Locals Speak Of The Home Of The Largest Single Structure Sand Dune In North America
Watching a boarder crest a sand dune sounds like something out of an extreme sports event. Nobody would expect to see this or sledding in the high plains deserts of rural Mountain Home, Idaho, especially in the summer.
Bruneau Dunes State Park is ground zero for the largest single structure sand dune in North America at 470 feet high.
“It's really great fun,” explains Communications Manager Jennifer Okerlund, who has tried sledding down the dunes herself. “First of all, any time you're on a sled it's a wonderful time. In Idaho, sledding in the wintertime is a past time. To carry that into the summer is really fun for people. You don't have to worry about running into trees or obstacles. It's just you and the sand. There's something interesting about that experience in the summer.”
Throughout the years, visitors brought their own makeshift sleds and skiis to Bruneau Dunes State Park. The Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation decided they wanted to make it easier on their many visitors and provide sand boards to rent. While inexpensive (they offer sand boards for $15 per day), the park has seen an increase in revenue from the business, allowing them to keep up with maintaining and improving the park.
While most guests rent sleds (“anyone can use those – you don't need training or past experience to sled!”), they do provide a couple of standing boards – similar to snow boards – for guests who have more experience with the sport. Snowboarders will bring their own boards as well, using lubricant to traverse the sand.
“It's really cool to see someone who knows what they're doing out there [really go for it],” gushes Okerlund. “When you get to the sand dune and you just look up, it's human nature to want to climb it.”
The sand dunes are not only a way for people to sled in the summer but Okerlund feels they're a safer alternative. While it's similar to sledding in the snow, there aren't any obstacles – like trees – to provide hazards. Some people even roll down the length of the dune, some jumping from elevation to elevation. The sand provides a soft landing structure. In some parts, visitors' feet even sink up to a foot, providing a cushion for those who tumble off of their boards.
Sand dunes can only happen in specific places, said Okerlund, when sediment comes in with wind forcing against it from different directions, enabling the structure to maintain itself. The sand dunes at Bruneau Dunes State Park move around five to ten feet a year in either direction because of the wind, but always remain one structure.
Sometimes described as a “giant sandbox,” the landscape in the rural area of the park is much different from Boise, Idaho's capital, which is only 64 miles north. “[Coming out to Bruneau] really makes for a fun adventure,” comments Okerlund. “It's so different than the city. You feel like you've stepped away and are experiencing something really unique.”
Also many visitors marvel at the clear view of the night sky, making the park “a wonderful place for star and planet viewing.” Because of this, Bruneau Dunes State Park has an observatory where they often hold Star Parties, which are usually planned around a major event (a planetary alignment or other visible phenomena) through the Boise Astronomical Society.
There are three campgrounds options in the park about a quarter of a mile hike away from the dunes including Broken Wheel, Eagle Cove Loop A and Eagle Cove Loop B, all of which offer water and power and a central restroom. There are around 85 serviced campsites and 31 standard sites without amenities. There are also 2 cabins available for $50 a night, which are powered, heated and air conditioned. All are available on a reserved basis through the Idaho Parks & Recreation site.
Bruneau Dunes State Park's motto is “Feel the Sand and Touch the Stars,” a fitting tagline for a place where people can climb the largest, single sand dune in North America and have a clear view of the stars shining above them as they sled down. It is a unique summer wonderland.
Olivia Richman
A graduate of East Connecticut State University in Journalism, Olivia has written for Stonebridge Press & Antiques Marketplace among others. She enjoys writing, running and video games.
Make Sure To Stay at:
Gem State RV Park, conveniently located for exploring Boise, Bruneau Dunes State Park, Anderson Ranch Reservoir and Glenns Ferry.