Seeing the wide and wild landscapes of Yellowstone National Park is a staple on most travelers’ bucket lists — and for good reason. Picture a vast wilderness comprising canyons, rivers, and mountain ranges, alongside roaming meadows with charismatic wildlife and geysers shooting to the skies. Yellowstone’s fame is undeniable, and it seems to be growing more popular each year. Just through June 2025, the West’s premier national park clocked in 1.69 million visitors — the most in the first half of the year, ever. And these millions of visitors have been the norm for decades! But what if there was a spot that’s just as gorgeous, minus the swaths of people? Luckily, there is one, and it exists within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem itself.
Harriman State Park in Idaho (not to be confused with the one in New York) is a superb recluse for crowd-averse travelers, located about 37 miles from Yellowstone’s West Entrance. Its diverse wildlife rivals the adorable critters you can spot at Yellowstone, and the region has all the postcard-worthy vistas as its popular cousin (though the iconic geothermal features are missing).
It’s also more affordable, with the daily motor vehicle fees at $7 compared to $20 to $35 at Yellowstone National Park. And while Yellowstone’s basic campsites are around $30 to $35 per night, Harriman State Park offers beautiful and contemporary yurts at $75 to $110 per night with plywood floors and bunk beds to keep you comfortable.
Read more: The 10 Best Rick Steves Travel Tips We’ve Learned
Trails and wildlife at Harriman State Park, Idaho
Meadows and wooden bridge on a trail in Harriman State Park – Laima Swanson/Shutterstock
Thanks to the lack of visitors, the delicate sounds of wildlife at Harriman State Park don’t get blurred with the oohs and ahs of the crowds. Whether you’re after the elk bugling in the cozy autumn evening or the soft calling of trumpeter swans in winter, this 11,700-acre sprawling preserve all but guarantees an encounter with a variety of animals. From elk, deer, coyotes, and moose among the land-bound animals to birds like sandhill cranes, American white pelicans, and bald eagles dotting the landscape, keep your binoculars and cameras ready at each incredible turn. There are also bears, so brush up on these tips to bear-proof your campsite and exercise caution while securing your food.
The best way to view wildlife is on the nature trails, and the most beloved trails also boast an abundance of species on their undulating routes. The Silver Lake Trail and Thurmon Creek Loop, for instance, is rated 4.6 on AllTrails and transports visitors through 6.9 miles of changing and rugged habitats. It’s a popular path to view birds, especially trumpeter swans (the largest native waterfowl in North America). Although many of them are permanent residents at the preserve, large numbers of trumpeter swans are found in the fall and winter as part of their annual migration to Harriman State Park.
Most trails are also open for horseback riding in addition to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the winter months. Enjoying the scenery and wildlife watching on a saddle is actually a popular activity in the warmer months, with an affiliated park vendor — the Dry Ridge Outfitters — providing horseback riding excursions for all ages and skill levels. Rated 5.0 stars on Tripadvisor, reviewers praise the helpful staff, horses, and overall experience provided by this family-run business.
More recreation and how to visit Harriman State Park
Henry Fork on Snake River in Idaho – Kathryn Roach/Shutterstock
Angling aficionados can enjoy some of the best fly fishing in the contiguous 48 at Henry’s Fork, a tributary of the gushing Snake River of Idaho that meanders 8 miles through the sublime landscapes of the Harriman State Park. This (license-required) activity allows you to drop a line in the clear waters for a chance to catch trout species like brown trout and rainbow trout. Fishing isn’t allowed at other lakes of the wilderness area, like Silver Lake or Golden Lake, as the park is working to protect the delicate bird population. However, you can enjoy non-motorized boating at Henry’s Fork with a boat ramp near the historic Osborne Bridge — it’s also a great scenic viewpoint of the reservoir as well as the gorgeous Teton Range.
If you’re set on visiting this gem in Idaho, then Idaho Falls Regional Airport is the nearest airport, located about 71 miles away from the destination. Unfortunately, your furry friends will have to sit out for this one; pets aren’t allowed in the refuge — although they are allowed on a leash at the parking lots. The opening hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and there are vault toilets available throughout the park. Needless to say, bug spray and bear spray will come in handy. And once you’re done at Harriman, consider checking out the Lone Star Trailhead in Yellowstone National Park, as it’s not quite as crowded as the rest of the park.
Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter and add us as a preferred search source for access to the world’s best-kept travel secrets.
Read the original article on Islands.