The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Bruneau Canyon is one of the wildest and inaccessible wilderness areas in Idaho. Stretching across the remote southwestern corner of the state, this canyon drops deep into the flat landscape. There's only one place to take in this remarkable view: the Bruneau Canyon Overlook. From your perch at the rim of the canyon, you can admire the view of the soaring rock walls and the Bruneau River far below.
Bruneau Canyon Overlook is run by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which maintains a small parking lot and a pit toilet. As you explore the rim, check out the BLM's educational signs that explain the fascinating geological history of the canyon. This wild, scenic area is an easy drive from Idaho hot spots such as Bruneau Dunes State Park and the Oregon Trail interpretive site at Glenns Ferry.
A short, primitive trail runs along the rim of the canyon near the Bruneau Canyon Overlook. Part of the trail is paved, so you can bring strollers or wheelchairs. The rest is a packed dirt trail that winds through the foliage. While there are safety barriers in place, it's important to take caution along the edge.
Length: 0.2 mile
Intensity: Easy
Directly behind the Bruneau Canyon Overlook, you'll find the Idaho Centennial Trail. This two-track trail runs for more than 1,300 miles through the state of Idaho. From the overlook parking lot, you can hike or bike for miles in either direction. The route is mostly flat in this region, so it's accessible for both kids and adults.
Length: 1,311 miles one-way
Intensity: Easy
Hike to the top of a 470-foot sand dune at Bruneau Dunes State Park. Create your own trail through this alien landscape, where enormous dunes rise above sparkling lakes. You can run, bounce, or roll back down — or rent a sandboard from the park's visitor center for a high-speed descent.
Length: Varies
Intensity: Moderate to challenging
For swimming, fishing, and boating, drive north from the Bruneau Canyon to CJ Strike Reservoir. This family friendly site offers a dock and boat launch, so you can fish from the shore or a boat any time of year. Bring bait or tackle for trout, bass, and bluegill. The BLM charges a day-use fee of $2.
The closest climbing spot near the Bruneau Canyon Overlook is the Black Cliffs, which lie about 80 miles north. Here, you'll find more than 20 climbing routes on the basalt cliffs along ID-21 between East Warm Springs Avenue and Lucky Peak State Park. Spring and fall are the best times to climb; the cliffs are also accessible in the summer if you don't mind the intense Idaho heat.
Bring your binoculars to Bruneau Canyon Overlook; the canyon walls are alive with bighorn sheep and mule deer. If you're interested in birdwatching, head north to the C.J. Strike Wildlife Management Area. At the Jack's Creek access point, you can see bald eagles, golden eagles, and other raptors. Winter offers the best opportunities to see enormous flocks of waterfowl resting on the water near the Bruneau Arm of the C.J. Strike Reservoir.
While the Bruneau Canyon Overlook doesn't have a designated eating area, it's a fantastic place for a casual car picnic. If you prefer a developed picnic site, drive north to the Bruneau Community Park. Here, you'll find a shelter, picnic tables, and grills, as well as an open grassy area for games.
There are no established Bureau of Land Management camping areas at the Bruneau Canyon Overlook. In the nearby town of Bruneau, you'll find RV camping at the Cove Recreation Site. This BLM campground charges $12 per night for RVs; your fee includes access to a dump station, picnic tables, fire rings, and reservoir access. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's a good idea to arrive early on summer weekends.
If you're looking for a primitive camping experience, there's no need to search for "BLM camping near me" — you can set up camp close to the Bruneau Canyon Overlook. The surrounding land is open for Bureau of Land Management free camping; try to stay at an established site along the two-track road that runs north to south. It's rough in sections, but it's accessible for BLM RV camping. If you can't find signs of an established site, stay close to the edge of the road to minimize environmental impact.
When you're camping in this area, look out for signs that mark the boundary of the Saylor Creek Aerial Gunnery Range. It's located due east; stick to the canyon rim to make sure you're on BLM land.
The area near the Bruneau Canyon Overlook is one of the hidden gems of the American West. Many tourists pass right by on Interstate 84, so it's not uncommon to have the wilderness to yourself. As you pack, keep in mind that Idaho is prone to extreme temperature swings — prepare for cold, windy winters and hot, dry summers. As long as you have plenty of water and an RV with a functioning HVAC system, you can camp comfortably any time of year.
If you're boondocking on BLM lands near the Bruneau Canyon Overlook, cell service can be limited. Traffic in this region is very low, so a satellite phone is convenient in case of emergencies. The nearest grocery store is an hour away, so make sure to bring plenty of food and cooking fuel to eliminate the need for time-consuming resupply trips. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
To preserve the landscape at the Bruneau Canyon Overlook, it's important to carry out all trash when you leave. The BLM encourages you to practice Leave No Trace principles; in other words, leave the site exactly as you found it. Avoid dropping anything into the canyon and stay on the paved paths to protect the natural landscape. The same principles apply when you're camping in Bureau of Land Management campgrounds or other public lands.
If you're coming from the town of Mountain Home, head south on ID-51. After 20 miles, make a slight left turn onto Hot Springs Road in the unincorporated community of Bruneau. Drive for 19 miles and turn right when you see the signs for the Bruneau Canyon Overlook.
Ready to visit Bruneau Canyon Overlook? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
