by Becky Robbins

Created on: August 18, 2009

When looking for adventure, Lucky Peak State Park offers it in spades. With four distinct divisions, this is one state park where you are lucky enough to have it all.

If boating is your heart's desire, the Spring Shores section is the place to go. It is located on the shore of Lucky Peak Reservoir about 18 miles east of Boise. Spring Shores is a full-service marina. There are boats and personal watercraft available for rental. You can always bring your own watercraft if you have it. Spring Shores offers slips for rental from May through August as well. Keep in mind that water levels may vary since Lucky Peak is a reservoir. Always check access to the boat ramp before bringing your boat.

Sandy Point Beach is available for those who want swimming and sun. With thirty-four acres at the base of Lucky Peak Dam, Sandy Point Beach is the ultimate sandy swimming area. Two beach volleyball courts, a giant fountain, and plenty of grass and shady trees completes this area. If you are getting away for the day, there is a food concession stand or charcoal grills and picnic tables if you prefer to bring your own picnic. There are plenty of restrooms, showers, and changing areas available to park goers as well. When planning a day at Sandy Point Beach, plan on leaving Fido at home. Dogs are not welcome in this part of Lucky Peak.

Discovery Park on the other hand welcomes Fido and your entire family. There are three sheltered picnic pavilions in this section of the park, perfect for events like family reunions or even weddings. Discovery Park is a great place to spend a relaxing day. Located near a flat water section of the river, this part of Lucky Peak is popular with canoeists and kayakers, as well as those looking to fish. Stretch out among the trees and rocky canyons and breath in the peace and solitude of the area. If you happen through this section of Lucky Peak during the winter months, you may see bald eagles. However, during the summer, you will probably catch a glimpse of the resident owl as well as a variety of waterfowl and song birds.

For a true experience in the Idaho wilderness, you will want to head to the Idaho City Area Yurt and Trail system, which is about an hour from Boise. This part of Lucky Peak State Park allows you to rent one of five back country yurts for a great camping experience. The yurts can be rented for $75.00 per night, Monday through Thursday, and $90.00 per night, Friday through Sunday. Since the yurts sleep six, this is a comfortable sleeping option for the back country adventurer.

Depending on the season, you will enjoy hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, or horseback riding. Why not mountain bike to an old gold mine? At the end of the day, you can relax in the Kirkham Hot Springs, which is not far from your location. Enjoy the solitude of the mountains and the peacefulness of nature.

Regardless of which section of the park you choose to visit, Lucky Peak State Park is an adventurer's mecca. For only $4.00 per day per vehicle, this is a great way to get away from the bustle of city life. If it is your first time going, you will fall in love with Lucky Peak. At that point, you may want to consider the annual pass.

Lucky Peak State Park is 8 miles east of Boise along Highway 21.

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