Travel With Care

In Idaho, we care for our outdoor spaces. When visiting our beautiful state, we hope you recreate responsibly so you (and others!) can experience Idaho to its fullest—now and in the future.

A family marvels inside a rugged Craters of the Moon cave, with the cloudy blue sky peeking above.

Care for Idaho

When out on the trail, don’t leave your pesky granola bar wrappers behind. Take all your trash with you (there aren’t garbage services in most Idaho recreation areas). Encourage your friends to stay on marked trails, and always drown out your campfires—no matter the season. Take only pictures, and leave nothing behind. Idaho’s beauty should be shared. But to share it, we also need to protect it.

A person lounges in a red hammock with hiking boots up, holding a coffee mug while looking at the Sawtooth peaks over Saddleback Lake.

Care for Yourself

We, of course, want you to have the adventure you’re dreaming of, but we also want you to know your limits and make sure you’re safe. Are you prepared for your hike? Do you have the things you need? Did you bring water and sun protection? Do you know about bear safety? Did you tell someone where you’re going? Do you have a plan B? Know the risks of recreating outdoors, regardless of the season, and take the necessary steps to have a good time and stay safe.

A girl in sunglasses, a jacket, and a backpack holds someone’s hand, smiling as the sun shines over a wild field with mountains and trees in the background.

Care for Others

Whether out on a trail, sipping wine at a vineyard or shopping downtown, please be patient and kind to those around you. Like many places, staffing shortages can be a challenge. Please keep your cool and be kind to the employees assisting you. They are doing their best. Out on the trail, remember to be welcoming and respectful to all.

Care While You’re Out There

These quick reels share tips for traveling safely and responsibly in Idaho’s wild spaces. From trail etiquette to fire safety, each video helps you explore with confidence—and care.

Explore Responsibly. Learn How.

Idaho’s wild spaces are meant to be explored—and respected. These tips will help you travel thoughtfully, safely, and in tune with nature. Whether you’re building a campfire, hitting the trail, or observing wildlife, a little know-how goes a long way. Tap into expert guidance on hiking responsibly, camping with care, and more.

Get Trail-Smart

People gather around a campfire in Idaho.

Campfire Safety

Hikers follow a rocky trail to a snowy summit.

Hiking Responsibly

A car and tent set up in a forest clearing surrounded by golden aspens.

Camping With Care

A black bear moves through foliage in Idaho.

Safety in Bear Country

A moose wades in water.

Respecting Wildlife

Travel With Care, No Matter the Season

With a little preparation, you can savor Idaho’s landscapes and fresh adventures worry-free. Whether you’re hiking Idaho’s mountains or camping at our state campgrounds we hope you Travel With Care. Learn what to do if you encounter wildlife, how to properly put out a campfire and so much more. You can never be too prepared to have fun outdoors.

Care for Idaho

In spring, it’s especially important to stick to designated trails and use them only when they are dry. Venturing onto muddy trails can cause lasting damage and may lead to closures, limiting access to these beautiful areas as the season progresses.

Care for Yourself

Whether you’re heading out for a scenic drive or gearing up for a spring adventure, don’t forget these seasonal essentials. Ensure your vehicle is road-ready and check the weather and trail conditions before setting out. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your trip safe and enjoyable.

Full tank of gas
Cellphone charger
Tire chains
Ice scraper, snowbrush, small shovel
Extra clothing layers, blankets
Water, snacks
First-aid kit, sunscreen, lip balm
Helmet, sunglasses
Road map, trail maps

Care for Others

A man reaches out to help a woman wearing a backpack walk through the forest, with text above reading, 'Be Kind to Your Neighbor.'

Even in spring, recreational trails can get busy as more people head outdoors. When biking or hiking, be sure to check trail signage and yield to others, whether they’re moving downhill or at a faster pace. If you need to stop, move off the trail to avoid obstructing others, and always stay alert around blind corners. Being mindful of your surroundings, speed, and movements helps ensure everyone stays safe.

Plan Your Trip Now

Protecting Idaho’s Beauty: Everyone Can Make a Difference

Our annual Travel With Care group activations bring together volunteers to clean-up, improve and beautify Idaho’s outdoor spaces.

Champions of Responsible Recreation

Take a look at some of our past Travel With Care events and celebrate the dedicated volunteers who roll up their sleeves and help preserve Idaho’s outdoor spaces.

Resource Hub

Ready to embrace the great outdoors? Before you depart, take a look at these helpful resources for info on recreating responsibly, weather and wildfire updates, road conditions and fire safety tips.

Recreate Responsibly

National Weather Service

Idaho Fire Info

GIF of the Idaho state outline resting in an open hand, with Travel With Care messaging appearing over it.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism