What Are The Best National Parks In Idaho? The Ultimate Travel Guide In 2026

Sep 2, 2021

Last Updated on: May 29, 2026

Travel Guides

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

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. 

However, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Zion National Park, with 11,527,939 and 4,984,525 visits respectively, are the most and second-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

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. 

So, it is great for stargazing, and it is one of the best places to see the Northern lights in the USA

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

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

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

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 IdahoHours OpenEntry Fee
Yellowstone National Park24/7$20 Onward
Craters Of The Moon National Monument And Preserve24/7$10 Onward
Sawtooth National Recreation Area24/7Free
City Of Rocks National Reserve24/7Free
Farragut State Park7 AM to 10 PM$14 Per Vehicle for Non-residents and $7 Per Vehicle for Locals 
Bruneau Dunes State ParkSunrise to Sunset$7 Per Vehicle
Minidoka National Historic Site10 AM to 5 PMFree

So, which one among these parks and reserves is your favorite?

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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.

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Visitors can get a glimpse of the rich history and culture of the area by viewing the ancient petroglyphs carved into sandstone boulders at this site. Moreover, all ages as well as skill levels can enjoy the short, easy hike around the site. There are no restrooms close to the Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site, so bring plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes. It's fascinating to take your time walking around and taking in all the fine details on each rock carving! Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking around St. George or climbing Dixie Rock at Pioneer Park, both of which are well-known destinations in and of themselves, in addition to exploring this historic gem! St. George Historic Downtown As travel enthusiasts, we urge you to stop by St. George Historic Downtown while you're in Utah. Your trip will be made unforgettable by the history, culture, as well as mouthwatering culinary options found here. The St. George Tabernacle, a distinctive historical site with an intriguing past that is sure to captivate history buffs and casual visitors alike, is one of the top-rated attractions here. Pioneer Park, which is perched high above downtown and provides breathtaking views of the city, is another fantastic location in St. George's downtown. It's the ideal location for a quiet family outing or a quiet place to spend some time alone while admiring the surrounding natural beauty. After exploring the historic downtown, if you're looking for even more nearby activities, don't miss the Brigham Young Winter Home Historical Site or Red Hills Desert Garden, which are both conveniently close by! Western Sky Aviation Warbird Museum The Western Sky Aviation Warbird Museum is one of our top recommendations for attractions in St. George, Utah. So, you won't want to miss this exceptional aviation museum with its sizable collection of vintage aircraft. You can see these amazing machines up close as well as discover more about how our pilots operate them. Apart from witnessing the aircraft, you can also watch actual fossils being prepared in their laboratory! Visitors can observe experts working on dinosaur bones as well as other ancient specimens in a real fossil prep lab located inside this museum. Hence, observing how they are handling these precious relics firsthand is fascinating! When in the area, make sure to visit the Western Sky Aviation Warbird Museum, which is regarded as one of the Best Things to Do in St. George, Utah. If you would rather explore on your own, then the museum also provides self-guided tours and guided tours led by knowledgeable tour guides. Red Hills Desert Garden The Red Hills Desert Garden in St. George, Utah is one of our favorite places to visit. Situated on Red Hills Parkway, this botanical garden provides sweeping views of the city. Moreover, it is close to Pioneer Park.   Built on top of Dixie's red rocks, this location boasts a unique desert landscape that cannot be found anywhere else, which is what makes it so special. The public can enter the garden for free, hence making it a cost-effective way to spend a day in St. George. A man-made stream meandering through the park provides a soothing sound as you stroll along paths bordered with native plants. Moreover, the Virgin River provides the water, which heightens the tranquil atmosphere this urban oasis creates. A day trip to St. George is a great idea if you're looking for something different and serene to include in your Las Vegas itinerary. Moreover, make sure to visit Red Hills Desert Garden alone. St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site During your trip to Utah, visit the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm. It is bound to be an incredible experience! Thousands of dinosaur footprints are preserved in this museum at the exact location where they were found. Discover unique fossils as well as dinosaur exhibits that will excite any history buff as you explore the museum. Even more thrilling is the fact that guests can use their hands to unearth replica fossils! The location is renowned for its remarkable array of preserved dinosaur footprints from various taxa, such as ornithopods, theropods, as well as sauropods. During an interactive tour, the guides provided us with astonishing information about these creatures that ruled our planet millions of years ago. Overall, this hidden gem in southern Utah is genuinely unique. So, if you're considering a weekend trip to St. George, then make sure not to miss it! Vortex Hike If you only do one in the vicinity of St. George, then we suggest the Vortex hike as a unique hike. The entire hike is amazing, in addition to the Vortex itself being incredible. While it's very busy and well-liked on weekends, we only saw one other group as we were leaving during our midweek visit. This is a moderate hike that takes about one or one and a half hours to complete (not including the time you want to hang out there). It is about 2.16 miles round trip. Remember that the final five miles will be on unpaved roads. When we went, there were some muddy and dubious areas on the road because it had just snowed. Although four-wheel drive as well as high clearance are always helpful, we also noticed a minivan in the parking lot. When trying to take pictures of the Vortex, the sun's position is a major factor. To prevent harsh shadows on the rock feature, you should be there either at dawn, dusk, or midday when the sun is at its highest. On a cloudy day, any time is acceptable. Given that some of the cairns were difficult to locate, we strongly advise obtaining an offline map for the trail. Get the maps by downloading an app, and you won't have to worry about getting lost. Scout Cave If you have limited afternoon time when visiting Snow Canyon State Park, then trek to Jenny's Canyon and Scout Cave. The hike wasn't too interesting, but Scout Cave was lovely. Moreover, Jenny's Canyon is an easy 10-minute stop with a short approach. This state park is remarkably close to the city. It is also just ten minutes away. After speaking with a few locals, we learned that because people are so intent on seeing Zion, they frequently overlook it. Next, when we have more time, we'd like to spend a whole day exploring the remaining portion of the park. We would have given ourselves a whole day to explore the remainder of the park if we had known better. Because Snow Canyon offers an abundance of hiking opportunities. Scout Cave appears far better in the morning light than it does in the afternoon or evening. This is definitely one of the many fun things to do in St George Utah. Getting To St George: Driving For those who want to take their time exploring Utah's breathtaking natural scenery, driving from Las Vegas to St. George, UT, is a popular choice. So, the trip is usually completed in two hours and travels about 120 miles. One option is to pick up a car at the airport in Las Vegas and then head directly to southern Utah. You get a preview of what's to come as you get closer to St. George, where the scenery changes to towering red rock formations and sandstone cliffs. It's crucial to keep in mind that the route between Las Vegas and St. George can occasionally get very solitary. So be ready with extra water, gas, and food in case there are any unforeseen delays or detours. But the ride itself is very scenic, with gorgeous views of neighboring state parks like Valley of Fire and charming little towns along the way. If you don't feel like driving, then there are lots of tours that can handle all your transportation requirements. Moreover, they offer enlightening commentary on the natural wonders and history of the St. George area. Take A Tour So, there are numerous tours available for visitors who want to explore St. George while they are in Las Vegas. Taking a guided tour with one of the many companies based in Las Vegas, such as Pink Jeep Tours and Grand Canyon Tour Company, is one option. These tours usually take you along picturesque routes so you can enjoy the scenery as you travel between the two cities. Therefore, there is sure to be something exciting waiting for every visitor interested in seeing everything that St. George has to offer, with a variety of options available, from gentle sightseeing trips appropriate for all ages to hardcore expeditions for experienced enthusiasts ready for rougher terrains! Wrapping Up To sum up, if you're searching for unique experiences as well as outdoor adventures, then St. George, Utah, is a great place to visit. Also, this city offers activities for all kinds of visitors, from hiking in Zion National Park to visiting the Western Sky Aviation Warbird Museum. A variety of activities are available for visitors to enjoy, such as exploring the Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site and kayaking at Sand Hollow State Park. Read Also: Best 9 Things To Do In El Paso! Here Are The 10 Best Things To Do In Baltimore! Roman Revelations: Unforgettable Things To Do In Rome, The Heart Of Italy!