Hike the Bruneau Sand Dunes
Details
Distance
3 miles
Elevation Gain
470 ft
Route Type
Loop
Added by Sara Sheehy
Hike or sandboard the tallest single structure sand dune in the United States, created during the Bonneville Flood 15,000 years ago.
Set off from the Bruneau Lake parking lot and circumnavigate the lake in a clockwise direction. The hike traverses small rolling dunes before beginning it's ascent of the big dune. The big dune rises 450 feet and it's loose sand is both entertaining to climb as well as a test of patience.
The 360 degree view from the summit of the big dune showcases Bruneau Lake, a cirque formed from sand called The Vortex, as well as many shorter dunes. Proceed along the ridge of the Vortex. Climb to the summit of the next tall dune before dropping straight down it's face to the waters edge. Continue around the lake clockwise until back to the parking area.
The Bruneau Dunes State Park's Visitor Center rents sandboards for $15/day. They also open their solar Observatory to the public free of charge from April to October on Friday and Saturday nights.
Bruneau Dunes has year-round standard, group and equestrian campsites, as well as cabins for rent.
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Reviews
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Amazing Hike
It took us about an hour to reach to the top of the largest sand dune. It had us panting quite a bit, but the gorgeous views of the sunset and stars were very much worth it! The rest of the park is great as it holds a lot of opportunities for camping, picnicking, fishing, and hiking up other smaller sand dunes. The visitors center is well kept and the facilities have always been very clean. The fishing in both ponds has always been excellent, though very weedy, making a kayak necessary.
5.0
So. Much. Sand.
Who would ever think that there would be so much sand in the middle of Idaho? Not me! These sand dunes are really spectacular—when I went, we just hiked up them, but next time I'm definitely bringing sleds and sandboards!! If you're just hiking them, the view is cool, but the hike is a little tricky—just because you keep sinking down into the sand as you hike up.
4.0
Everything that’s hard is worth it!
We went late November, it was so so cold, but walking up those big dunes will get your heart pumping and will warm you up fast! We went early in the morning to catch sunrise which I would recommend, we got great sunlight when we reached the top. It was a bigger hike than expected, but those make for the great ones
5.0
Fun To Explore Even With Rain
So last weekend I took the trip from Boise to the Dunes to check it out as it’s my goal to try and knock out 2-4 new adventures per month now that the weather is getting nicer. Once there I was surprised by the actual size of the larger dune as photos make it look way smaller (470ft high). I went on a Sunday in early April and a day with on and off rain showers so it seemed like it kept everyone away (only saw two other groups of people in the parking lot) but this was kind of cool as it allowed me to explore without crowds and made the day a lot more about connecting with nature. If your looking to ditch crowds I would say visit early spring or late fall and on a questionable weather day as it provides a unique experience.
4.0
More Than Just A Pile Of Sand
I wasn't really sure what to expect when going to the dunes, but after the first time, I've taken multiple people back to experience them. Not too far from MHAFB, and a cheap day trip! I would recommend going at sunset and just enjoying the view after your climb.
3.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
Nearby Adventures
Hike the Rim of Bruneau Canyon
Camp at Three Island Crossing State Park
Hike the Oolite Interpretive Trail
Hike Swan Falls and Wees Bar Petroglyphs
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