Bruneau Dunes State Park

Bruneau Dunes State Park is a state park in Idaho's remote Owyhee region featuring massive sand dunes and two lakes set in desert terrain. The landscape also includes wetlands and open desert areas that create a mix of different natural environments.

The area was shaped more than 15,000 years ago by a massive ancient flood that left sand deposits across the region. The dunes have settled into this basin and remained relatively stable for thousands of years since.

The name comes from the Bruneau family who settled in this area generations ago. Visitors can sense how this remote desert landscape served as home to people drawn to its isolation and natural resources.

The park is open year-round with viewpoints and walking trails suitable for different fitness levels. An observatory on-site opens during warmer months for stargazing and night sky observation.

The dunes stay relatively in place despite constant winds because winds from opposite directions balance each other out. This is unusual for dune landscapes, which typically move with the strongest prevailing winds.

Location: Idaho

Inception: 1967

Website: https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/bruneau-dunes

GPS coordinates: 42.89580,-115.67800

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03