A Guide to National Parks in Idaho
Idaho is home to five national parks, including the world’s first national park, Yellowstone, and the astronaut training grounds of Craters of the Moon.
Written by Maxine Boyko
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Roads, rocks, and recreation—Idaho’s national parks are home to a wide variety of unique spaces and experiences. This is partly because Yellowstone, Nez Perce, Hagerman Fossil Beds, Craters of the Moon, and City of Rocks are located in different areas of the state.
While Yellowstone may be the most famous national park destination in
Idaho
, there are several lesser-known sites managed by the National Park Service that provide just as much history, geological and ecological wonder, and recreational opportunities. RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Yellowstone
Location: Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
Hours of operation: 24 hours, year-round (many roads are closed to regular vehicles in winter)
Admission price: $35 per vehicle (valid for seven days), $30 per motorcycle or snowmobile, $20 per person or bicycle
What makes Yellowstone National Park special
Primarily located in the northwest corner of Wyoming,
Yellowstone National Park
debuted as the world’s first national park in 1872—and is now the second-most visited national park in the United States. Known for its geothermal springs and geysers, the park extends from Wyoming into Montana and Idaho. - Old Faithful, the world’s most famous geyser, is also one the most active in the world—erupting up to 20 times per day!
- Lamar Valley of Yellowstone is home to the largest concentration of mammals (67 species) in the lower 48, including bison, moose, grizzly bears, antelope, and mountain lions.
What to do in Yellowstone National Park
At over 3,472 square miles—that’s 2.2 million acres—there’s plenty to see and do!
- Camping: Yellowstone boasts12 campgroundswith over 2,000 sites. For a super wild experience, trybackcountry campingin the peak season (May 15–November 5).
- Visitinghydrothermal features: In addition to hot springs and geysers, Yellowstone is also home to mudpots, travertine terraces, and fumaroles.Steamboat Geyser, Upper Terraces, and Grand Prismatic Spring are all must-sees.
- Hiking: There are over nearly 1,000 miles ofhiking trailsthroughout Yellowstone, offering forest, mountain, valley, lake views, and more. Take a day tour of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, a 20-mile-long canyon located in the heart of the park.
When to visit Yellowstone National Park
The best time to visit Yellowstone is in the summer. During this time, all of the roads, visitor centers, trails, and lodging are in full swing. Daytime weather temperatures are also frequently 70 F, sometimes reaching 80 F at lower elevations. That said, temps can drop below freezing and afternoon thunderstorms are common, so pack accordingly.
If you want to skip out on the crowds, however, you can’t beat Yellowstone in April, September, and October. The weather is still mild, you’ll still have access to park roads and services, and there is plenty of room to spread out—just be sure to
prepare for bears
.For survivalists and hermits, there’s nothing quite like
Yellowstone in the winter
. Watch coyotes and foxes hunt on the snow-covered meadows, take a snow coach tour, or ski the trails. Nez Perce National Historical Park
Location: Lapwai, Idaho
Hours of operation: Sunrise to sunset daily, year-round (visitor center closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, and Sunday and Monday in winter)
Admission price: No entrance fee (entrance to Big Hole Battlefield is now free)
What makes Nez Perce National Historical Park special
The park commemorates the stories, culture, and history of the Nez Perce (Nimiipuu) people. The Spalding area is home to the park’s
visitor center
, museum, and several historic sites.- The park is home toBear Paw Battlefield, the location of the final battle of the Nez Perce Flight of 1887.
- Nez Perce National Historical Park has 38 sites spanning four states—Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
What to do in Nez Perce National Historical Park
Driving is the best way to see the unique topography and landforms of the Nez Perce area. The park interprets three of the
story sites
: Ant and YellowJacket, Coyote’s Fishnet, and the Heart of the Monster, but there are other activities available. - Ranger programs: From Memorial Day to Labor Day, park staff offer museum tours, tipi pitching demonstrations, and other daily educational programs.
- Hiking interpretive trails: Take one of the short interpretivetrailscutting through thehistoric district’s sites. Bear witness to petroglyphs, pictographs, and the site where the Lewis and Clark expedition built canoes. You can also tour the battlefields of Big Hole and Whitebird.
- The Visitor Center: View a collection of artifacts including tools, weapons, clothing, and ceremonial items. Be sure to watch the short film introducing the Nez Perce people.
When to visit Nez Perce National Historical Park
If you want full access to the park’s main visitor center, it’s best to visit outside of their winter hours (November through April). In the summer months, experience the warmest temps ranging from 57 F to 85 F. Travel can be dangerous and unpredictable during the winter, so come prepared!
Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
Location: Hagerman, Idaho
Hours of operation: Sunrise to sunset, year-round (the road leading to the Monument is open 24 hours a day)
Admission price: No entrance fee
What makes Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument special
The
Hagerman Fossil Beds
contain the largest concentration of Hagerman Horse fossils in North America. These fossil horses represent the earliest species of the modern horse genus Equus, but there is a great diversity of other species. - The Monument: Contains the richest known fossil deposits from the late Pliocene epoch (4.2 to 3 million years ago).
- Over 200 species of plants and animals have been found and recorded on the site—including holotypes, the species first described from these specimens.
What to do in Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
- Thousand Springs Visitor Center: This is the only place throughout the monument where you can see fossils. You can also paddle, fish, and go birding.
- Hiking: There are limited hiking opportunities and off-trail hiking is prohibited. You can, however, enjoy the 3-mile-long Emigrant Trail, located along the Oregon Trail. Today, wagon ruts are still visible in the ground.
- Scenic overlooks: Have lunch or take a break at the Snake River or Oregon Trail overlooks.
- Bird watching: If you want the best spot to take photos and birdwatch, visitRitter Island. Also, keep your eyes peeled in September when the Thousand Springs Festival of the Arts comes to the site.
When to visit Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
There are 213 sunny days per year in this area, with an annual rainfall of 10 inches. It gets hot in the summer (July high is 94 F) and very cold in the winter (January low is 22 F)—but the area is generally comfortable year-round, making the monument a great place to visit any time!
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Location: Arco, Idaho
Hours of operation: 24 hours, year-round
Admission price: $10 for bicycles and pedestrians, $20 for vehicles, $15 for motorcycles (good for seven days)
What makes Craters of the Moon special
Craters of the Moon
is a wild world of volcanic delights. There are 1,100 square miles (about the size of Rhode Island) of solidified lava flows, cinder cones, tree molds, and more that can be seen from space!- In 1969, Apollo 14 astronauts prepared for their trip to the moon by visiting Craters of the Moon. There they learned how to navigate a volcanic environment and select samples to bring back to earth. NASA continues to use the reserve for research today.
- Life finds a way—Craters of the Moon is home to 300 species of plants, 2,000 insect species, and 204 animals, including one amphibian, the western toad.
- All parks and monuments in the National Parks System have Junior Ranger programs, but Craters of the Moon is the only one that offers aLunar Range Badge.
What to do in Craters of the Moon
Craters of the Moon may take a little while to reach, but once you’re there the park is fairly
accessible
.- Caving: Pick up a free permit and explore four of the park’scaves, including Indian Tunnel, Dewdrop, Beauty, and Boy Scout.
- Driving the Scenic Loop: Many features of this national park are located along the 7-mile loop road. It’s just as easy to enjoy the views fromInferno Cone overlookas it is to stop and hike the 3.5-mileNorth Crater Trail.
- Stargazing: Light pollution is minimal in the park. Take the opportunity to peer into the clear skies and enjoy stunning views of the Milky Way.
- Camping: Hunker down among the volcanic rock at Lava Flow Campground.
When to visit Craters of the Moon
In general, each season brings its own advantages and challenges and it’s always best to check weather forecasts before your visit. Mid to late June is an excellent time to visit as wildflowers are in full bloom. Similarly, in September and October, you can enjoy backpacking in fall colors.
City of Rocks National Reserve
Location: Almo, Idaho
Hours of operation: 24 hours, year-round (roads difficult and limited visitor center hours from late November through March)
Admission price: No entrance fee
What makes City of Rocks National Reserve special
City of Rocks
is a special geological area with a rich pioneering history, attracting tourists from all areas of the country and world. - The reserve has some of the finest granite-face climbing in the world, with roughly 700 routes and monoliths reaching 60 stories tall. The oldest granite is estimated to be over 2.5 billion years old.
- Nearly a quarter-million people traveled through this area from 1843 through 1882 during the largest overland westward migration in American history, leaving their historical mark in the form of wagon ruts, journal entries, and pioneer inscriptions.
What to do in City of Rocks National Reserve
If you like to climb, welcome to heaven. But not to worry if you don’t—there are many more ways to make memories in City of Rocks National Reserve.
- Hiking: There are several miles ofhiking trailswith a variety of scenery and views for all levels. Window Arch Trail is a mere 250 feet long while the City of Rocks Loop is a strenuous 6.8-mile trek—and both are totally worth it.
- World-class rock climbing: City of Rocks has been the host site ofinternationally renowned climbingsince the 1970s.
- Auto touring: The national park is the rough halfway point between the endpoints of the 49-mile City of RocksBackcountry Byway. Wind your way through the breathtaking Albion Mountain Range and rural landscapes.
- Glamping: Relax in the Willow Glamping Yurt, Lodge, or Bunkhouse. But if you want to rough it, consider the campgrounds or backcountrycamping options.
When to visit City of Rocks National Reserve
It’s best to visit in the shoulder seasons—May and June are lovely, with September offering the best weather. Watch for severe heat, sun, and thunderstorms in the summer, and be prepared for cold, snow, and impassable roads from November through March.
How to prepare to visit Idaho’s national parks
We know—you just can’t wait to get out on the road! But make sure you’re fully prepared before heading out:
- Consider getting an America the Beautifulrecreational lands passif you’re a serial national park visitor or if you plan to make multiple trips to the same site.
Jerry the car insurance super app makes finding the coverage you need at an affordable rate a walk in the (national) park. Updating your policy to a customized policy is as simple as downloading the free app and answering a few quick questions.
The search only takes 45 seconds—plus, in less time than it takes to fill up your gas tank, you can start saving an average of $887 a year on your car insurance.
“A super easy app for great savings. I gave them my information and got quotes fromJerryvery quickly! Now I’m saving $108/month.” —Kiyoshi A.
RECOMMENDED
Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry
This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍
Gabriella R.
Find insurance savings
4.7/5 Rating on App Store
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
4.7You might also be interested
.jpg&w=64&q=75){kind=avatar}
