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

Travel With Care

Travel with Care

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.

Travel with Care

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.

Travel with Care

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.

Three people standing on a cliff overlooking Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve.
Travel with Care
Travel with Care
Travel with Care
Travel with Care
A Travel With Care graphic that reads Keep the Outdoors Great. >

Did you know that nearly 85% of wildfires in the U.S. are caused by humans? These fires are often the result of unattended campfires and the burning of debris, to name a few reasons. Do Smokey Bear proud by using designated rings or grills, and always drown out your campfires completely before you go to sleep or leave the site. Never leave a fire unattended (even if it’s just embers), and pack out all your trash instead of burning it.

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While the sky’s the limit when it comes to outdoor activities in Idaho, it’s important to know your personal limits and be prepared. Whether you’re a nature novice or an advanced adventurer, the person who knows your capabilities best is you, and you never want to end up in a situation where you’re stranded or injured. If the weather takes a turn or you’re not feeling up to continuing your outing, it’s ok to call it a day and come back another time. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

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Idaho’s outdoor spaces are meant to be shared, and we should all do our part to ensure that everyone feels welcome. Be respectful of your camping neighbors by minding your noise levels. Say hello or offer a smile to folks you pass on the trail. And don’t forget to be kind and say thank you to the hard-working park rangers and any other employees you encounter along the way. Remember, being friendly and patient can go a long way in making someone’s day!

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Two people stand at the waters edge at Caribou Lake near Sandpoint Idaho.
Fall colors and alpine lakes, add a great dinner afterwards and it’s a perfect day. Photo Credit: Jasper Gibson.
A snow-covered landscape along a body of water and a snow-laden forest and mountains in the distance.
Travel with Care
Travel with Care
Travel with Care
Travel with Care
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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
A teal graphic with an illustration of a large snowflake and wavy, white text overlaid reading, "Be a snow angel". >

Even in winter, recreational trails can get pretty busy. Remember to check trail or slope signage and yield to downhill and faster recreationists. 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 out for others and being mindful of your movements and speed can prevent serious injury.

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A wide shot of person snowboarding down a slope lined with snow-covered trees and a vast landscape of snow-covered mountains and trees in the distance.
Lookout Pass, near Mullan. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
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Travel with Care

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