List of national parks in Idaho
Idaho has 6 national parks:
- Yellowstone National Park
- Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve
- Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
- City of Rocks National Reserve
- Nez Perce National Historical Park
- Minidoka National Historic Site
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. Yellowstone National Park (Partly in Idaho)
While most of Yellowstone National Park is located in Wyoming, a small portion extends into Idaho. Yellowstone is famous for its geothermal features, such as geysers, hot springs, and mudpots. The park also boasts a variety of wildlife, including bison, wolves, and grizzly bears.
Recreational Activities: Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and exploring geothermal sites like the iconic Old Faithful geyser.
Location: West entrance in Wyoming; Idaho is close to the West Yellowstone gateway.
Fees and Hours: $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass; open year-round, though some areas are closed in winter.
Best Time to Visit: Summer and fall are ideal for exploring due to milder weather, but winter also offers snow sports.
Conservation and Safety: Follow Leave No Trace principles and be cautious around wildlife and thermal features.
Contact details:
- Official website: https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm
- Phone: +1 307 344 7381
2. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
This unique national monument offers visitors a glimpse of an otherworldly volcanic landscape, formed by ancient lava flows. Its vast expanses of rugged terrain resemble the surface of the moon, hence the name.
Recreational Activities: Visitors can hike through lava fields, explore caves formed by volcanic activity, and enjoy stargazing in this dark-sky preserve.
Location: Located in southern Idaho, near Arco, about 80 miles from Idaho Falls.
Fees and Hours: $20 per vehicle; open year-round, though winter access is limited.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall are ideal for cooler temperatures, while summer can be very hot.
Conservation and Safety: Stay on designated trails to protect the fragile landscape and watch for uneven terrain.
Contact details:
- Official website: https://www.nps.gov/crmo/index.htm
- Phone: +1 208-527-1335
3. Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
Known for its well-preserved fossils, Hagerman Fossil Beds is home to the largest concentration of Hagerman Horse fossils, an ancient species that lived around 3.5 million years ago.
Recreational Activities: Visitors can explore fossil exhibits, hike interpretive trails, and take part in educational programs about the prehistoric animals that once roamed this area.
Location: Situated along the Snake River, near Hagerman, Idaho.
Fees and Hours: Free admission; open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather, perfect for hiking and exploring.
Conservation and Safety: Fossils are protected; do not disturb or remove any specimens.
Contact details:
- Address: 17970 US-30, Hagerman, ID 83332
- Official website: https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/thousand-springs/
- Phone: +1 208-837-4505
4. City of Rocks National Reserve
This reserve is a rock climber’s paradise, with towering granite spires and rock formations dating back millions of years. It was also a historic site on the California Trail.
Recreational Activities: Popular for rock climbing, hiking, camping, and birdwatching. The area is also rich in pioneer history.
Location: Near the town of Almo in southern Idaho, close to the Utah border.
Fees and Hours: Free admission; open year-round.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall is the best time for climbing and hiking, with cooler temperatures.
Conservation and Safety: Stay on trails and be mindful of climbing safety protocols.
Contact details:
- Address: Almo, ID 83312
- Official website: http://www.nps.gov/ciro/index.htm
- Phone: +1 208-824-5901
5. Nez Perce National Historical Park
This park is not a single site but a collection of 38 sites spread across four states, including Idaho. It commemorates the history and culture of the Nez Perce Native American tribe.
Recreational Activities: Visitors can explore historical sites, visit museums, and learn about the Nez Perce culture and history through exhibits and interpretive programs.
Location: The Idaho portion is located near Lapwai, in the northern part of the state.
Fees and Hours: Free admission; open daily, with visitor centers typically open from spring to fall.
Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall offer the best opportunities for outdoor exploration and historical tours.
Conservation and Safety: Respect the cultural heritage of the park by following guidelines and respecting sacred sites.
Contact details:
- 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
6. Minidoka National Historic Site
This historic site preserves the history of the Minidoka War Relocation Center, where thousands of Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II. It serves as a reminder of the impact of the internment on civil liberties and the personal stories of those who were unjustly imprisoned.
Recreational Activities: Visitors can explore historical exhibits, take guided tours, and walk the interpretive trails that detail the experiences of internees. Educational programs and memorials provide deeper insights into this dark chapter in American history.
Location: Located in southern Idaho, near the town of Jerome.
Fees and Hours: Free admission; open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Best Time to Visit: Spring to early fall offers the most comfortable weather for exploring outdoor exhibits.
Conservation and Safety: Visitors are encouraged to approach the site with respect, honoring the memory of those affected by the internment.
Contact details:
- Address: 1428 Hunt Rd, Jerome, ID 83338, United States
- Official website: https://www.nps.gov/miin/index.htm
- Phone: +1 208-825-4169
Conclusion
Idaho’s national parks and preserves offer a wide range of experiences, from exploring volcanic landscapes to learning about ancient fossils and Native American history. Whether you’re an avid hiker, climber, history buff, or simply someone who loves nature, Idaho’s parks provide something for everyone. Be sure to plan your visit according to weather conditions and respect the natural and cultural resources these parks protect.
Idaho National Parks Map
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many national parks are in idaho?
Idaho has 6 national parks.
2. What is the most famous park in Idaho?
The most famous park in Idaho is likely Yellowstone National Park, although it is only partially located in the state.
3. Does Idaho have a national park?
Yes, Idaho has 6 national parks.
4. What national parks are in Idaho?
Idaho has 6 national parks:
- Yellowstone National Park
- Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve
- Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
- City of Rocks National Reserve
- Nez Perce National Historical Park
- Minidoka National Historic Site
5. What are the best national parks to visit in Idaho?
The best national parks to visit in Idaho are Craters of the Moon National Monument and Yellowstone National Park.
6. Where is Craters of the Moon National Monument located?
Craters of the Moon is located in southern Idaho, near the town of Arco, about 80 miles west of Idaho Falls.
7. What is there to do at City of Rocks National Reserve?
Visitors can enjoy rock climbing, hiking, camping, birdwatching, and exploring the historic trails used by pioneers. The dramatic granite spires and formations make it a rock climber’s paradise.
8. When is the best time to visit Idaho’s national parks?
The best time to visit depends on the park, but generally, late spring to early fall (May to September) offers the most comfortable weather. Winter can be harsh, especially in parks like Yellowstone, though winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing are popular.
9. Are there any fees to enter national parks in Idaho?
Some parks like Craters of the Moon and Yellowstone require entrance fees, while others like City of Rocks National Reserve and Minidoka National Historic Site are free to enter.
10. Can you camp in Craters of the Moon National Park?
Yes, Craters of the Moon offers camping at the Lava Flow Campground. It is a first-come, first-served campground with limited amenities.
11. What wildlife can you see in Idaho’s national parks?
Depending on the park, you might see bison, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, bears, and a variety of bird species. Yellowstone’s Idaho section has abundant wildlife, while Craters of the Moon is home to smaller mammals like rabbits and coyotes.
12. How far is Yellowstone from Idaho?
West Yellowstone, a gateway town to the park, is about 100 miles from Idaho Falls. The closest entrance to Idaho is the West Entrance of Yellowstone, in Montana.
13. What historical sites are there in Idaho’s national parks?
Idaho’s national parks are rich in history, with sites like the Minidoka National Historic Site, which commemorates the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII, and City of Rocks, which was a key stop along the California Trail used by pioneers.
14. Is Minidoka National Historic Site open to the public?
Yes, Minidoka National Historic Site is open to the public, and it offers interpretive exhibits, memorials, and walking trails.
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