One of the greatest things about Idaho is the multitude of different landscapes to be explored. Although out-of-staters may think of flat, dry desert when they think of Idaho, those of us who live here know that’s not all that Idaho has to offer. Along with forest, prairies, canyons, and mountains, Idaho also has some incredible sand dunes that are the perfect setting for your next adventure. Although Bruneau Sand Dunes probably gets more attention, the St. Anthony Sand Dunes are the largest and most magnificent in the state and you have to check them out.
The St. Anthony Sand Dunes are often referred to as the ultimate "playground for adults". This playground is humongous, containing dunes over 11,000 acres that reach heights up to 400 feet high.
These aren't just the largest dunes in Idaho, but in North America as well! You'll most definitely feel the air thin as you hike up the dunes, since they sit at an elevation of over 5,000 feet.
St. Anthony is a small town of only about 3,500 people and is located in eastern Idaho, in between Rexburg and Ashton. People travel from all over the state to hike the dunes, view wildlife in the area, and make use of the beautiful campground.
The dunes are nice and steep, making them perfect for getting your thrills in by sand sledding down to the bottom. The nearby Egin Lakes Campground is great for setting up camp for the weekend in order to fully experience all that the dunes have to offer.
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This rolling sea of sand covers an area of over 35 miles. Made up of fine white quartz sand, the dunes are an exceptional sight. You'll undoubtedly feel miniature as they tower over you.
The dunes are especially popular for off-road vehicle enthusiasts. What better way of letting off some steam is there than racing across this beautiful landscape in a dune buggy?
You'll find most of the largest dunes and bowls in the western half of the region. The eastern half is great for viewing the smaller sand bowls and open desert areas.
The dunes were originally formed from wind carrying sand from the Snake River Plain and the Tetons, depositing it over the hills. These hills were actually once active lava vents that used to spread lava over the region.
At first glance, the St. Anthony area seems as desolate and vast as the Gobi...but is actually abundant in wildlife and different types of vegetation. The dunes are even home to one of the largest herds of wintering elk in North America.
