List of National Parks in Idaho

List of national parks in Idaho

Idaho has 6 national parks:

1. City of Rocks National Reserve
2. Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve
3. Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
4. Minidoka National Historic Site
5. Nez Perce National Historical Park
6. Yellowstone National Park

In this article I will write about these parks (infomation, things to do, weather). I also add Idaho National Parks Map at the end of the article.

List of National Parks in Idaho 2024

1. City of Rocks National Reserve

Location:

• City of Rocks National Reserve is situated in the Albion Mountains of southern Idaho, approximately 2.5 hours southeast of Boise, the state capital.
• It’s easily accessible by car, with well-maintained roads leading to the reserve.

Address: Almo, ID 83312

Official website: http://www.nps.gov/ciro/index.htm

Phone: +1 208-824-5901

Things to Do:

1. Rock Climbing: City of Rocks is renowned for its world-class rock climbing opportunities. The unique granite formations offer a variety of routes suitable for climbers of all skill levels.
2. Hiking: The reserve features several hiking trails that wind through the picturesque rock formations, providing opportunities for exploration and scenic views.
3. Scenic Driving: Visitors can enjoy scenic drives through the reserve, taking in panoramic views of the rugged landscape.
4. Photography: The dramatic rock formations and stunning natural scenery make City of Rocks a paradise for photographers.
5. Wildlife Viewing: The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, birds of prey, and small mammals, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.

Weather:

• City of Rocks National Reserve experiences a semi-arid climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters.
• Summer temperatures typically range from highs in the 80s to 90s Fahrenheit (27-37°C) during the day, with cooler evenings.
• Winters can be cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, and snowfall is common.
• Spring and fall offer milder temperatures, making them pleasant times to visit the reserve for outdoor activities.

2. Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

Location: Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve is located in south-central Idaho. Specifically, it is situated near Arco, Idaho which is about 20 miles north of the town of Carey.

Official website: https://www.nps.gov/crmo/index.htm

Phone: +1 208-527-1335

Things to do:

• Hiking – There are over 30 miles of trails where you can explore volcanic landscapes, view lava flows and features like lava tubes. Popular hikes include the 1.5 mile Devil’s Orchard Loop.
• Cave tours – You can take guided tours inside some of the lava tubes, the largest being the Big Skylight Cave.
• Drives – Driving the 18-mile loop road allows you to easily view different volcanic features from your vehicle.
• Ranger programs – During summer there are various talks and programs led by rangers to learn more about the unique geology.
• Night sky viewing – The dark night skies are stunning for stars. Special programs are sometimes offered.

Weather:

• Summers are generally warm and dry with highs around 80°F. Nights can be cooler around 50°F.
• Winters see snow and freezing temperatures. Highs are around 30°F while overnight lows dip below 20°F.
• Spring and fall provide moderate temperatures and less crowds. Be prepared for wind and occasional rain/snow any time of year.

3. Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

Location: Located in south-central Idaho, about 120 miles southwest of Boise near the town of Hagerman. It sits in the Hagerman Valley.

Address: 17970 US-30, Hagerman, ID 83332

Official website: https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/thousand-springs/

Phone: +1 208-837-4505

Things to do:

• Hiking – Over 15 miles of trails wind through fossil sites along Blue Creek and the scenic canyon rim.
• Fossil hunting – Blues Creek exposes fossils right in the creek bed where you can search.
• Visitor Center – Learn about the fossils and history through exhibits and a short film.
• Ranger programs – Talks share more on paleontology and ongoing research.
• Picnics – Enjoy the beauty of the area from grassy spots along trails.

Weather:

• Very hot and dry in the summer with highs 95°F. Early mornings and evenings are best times to hike.
• Spring and fall days see highs 75-80°F and are mild. Some rain is possible.
• Winters are cold with overnight freezing temperatures and occasional snowfall. Highs around 40°F.

4. Minidoka National Historic Site

Location: It is located in south-central Idaho, approx. 50 miles west of Idaho Falls near the city of Jerome.

Address: 1428 Hunt Rd, Jerome, ID 83338, United States

Official website: https://www.nps.gov/miin/index.htm

Phone: +1 208-825-4169

Things to do:

• Tour the guard tower – Climb to the top for views of the surrounding landscape.
• Visit the former barracks – See reconstructed buildings used by Japanese American detainees.
• Watch interpretive programs – Listen to accounts from former internees.
• Walk the trail system – Hike through remnants of the internment camp facilities.
• Picnic – Enjoy packed meals at designated areas.

Weather:

• Hot summers with dry conditions, average high 90°F. Early mornings comfortable.
• Short, cool springs and falls transition between seasons. High 60-70°F.
• Cold winters with occasional snowfall. Overnight freezing lows, daytime high 30s.

5. Nez Perce National Historical Park

Location:

• The park spans across four states – Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. There are no contiguous park lands.
• Sites include Chief Joseph’s surrender location in Montana and Chief Looking Glass’s encampment in Idaho.

Address: 39063 US-95, Lapwai, ID 83540

Official website: https://www.nps.gov/nepe/planyourvisit/nez-perce-nhp-visitor-center.htm

Phone: +1 208-843-7009

Things to Do:

• Visit interpretive centers – Learn about Nez Perce history, culture through exhibits.
• Hiking trails – Short trails at some sites provide scenic views.
• Ranger programs – Take part in talks, living history demonstrations.
• Driving tours – Self-guided auto tours between sites pass through Nez Perce land.

Weather:

• Summer days are warm to hot, depending on location. High 70s-90s°F.
• Springs and falls see milder temperatures with mix of sun and rain.
• Winters vary by location but usually cold, occasional snowfall in northern areas.

6. Yellowstone National Park

Location:

• Yellowstone National Park mostly located in northwest Wyoming, with smaller portions in Montana and Idaho.
• The park covers over 2 million acres of forests, meadows and volcanic features.

Official website: https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm

Phone: +1 307 344 7381

Things to Do:

• Wildlife viewing – Often see bison, bears, wolves, elk and bighorn sheep.
• Geyser basins – Watch iconic geysers like Old Faithful erupt on a regular schedule.
• Hiking trails – Over 900 miles of paths from easy boardwalks to rigorous backcountry.
• Drive the roads – Sightsee the volcanic wonders from your vehicle on 300+ miles of roads.
• Winter activities – Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice skating when conditions permit.

Weather:

• Summers are warm with potential afternoon thunderstorms. High 70°F in canyon, 80°F in basin.
• Springs and falls can range from cold rains to mild and sunny. High 50-65°F.
• Winters are very cold with regular snowfall. Temps below freezing, occasional blizzards.

Idaho National Parks Map

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Read more:

• List of National Parks in the United States
• List of National Parks in Hawaii