Bruneau Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Hot Spring · River/Creek · Spring · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This isolated section of Bruneau Canyon has unparalleled scenery and an amazing hot spring. It also has jasper-rich formations for rockhounders. Fighter jets routinely fly missions above the canyon. The area is also rich in avian life. Rafters love this canyon for its pure, wild river and incredible beauty.

This area is extremely remote and potentially hazardous. The roads out here are in very bad shape and definitely require high-clearance vehicles with very tough tires. Four-wheel drive is also necessary for anyone planning on driving down into the canyon. If there has been any recent precipitation, no one should attempt to go out here, because the roads are impassable. Anyone who tries will not only damage the road significantly, but will also risk an expensive retrieval process.

The trail begins at a sign that says "Indian Hot Springs Grade." There is a large, flat area where one can park vehicles. Some people drive down to the river, but it requires a sturdy vehicle with high-clearance and four-wheel drive.

The trail is very steep and rocky, but it is also very scenic the entire time. There is no shame in taking your time with this route! At the canyon bottom there is an old wooden bridge that you can cross to get to the hot springs and the stone cabin.

The trail then proceeds up the opposite side of the canyon. At the top of the other side, there is another old stone cabin. The views from here are excellent as well. To return, just retrace your steps.

Flowers in the springtime—lupine and paintbrush. Various birds of prey. Jackrabbits. Bighorn sheep. Mule deer.

Cattle rustlers used the canyon as a hideout from law authorities. The remains of several cabins still stand at the bottom of the canyon. There are also many prospects and old quarries where miners searched for jasper and other minerals.