Tucked away in Owyhee County, dozens of miles of dirt, gravel, and sagebrush away from civilization, the Bruneau River runs clear and turquoise through an austere gorge in the Southwest Idaho desert. Widely overlooked because of its remote location, this wild and scenic river is actually a spectacular desert paradise, originally named after Pierre Bruneau, an explorer with the Northwest Trading Co., who stumbled upon the region in the early 1800s.
And "stumbled upon" is an accurate assessment in this case! This vibrant red canyon is almost invisible until standing right on its rim, at which point it plunges over 800 feet to one of the country's most isolated wild and scenic rivers. But far more unexpected than the river and canyon itself? The absolutely breathtaking hike you can take to the base of the gorge...and the mesmerizing landscape you'll find once you reach the riverbed.
For a dramatic backdrop and breathtaking view of some of Idaho's most underrated scenery, the Bruneau River Canyon overlook is hard to beat.
The overlook itself is no secret to locals. From the tiny town of Bruneau, turn east onto Hot Springs Road and follow for around 16 miles. Once you reach the "Overlook" sign, turn right and follow until the road ends. There's a small fence to keep pets and children safe, but keep a very close eye to ensure their safety.
At the base of the canyon, the swift current of the Bruneau River bubbles over cobblestone beds and around golden sandbars dotted with reeds.
The Bruneau River was officially designated as wild and scenic in 2009 as part of an Owyhee Canyonlands wilderness bill. The turquoise waters, formed from the melting snowpack of the Jarbidge Mountains, course through this mini-Grand Canyon of vertical red-rock cliffs in a scene that is surprisingly vibrant compared to the surrounding desertscape.
The river itself is a hidden gem, but a hike to the base will reveal a wonderland of high-desert terrain, secret clefts carved into the rock walls, and marvelous meadows during the dry season.
Daring hikers will have to blaze their own trails down the steep facade to reach the base, making this remote adventure one for more experienced explorers. But precious few people know about this magnificent scramble, so odds are you'll have the area to yourself.
With the sheer walls rising up 800 feet around you, you'll feel like you're on a whole different planet.
The chasm stretches for 60 miles, offering plenty of opportunities to explore every nook and cranny of your choosing.
Look hard enough and you might just stumble upon something extra special. Like a secret cave.
It's a truly one-of-a-kind destination that is as special as it is magnificent, and completely worth the drive!
What do you think? Would you ever take this daring hike to the base of one of Idaho's wildest waterways?
For more unexpected adventures in the area, check out Idaho's "Road to Nowhere" or hike this mesmerizing sculpture canyon. To explore some hidden destinations beyond southern Idaho's rocky volcanic region, check out this journey to the center of Idaho, or explore the wonders of Idaho's most incredible natural spring.
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