October 20, 2026

By Ali and Josh Van Orden · AVO Real Estate | Keller Williams Realty East Idaho · Facts checked Oct 20, 2026

Looking for off-roading or snowmobiling near Idaho Falls? East Idaho is a big draw for motorized recreation, and fall is when the season changes. The dunes wind down and the snowmobile trails start to come to life. Here's what to know about riding the St. Anthony Sand Dunes before the winter closure, how Island Park's groomed trails work, and the stickers and safety basics to sort out before you go. Every rule here links to the agency that sets it.

St. Anthony Sand Dunes: last call before January 1

The St. Anthony Sand Dunes sit about 8 miles west of St. Anthony. They cover about 10,600 acres of white quartz sand, with dunes up to roughly 400 feet tall that draw riders from all over the West. BLM: St. Anthony Sand Dunes

The BLM closes parts of the dunes each winter to protect wintering deer, elk and moose (BLM winter closure notice):

  • The "big dunes" west of Egin Lakes Campground are closed January 1 through sunrise on April 1. BLM

  • The area south of Egin–Hamer Road follows the same January 1 to sunrise April 1 closure. BLM

  • The areas surrounding the open sand stay closed longer, from January 1 through sunrise on May 1. BLM

  • The smaller dunes east of Egin Lakes to Red Road are open all year, but the BLM notes they're usually snowed over by January 1. BLM

If the big dunes are on your list, ride them before they close January 1, or plan for the reopening at sunrise on April 1. The BLM also asks riders to avoid damaging vegetation and disturbing wildlife so the area stays open for everyone. BLM

Your Idaho OHV sticker

Idaho requires a state certificate of number (the OHV sticker) for every dirt bike, ATV, UTV and specialty off-highway vehicle ridden on public or private land, with exceptions for machines used only for farming or snow removal. Stickers run on the calendar year and renew each January 1. IDPR: ATVs, UTVs & Motorbikes

IDPR's 2026 rider booklet lists the basics for trails and open riding areas: a valid sticker, a DOT-approved helmet for riders under 18, and a muffler with a Forest Service–approved spark arrestor. Extra rules apply on roads. IDPR: Off-Highway Vehicles in Idaho 2026

Riders from out of state need Idaho's nonresident OHV permit. IDPR: Off-Highway Vehicles in Idaho 2026

You can buy or renew online, from vendors around the state, or at some DMV offices. IDPR: Registration & Permits

Island Park snowmobiling and groomed trails

Island Park is famous for snowmobiling. Fremont County's grooming program covers more than 500 miles of groomed trails around Island Park and Ashton, with connections toward Two Top, Big Springs, Black Canyon, Mesa Falls and West Yellowstone (the Mesa Falls sites themselves are closed). Fremont County: Snowmobiling · USFS closure order 04-15-26-310

  • When grooming starts: grooming usually runs December through March, depending on weather. The county says its groomers can't operate until there's at least 2.5 feet of good snow on the ground. Fremont County Statewide, IDPR lists its own conditions for grooming, including enough snow in the parking lot and safe avalanche conditions. IDPR: Snowmobiling

  • Where to check: Fremont County posts its grooming report and updates on its snowmobiling page and Facebook page. Fremont County

  • Stay on the right routes: on the Ashton/Island Park Ranger District, snowmobiles must stay on designated routes in critical winter range, and they're not allowed on groomed cross-country ski trails. USFS: Winter Range Areas order · USFS: Ski Trails order Grab the free Caribou-Targhee winter travel map before you ride. USFS: Winter Travel Map

Your Idaho snowmobile sticker

Every snowmobile ridden in Idaho needs a state certificate of number, and that includes visitors from out of state. The season runs November 1 through October 31, so plan to buy your sticker before November 1. IDPR: Snowmobiling · Idaho Code 67-7103

Here's a nice local touch. When you buy, you can choose the county where you ride most, and most of your fee goes to that county's grooming program. Picking Fremont County helps keep Island Park's trails groomed, and your sticker is still good statewide. IDPR: Registration & Permits · IDPR: Snowmobiling

Safety and avalanche awareness

Thinking about living near here? Take a look at our Island Park community guide.

Happy to talk it through anytime

Dreaming about a place with room for the toys and a quick drive to the trails? We're always happy to talk through East Idaho towns with you, no pressure at all. Reach out anytime. You can also call or text Ali and Josh at 208-271-4250, browse homes at search.avorealestate.com, or find quick answers in our FAQ.

Sources

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