedal boat, or enjoy some of the best fishing in the Southwest. In addition to baseball and soccer fields, the park has basketball, handball, sand volleyball, and tennis courts.
Franklin Mountains
Are you looking for adventurous things to do in El Paso? Here is one exciting option.
The stunning Franklin Mountains frame El Paso, and the state park that encompasses the range is a breathtaking outdoor playground for adventure seekers. Hike and bike more than 100 miles of trails that wind through 27,000 acres of scenic desert terrain.
Or you can go rock climbing at McKelligon Canyon's designated area. If you want to stay overnight, tent and RV campsites can be reserved. There are plenty of outdoor activities for people of all ages at the nation's largest urban state park.
Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site
Admire the ancient rock paintings left by Native Americans who traversed the West Texas desert in search of rainwater collected in natural rock basins. Hike rugged trails while keeping an eye out for any of the 200 bird species that call the area home.
Explore world-class rock climbing and search for more than 1,000-year-old pictographs. Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site is open all year, with extended hours on weekends during the summer. This is one of the best things to do in El Paso for history buffs.
Hueco Tanks is a collection of thousands of year-old rock outcrops. Previous residents had access to food, shelter, and farmland in the area. Today, visitors come to see the images left by previous inhabitants on the rock faces. Among the drawings are animals, masks, handprints, horses, as well as humans.
Aside from viewing the pictographs and petroglyphs, visitors can go hiking, camping, bird watching, as well as rock climbing. However, certain areas of the park are only accessible via guided tour, and self-guided activities (such as hiking) may require reservations.
Also, only 70 people can enter the self-guided portion of the park at one time. To make the most of your time at the site, make your reservations well in advance.
Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center
When you visit this museum, you will learn about more than 14,000 years of regional prehistory. The museum's permanent collection includes ancient and modern artifacts as well as art from Native American cultures in the Southwest and Mexico, such as wood carvings, textiles, as well as pottery.
After touring the museum, hike the nature trails that wind through 15 acres of gardens with 250 different types of native plants, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Franklin Mountains.
El Paso Zoo
Explore the world's wildlife at the El Paso Zoo, a sprawling 35-acre green space near Downtown El Paso. The zoo is home to tigers, leopards, lions, giraffes, and other exotic animals from Africa, Asia, as well as the Americas.
See these incredible animals, then visit family-friendly attractions like the African Star Train and the Hunt Family Desert Spring water feature before enjoying a delicious burger at one of the onsite eateries.
Plaza Theatre
At the historic Plaza Theatre, you can see famous musicians, classic films, magic shows, Broadway musicals, and much more. The theatre has been a hub of entertainment in El Paso since it first opened its doors in 1930.
This is probably one of the best things to do in El Paso. It is now one of the city's top venues as well as the home of the Plaza Classic Film Festival, the world's largest classic film festival. More information about upcoming shows can be found on the theatre's website.
United States Border Patrol
This one-of-a-kind museum traces the history of the United States Border Patrol from the Old West to the present. The National Border Patrol Museum displays weapons, paintings, equipment, artifacts, photos, and even vehicles. Admission is free, and guided tours can be scheduled ahead of time.
El Paso Desert Botanical Gardens
The El Paso Desert Botanical Gardens are part of Keystone Heritage Park, which includes an archaeological site with a 4,500-year-old village, one of the oldest in the United States. The park includes wetlands that provide habitat for up to 200 different bird species, as well as a botanical garden that showcases the fauna of the Chihuahuan Desert.
Stop by the El Paso Municipal Rose Garden, an All-American Rose Selection-certified garden, and smell over 1,900 rosebushes. Stroll along the wide, wheelchair-accessible walkways to see more than 500 varieties of roses waterfalls, as well as a plaza area with a Koi pond. This is one of the best things to do in El Paso for people with a deep love of nature.
Wrapping Up
El Paso offers something for everyone, whether your preference is to explore the trails or immerse yourself in history. The El Paso Mission Trail as well as Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site, are two locations where you can learn more about the region's 5,000-year history.
Visit the Centennial Museum or the Magoffin Home State Historic Site to gain a deeper understanding of the area's past. Franklin Mountains State Park has some of the best trails for when the weather is right for outdoor activities. Enjoy the local arts scene at the Plaza Theatre or the El Paso Museum of Art to cap off your trip.
If you want to know all the cool things to do in El Paso, we hope this article helps. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
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