Idaho Sand Dunes 190 Miles From Twin Falls An Epic Must Ride

When people in the Magic Valley want an afternoon of ATV riding, there are almost an endless amount of backcountry trails and desert landscapes to choose from. While one state park located a short drive from Twin Falls might be the first thing locals think of when they hear the words sand dune, the eastern region of the state that borders Wyoming and Montana offers incredible riding as well.

I first visited Bruneau Dunes State Park in 2020, and was floored at how incredibly beautiful it is. We visited shortly after the Coronavirus pandemic began, so some of the services and attractions such as board rentals and the observatory weren't available to the public. I did, however, manage to get some camping and kayaking in.

For obvious reasons, ATVs aren't allowed on the dunes of Bruneau. The park caters to families, and as awesome as it would be to ride freely there, it's just not happening in our lifetimes. For those that enjoy getting some sand in their hair, the St. Anthony Sand Dunes are probably the best choice for Magic Valley enthusiasts.

The dunes are less than a three-hour drive northeast of Twin Falls, and consist of more than 10,000 acres of quartz sand. YouTube is full of videos of ATV riders catching big air and cutting through the beautiful white sand of the region.

I've driven close to the area before, but sadly never had the chance to explore the dunes. Hopefully, someday that time will come.