Length: 5 miles Off-Road: 5 miles Climb: 470 feet Trail Uses: Hiking; Bikes permitted Aerobic: Technical: Scenic: Rating Definitions

Description: Bruneau Dunes State Park, located just south of the Snake River near Mountain Home, is the site of North America's highest sand dune. Since it began forming nearly 12,000 years ago, the sand has accumulated to a towering 470 feet, with the two main dunes cover about 600 acres.

A trail, appropriately named "Five Mile Trail," begins at the park's visitors center and circles the park passing along the face of the largest dunes. Alternatively, automobile access is provided along the road that passes the visitors center; plenty of parking is available near Sand Dune Lake. The dunes may be climbed, however, motorized vehicles are not allowed on the dunes.

The desert landscape in the park is subject to extreme temperature changes, so be prepared when hiking. Little protection is offered from the sun's rays, and the wind. Near the dunes summit the wind can be quite harsh.

Five Mile Trail starts just outside of the visitors center's front doors. As you exit the building turn left and walk past the bathrooms. Just beyond the building is a sign marking the start of the trail. A path can be seen running into the desert landscape.

If you're a person that needs to always be aware of exactly where you are on a trail, and don't like to deviate from the beaten path, this hike may not be for you. Not far from the trail's start the path becomes somewhat difficult to follow. For the first half-mile or so the trail is a well-worn easily followed path. Soon thereafter it becomes increasingly difficult to discern the path from the various rabbit trails that crisscross the area. Luckily the flat terrain and low growing desert brush offer an easy view of terrain. Using the hand-drawn map provided at the visitor's center as a guide it is possible to "feel" your way along the unmarked trail. Don't worry too much about following the path - you won't be able to anyway.

Once the trail reaches the dunes you make the choice as to whether you wish to skirt the bottom edge of the dune, or climb to the top. The climb is tough. If you've never tried to scale a sand dune, you may find that climbing a moving wall of sand is harder than it looks. The steep walls, combined with the constant back sliding makes the climb seem much higher than 470 feet. At the top the winds can be blowing quite hard. Keep your head down in order to keep the sand out of your eyes. Once you reach the summit the sand becomes much less of a problem, but the last few feet can seem miserable.

Although views from the top are beautiful, the diversity of the terrain that can be seen may be the most breathtaking. Standing in the sand you look out across the brown desert plains, then past the green agricultural fields along the Snake River, past the buttes on the river's far side, and finally to the snow-capped peaks of the mountains beyond. This much ecological diversity can not be seen in many places.

Back at the base of the dune the trail continues around the lake where walking in the deep sand can be quite tiring. The trail goes past the picnic area and camping area before returning to the visitors center. As difficult as the trail was to follow leading from the center, the return trail is worse. You may find it easier to follow the road back, as no discernable trail can be found cutting through the continually shifting sands of the desert.

Mountain bikes are allowed on the trail, however, the vast majority of the trail is sand - sometimes deep. If you try to ride it, which I would discourage, be prepared for a tough ride, and probably a lot of wear on your bike's moving parts. Leave your bike at home for this excursion.
 

Location: Bruneau Dunes State Park is located about 18 miles south of I-84 near Mountain Home, Idaho. From I-84 take either Mountain Home exit. Follow the signs for ID-51 South toward Bruneau. About 15 miles out of town you'll cross the Snake River. Take the first left after the bridge onto ID-78. Go about 1 3/4 miles and turn right into the park. The visitors center is about two miles. There is a small fee to enter the park.