Bruneau Sand Dunes are located in an Idaho State Park about 65 miles south of Boise. The dunes are unique in that they form near the center of a natural basin rather than at the edge. For about 20,000 years these dunes have grown and remained surprisingly close to their birthplace. They exist thanks to a unique combination of:
- sand, presumed to originate from the Bonneville Flood 15,000 years ago
- relatively steady winds from the southeast and from the northwest
- a natural geological depression
These dunes are an anomaly in Southwest Idaho’s predominantly semi-arid grass and sage land which ekes a living out of vast fields of ancient lava flows. Rising 470 feet above the small lake that anchors the park, the main dune is reported to be the largest single-structured sand dune in North America. The 600-acre patch contains marsh, desert, prairie and dune habitats.
In the 1970’s I tried, unsuccessfully, to soar with the wind from the top of the largest dune with the aid of a too-large-for-me hang glider. The landing was soft, but the hike up the dune, wrangling that cumbersome kite, was a battle.
Cited: Idaho State University: Digital Atlas of Idaho; Idaho’s history online Photos: Linda Paul
Rangewriter 
Quite amazing! 🙂
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Thanks, Nandini. Glad you enjoyed.
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Not what I expect to see in Idaho that’s for sure.
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It really is unexpected, out there in the middle of the sage, lava, and farm fields. Idaho is a pretty mixed up state. Must be why I fit in here. 😉
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I am glad the landing was soft.
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Well, ya, that was the whole reason my friend insisted that I try my first flight from the top of the sand dune. Of course, that was also my last flight. All 2 feet of it! lol
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Remember the old song “Sand in my Shoes?” This may be another reason why the Wright Brothers picked the beach to fly. Softer landing.
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Sand sure beats lava rock for a landing pad. 😉
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I had an Australian friend, prone to ridiculous exaggeration, who once told me hang-gliding was no more dangerous than playing snooker. My answer was: “Who ever died playing snooker?”
About a week later I read of a man trying a special shot with his cue. Hanging from a rafter over the table in his garage, he fell, broke his neck and died. Unbelievable, but true. Strangely enough, he was Australian too.
To top it all, a few weeks later, my Australian friend’s friend broke his ankle at his first attempt at hang-gliding
In case US readers haven’t heard of snooker, it’s rather like pool.
The Bruneau Sand Dunes look a lovely place to get away from it all. Great photos.
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Thanks! That is funny. I’d heard of snooker, but didn’t know exactly what it was, except in this context: I’ve been snookered! I think both your friends were snookered! Wisely, you seem to steer clear of broken ankles and necks!
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The unexpected explorer, adventurer and observer and photographer is what you are! Keep doing it and keep including us in on each trek and observation. Great stuff, Linda.
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Thanks, Bob. I hope to keep at it as long as it’s possible!
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See, I live on a desert island, there are two large sand dunes not 500 metres from my house, not to mention the beach, and I still want to go and visit the Bruneau dunes. That should tell you something about your photography and writing skills 🙂
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No, Sandra, what that tells me is that you are an adventuresome soul with itchy feet! 😉 One of these days, when your little ones are old enough to travel with, you’ll have to bring them to play in the playground that is Idaho. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement.
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Very interesting! Also checked out the other parks. Quite an interesting variety from which to choose.
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Yup. But there’s no Vedauvoo in Idaho…:-}
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