SAND DUNES: HOW THEY GOT HERE

St. Anthony, Idaho is a small town with a BIG main attraction - 10,000 acres of expansive white quartz sand dunes unlike anything you’ll find in the region.

Want to know more about St. Anthony and all of that sand? Listen up …

Ten thousand years ago, Eastern Idaho was cooler and wetter, providing fertile ground for a variety of wildlife including one-humped camels, mammoths, pony-sized horses, and large bison. Over time, the shrinking of gigantic lakes in the area due to climate warming contributed to the formation of the St. Anthony Sand Dunes , which now cover nearly 10,000 acres and reach heights of up to 400 feet. Whether you're seeking the thrill of racing over the sand in an ATV or a nature enthusiast eager to explore unique landscapes, be sure to add time to stay and play in St. Anthony!

GET YOUR FULL DUNE EXPERIENCE!

Ride the Dunes

If you feel the need for speed, you can hit the dunes by land and by air! Licensed tour operators like Idaho Extreme Adventures take to the sky for an aerial adventure. Get the big picture of St. Anthony’s famous geologic feature from above, view the dune-creating lakes, and see lava tubes, including the Civil Defense Cave landmark. 

If you want to stick to the dunes by land, off-road enthusiasts have miles of open terrain to explore on ATVs, dune buggies, and dirt bikes. Make the trip with your machines or rent all you need at Dune Excursions or St. Anthony Sand Dune Rentals in town. Or, reserve a ride at PMS Dune & Snow Rentals, the dunes’ only onsite rental shop.

Hit the Trail

It’s time to make a Beer Run! Spring, Summer, and Fall, the Beer Run Trail is an ATV-ers favorite. Fifty-three miles total, this trail is technically easy. Kick-off through desert cattle land and head into the dense forests lining the Island Park Reservoir before riding the rugged terrain alongside the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. There are a couple of minor ledges along the way, and the trail varies in width. During the Spring, expect deeper puddles, which means you might get all wet!

Other popular ATV dune hot spots include Devil's Dune, Choke Cherry Dune, Dead Horse Bowl, Middle Bowl, and Crapos Hill (aka Thunder Mountain).

A Sandy Summer Event

Those visiting the dunes in early August should prepare for a sandy spectacle with the Idaho Dunes RV Sand Showdown! Watch the races or compete - this is where old school and new school collide for bragging rights in the big dunes!

EXPLORE ON TWO LEGS OR FOUR

Sandboard

Do you know how to snowboard? Great! Strap on the board and hit the sand for an adventure in sandboarding. Boards are available for rent at the BYU outdoor resource center , just a few miles up the road in Rexburg ID. Sandboarding is an exhilarating blend of surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding. Master a new sport. So much fun! 

Horsing Around

Racing over the dunes is always better on horseback. While there are no horse outfitters in St. Anthony, this spot is ideal if you can trailer your horse. Ride the open sand or a designated trail, such as the Egin Lakes Trail, where you may meander through grasslands and sagebrush. There is a horse tie-up area near this trailhead.

What to know

The riding area on the west side of St. Anthony Sand Dunes, west of Egin Lakes Campground (aka. "the big dunes"), is closed from January 1 through sunrise on April 1. The area south of Egin-Hamer Rd is also closed from January 1 through sunrise on April 1. The areas surrounding the open sand of the St. Anthony Sand Dunes are closed from January 1 through sunrise on May 1. The smaller dunes, east of Egin Lakes Campground to Red Road, are open year-round but are usually covered in snow by January 1. See the map for more details on the dunes' layout.

STAY THE NIGHT AND SEE THE STARS

Camp

After a fun day on the dunes, sleep under the stars. Egin Lakes Campground features tent camping sites and RV sites, accommodating a variety of camping preferences. Each site has amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings, allowing campers to enjoy meals and gather around a cozy campfire.

One of the highlights of Egin Lakes Campground is its proximity to Egin Lakes, a series of small lakes formed by ancient volcanic activity. Visitors can explore the lakeshores, go fishing, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

RV-ers

Idaho Dunes RV is a great spot to hook up in St. Anthony. This RV park provides spacious and well-maintained sites with full hookups, including water, sewer, and electricity, accommodating a range of RV sizes and setups. Additionally, amenities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and Wi-Fi access are often available, ensuring a pleasant stay for guests.

The Night Sky

All campers and RV-ers should LOOK UP when the sun goes down. Under the night sky in St. Anthony is a great place to set up a telescope and explore the cosmos. Although rare, the Northern Lights can sometimes be seen between September and March from the dunes, particularly during periods of increased solar activity.

FUN STUFF AND GOOD FOOD

Petroglyphs

Travel back in time when you visit the Egin Bench Petroglyphs, ancient rock carvings created by indigenous peoples thousands of years ago. These petroglyphs provide a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the area's early inhabitants and are fascinating archaeological sites to explore. Located just four miles outside of St. Anthony, the petroglyphs are etched into the basalt rock formations of the Egin Bench, a prominent geological feature in the area. 

History

Want to see some historic architecture? Visit the Fremont County Courthouse, an architectural landmark located in St. Anthony. Designed in the Classical Revival style, the courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and symbolizes the town's heritage and civic pride. Now that you are in town take the opportunity to explore the wonderful shops and local businesses. St. Anthony might be small, but it does not lack charm!

Dinner!

It’s time to eat, and St. Anthony serves up something for all hungry travelers. Mad Moose Pizza is a locally owned pizzeria specializing in artisan-style pizzas, fresh salads, wings, and more. Meanwhile, El Jalisciense offers a taste of Mexico with its authentic Mexican dishes bursting with flavor, from sizzling fajitas to cheesy enchiladas. For a quick and convenient bite, Subway on South Bridge Street serves up freshly made sandwiches and wraps to fuel your adventures. And when it's time for a sweet treat or a caffeine boost, locals and visitors flock to Roxy's Sweet Treats, a charming cafe, and ice cream parlor where you can indulge in decadent desserts and specialty drinks. 

MORE THAN A STOP ON THE WAY ...

St. Anthony, Idaho, is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The vast sand dunes offer thrilling ATV rides and scenic hikes, while nearby lakes provide opportunities for fishing and camping. Amidst the natural beauty, visitors can explore the town's quaint charm, with friendly locals and cozy eateries creating a welcoming atmosphere.

St. Anthony is the patron saint of lost things ... we invite you to find your spirit of adventure in St. Anthony, Idaho!