Idaho’s Version of the Sahara Desert Isn’t For Everyone

There's a good chance if you ask someone what they think of when they hear "Idaho", there's a good chance they might think of open farmland, mountains, and plenty of forests.

But what if you told them that Idaho has its own "desert"?

Okay, it's not as big as the Sahara...

The Sahara Desert is the largest in the world at 3.3 million square miles or 25 percent of Africa according to Thirteen.org. We all know that Idaho doesn't have a desert that size, and what we're referring to doesn't take up 25 percent of the state.

One thing it does have that the Sahara doesn't... is a camping season. And not just any camping season, it's one of the longest in Idaho which means you can visit it now through March 2024.

Here's the thing though - it's not for everyone.

If you don't like getting sand in your shoes, in your car... or your teeth, you're probably going to have a bad time. When you get to the top of the dunes, it can get pretty windy and with sand all around you, it can be an annoying combo for anyone who hates sand.

Read More: 7 Reasons You Need To Visit This Hidden Idaho Paradise

Apart from that, you're going to get some breathtaking views that will have people wondering: were these taken in Idaho?

Let's take a look at Idaho's (mini) version of the Sahara Desert which, surprisingly, is just a little over an hour away from Boise.

It sure is beautiful and it's a big reason why we need to take good care of our parks. For example, one of Idaho's best-hidden gems seems to be taken for granted based on the things we found around the trails and near the water.