List of national parks in Idaho
Idaho has 6 national parks:
- City of Rocks National Reserve
- Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve
- Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
- Minidoka National Historic Site
- Nez Perce National Historical Park
- 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:
- 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.
- Hiking: The reserve features several hiking trails that wind through the picturesque rock formations, providing opportunities for exploration and scenic views.
- Scenic Driving: Visitors can enjoy scenic drives through the reserve, taking in panoramic views of the rugged landscape.
- Photography: The dramatic rock formations and stunning natural scenery make City of Rocks a paradise for photographers.
- 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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