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Travel with Care
Travel with Care
Travel with Care
Travel with Care
Travel with Care

Travel With Care

Two people snowshoeing on a snowy mountain trail with snow-covered trees in the foreground and expansive mountain ranges in the background under a cloudy sky.

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.

Two people ice skating outdoors on a rink surrounded by festive string lights, with buildings, a lodge, and snowy hills in the background.

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.

Family of four standing together with their arms around each other, looking out over the snowy landscape of Payette Lake, with mountains in the distance under a bright blue sky.

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.

Person in a teal jacket and beanie joyfully tossing snow into the air at the snowy shoreline of Payette Lake, with mountains and a blue sky in the background.
Travel with Care
Travel with Care
Travel with Care
Two snowshoers in winter gear enjoy the Idaho trails. >

Regardless of the season, it’s important to stay on designated trails and use them only when they are dry or frozen. Using muddy trails can cause damage and potential closures come spring.

A skier poses at the top of a mountain for Winter Travel With Care in Idaho. >

Whether you’re driving to your destination or about to hit the slopes, don’t forget these winter essentials. Make sure your vehicle is snow-worthy and check the weather and road conditions before heading out. It’s always better to plan ahead and be safe.

  • 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, goggles
Travel With Care Be a Snow Angel poster. >

Even in winter, recreational trails can get pretty busy. Make sure to read signage on trails and slopes and yield to anyone heading downhill or moving faster than you. When fat tire biking, snowmobiling or skiing, if you have to stop, make sure you get out of the way of others and always keep an eye out for blind corners. Watching for others and being mindful of your movements and speed can prevent serious injury.

Travel with Care
Travel with Care
Travel with Care

Take the Travel With Care Winter Quiz

An image of a Travel With Care quiz on a phone.
Travel with Care
GIF of the Idaho state outline resting in an open hand, with Travel With Care messaging appearing over it.

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A woman hiking along the Bench Lakes Trail and snow-capped mountains in the distance.