Idaho Falls

38  |  E A S T   I D A H O   F A M I L Y   F U N   G U I D E   2 0 1 5 SAND Unique sandy splendor at the Saint Anthony Sand Dunes BY LACEY BENNION Idaho is usually thought of as a region that is entirely mountainous. After all, some of Idaho's most valuable treasures are tucked into the moun- tains and national forest areas of our fi ne state. But for some locals, the fi ner things in life are not found in the mountains, but on sand dunes sur- rounded by miles of lava rock and sagebrush. The borders of the Saint Anthony Sand Dunes are just a few miles west of the city of Saint Anthony. The dunes blanket an area that's roughly 35 miles long and fi ve miles wide, all composed of white quartz sand. The height of the dunes themselves range from 50 to 500 feet high. The dunes were fi rst formed at the end of the last ice age, when places like Mud Lake and Market Lake (located 20 miles southwest) were much larger. From a distance, the dunes might appear to be lifeless tan hills dotted with brush, yet they're anything but. On the average summer day, you can count dozens of folks with anything ranging from dirtbikes to ATV's and even off-road machines of a local mechanic's own creation, all stirring up the sand and exploring the desert beauty of the dunes. One notable hill, called Choke Cherry Dune, has a steep enough grade that many riders enjoy racing up the hill to the top; tap your brake lever once, and the momentum you need to get up the hill van- ishes. Other hills include Dead Horse Bowl, which is 400 feet deep and one mile in circumference, as well as Thunder Mountain (often called Crapo's Hill by locals), Devil's Dune and Middle Bowl. The dunes are not an exclusive club for motor- heads, however; there are also many folks who enjoy hiking, camping, horseback riding and more. Campgrounds include the Egin Lakes Campground, or the Sand Hills Resort area, which is a family-friendly resort with a number of amenities for campers. Both campgrounds are great places to stay and provide easy access to the dunes, whether you're staying for one night or a few nights. Some areas are also friendly for picnickers; during the evening, the dunes become ideal for stargazing and roasting marshmallows by the fi re, a favorite activity of students from the university in Rexburg. Life doesn't end with the summer months at the dunes. A portion of the dunes is closed during the winter months, but dunes between Thunder Mountain and the Red Road are open year-round. One of the best activities during the winter is to go sledding down the hills, which is fun for any- one at any age. The Saint Anthony Sand Dunes might be one of the most unique natural splendors that Idaho has to offer. Whether you have a passion for off- roading or if you're just out to gaze at the stars, the dunes are a lively place at all times and always worth a visit. Editor's Note: If you plan to spend a day or a few at the dunes, be sure to check out the Bureau of Land Management website or call 208-524-7500 to fi nd maps of the dunes and to read up on rules and regulations for the area. Source: Idaho Bureau of Land Management, blm.gov Do the Do the

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