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.

An image of horses grazing in an open field with trees and mountains in the background and decorative illustrations in the corners.

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.

An image of a woman and children fishing from the edge of the Boise River along the Boise River Greenbelt with decorative illustrations in the corners.

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.

An image of a man walking across a fallen log in a forest in Fishhook Creek Trail with decorative illustrations in the corners.

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.

Savor the Summer & Wander Wisely

Recreating responsibly is as easy as a summer breeze. Make the most of your adventure by listening to your body, being kind to your fellow nature lovers and doing your part to keep our state clean and beautiful.

Care for Idaho

An illustrated card showing the words, "Blaze Trails, Not Flames" above an image of two people sitting in chairs in front of a fire pit at a campsite at Bruneau Dunes State Park.

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.

Care for Yourself

An illustrated card showing the words, "Hot Picks for a Cool Summer" above a checklist.

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!

Care for Others

The words "The Forecast Calls for a Sunny Disposition" layed over an image of four teenagers sitting on rocks at Elk Creek Falls.

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!

Plan Your Sunny Escape

Take It Slow in the Ice and Snow

Put a freeze on winter mishaps! Learn about winter driving safety and slope and trail etiquette.

Care for Idaho

A graphic with an image of elk gathered around a field, with white text overlaid reading, "Use the zoom on your camera (You have it for a reason)"

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.

Care for Yourself

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

Care for Others

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.

Plan Your Winter Trip Now

Take the Travel With Care Winter Quiz

Care to put your responsible recreation skills to the test? Take this winter quiz to find out if you’re a Travel With Care pro.

Know Before You Hit the Snow

A giphy showing a circular icon with the words "Travel With Care - For Yourself" around an illustrated map.

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.

Travel Tips

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A Foodie’s Guide to Idaho’s James Beard Semifinalists

A person in ski gear looks out over a snow-blanketed landscape during sunrise.

Elevate Your Eastern Idaho Experience at Kelly Canyon

single skier stopped on ski run looking over snowy valley

3-Day Winter Guide to Exploring McCall

View of mountain tops while snowshoeing.

Snowshoeing the Idaho City Park N’ Ski Area

Lookout view at Three Island State Park.

Ranger Talks: Three Island Crossing State Park

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.

A group of volunteers posing for a photo at a Travel With Care event holding a sign reading "Travel With Care."

A group of volunteers holding gardening tools at a Travel With Care event and a beach, docks, body of water and mountains in the background.

Three people at a Travel With Care event holding garden hoes standing on a sloped hill and a paved path, a body of water and mountains in the background.

A closeup of a tree stump in a bed of rocks along a dirt path and a beach, docks, body of water and mountains in the background.

A metal table with Travel With Care hats, stickers and water bottles positioned around a stack of 2023 Official Idaho Travel Guides.

A group of people gardening amidst tall plants at a Travel With Care event and a beach, docks, body of water and mountains in the background.

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.

Idaho 511

National Weather Service

Wildfire Information

Fire Safety

Recreate Responsibly