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Leslie Gulch Area of Critical Environmental Concern

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Leslie Gulch Area of Critical Environmental Concern

BLM sites are areas of land that are set aside for public day use or camping. These areas generally offer a glimpse into that area's wilderness that other locations don't, and they're often private, quiet, and peaceful. One way to find BLM sites in your area is to search for "BLM camping near me."

The Leslie Gulch Area of Critical Environmental Concern is located near Vale, Oregon, right on the border with Idaho. The area is full of beautiful rock formations and untouched desert landscapes. The Leslie Gulch is also an important location for plants and animals — two plants that grow there are found nowhere else on the planet. Altogether, Leslie Gulch spans 11,000 acres and offers plenty of recreational opportunities, including wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and camping.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Upper Leslie Gulch Trail

This trail meanders through Leslie Gulch and offers stunning views of the rock formations in the area. The Leslie Gulf Tuff features incredible volcanic formations.

Length: 4.1 miles

Intensity: Easy

Leslie Gulch OHV Trail

Visitors to this trail can hike or mountain bike along a portion or take a journey on an all-terrain or off-roading vehicle.

Length: 62.9 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Juniper Gulch Trail

Located in the nearby Honeycombs Wilderness Study Area, this trail offers gorgeous views and opportunities to observe native wildlife.

Length: 3.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Timber Gulch Trail

This steep trail offers spectacular views of the canyon's rock formations.

Length: 1.3 miles

Intensity: Hard

Painted Canyon Loop Trail

This trail offers plenty of challenges and steeper areas for hikers looking for something a bit more strenuous.

Length: 9 miles

Intensity: Hard

Fishing & Boating

Anglers can enjoy some excellent fishing in the Leslie Gulch Area's Owyhee Reservoir. Crappie are the most common fish in the area. There's also a ramp for launching a boat.

Climbing

Climbers can enjoy many traditional climbing routes on several rock formations in the Leslie Gulch Area of Critical Environmental Concern. There are also several bolted routes on rock faces called The Asylum and The Einstein. It's important to note that no new bolts can be installed anywhere in the Leslie Gulch area.

Wildlife Viewing

The Leslie Gulch Area of Critical Environmental Concern is a perfect place to view wildlife. Native species include elk, mule deer, coyotes, California quail, bobcats, hawks, and eagles, as well as several snake and lizard species. The area is also home to more than 200 bighorn sheep.

Picnicking

Succor Creek State Natural Area, located near Leslie Gulch, is a great place for a picnic. The area is quiet and secluded, and picnic tables and fire rings are available. Lake Owhyee State Park also offers picnic tables, barbecues, and clean bathrooms.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

The area around the Leslie Gulch Area of Critical Environmental Concern is relatively remote, but there are still some excellent RV camping options. Sunny Ridge RV Park offers large spots and full hookups. Pelota RV Oxbow Trailer Park is also a great place to spend a few nights. This peaceful park has RV hookups, a laundry room, and showers.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at the Slocum Creek campground, which is located in the Leslie Gulch Area of Critical Environmental Concern. Stays are limited to 14 days. You can find toilets there, but there are few other amenities in the area, so bring everything you need with you. This site is best for tent or rooftop camping, as RVs must stay on existing roads and parking places.

RV Rentals Near Leslie Gulch Area of Critical Environmental Concern Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Leslie Gulch Area of Critical Environmental Concern BLM trip

The Leslie Gulch Area of Critical Environmental Concern has relatively mild weather throughout the year, although winters can be pretty cold. Summer temperatures reach the 70s and 80s, but because the area is so arid, nighttime temperatures can drop into the 40s, even during the hottest months. Because of this, it's a good idea to pack warm clothing items and blankets if you plan to spend the night. There is no drinking water available in the Leslie Gulch area, so pack plenty of water for your visit.

This area is prone to flash flooding in the winter that makes roads impassable, so make sure to check local weather and road conditions before you go. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Any time you're enjoying Bureau of Land Management campgrounds or doing some BLM RV camping, it's important to protect the natural areas around you. In the Leslie Gulch Area of Critical Environmental Concern, camping and fires are only allowed within the Slocum Creek campground. Only build a fire in a designated ring or pit, and only when the fire danger is low. Dispose of all of your trash appropriately or take it with you when you leave. As you explore the land, try to disturb the local flora and fauna as little as possible. Don't take any rocks, firewood, or plants from the area because this can spread invasive species.

Leslie Gulch Area of Critical Environmental Concern Location

If you're driving from Oregon, take Oregon Highway 201 or US Highways 95 to Succor Creek Road. Continue to the Leslie Gulch Road Junction to reach the area. From Idaho, take Highway 95 to McBride Creek Road and continue west for 8 miles. After passing Rockville, continue for 1 mile north. Then drive 15 miles west on Leslie Gulch Road.

Ready to visit Leslie Gulch Area of Critical Environmental Concern? 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.