Hiking

Cross-country hikers will find this area to be the perfect place to explore. The majority of the hiking opportunities are for undirected and dispersed treks where hikers have to blaze their own trails across the rough, high-desert terrain. Popular hikes can be discovered in the Little Jacks Creek, Big Jacks Creek/Parker Trail, Duncan Creek/Zeno Canyon, and along the Bruneau River. The majority of the hikes are short, but longer, more strenuous hikes can be found with a little research. This is a rough, rocky and remote area, and a fair amount of self-reliance, knowledge of maps and skills in cross-country exploration are critical. Also, be cautious of rattlesnakes and poison ivy. Ignoring safety precautions in this harsh environment can result in dangerous consequences.

The hiking opportunities summary table will get you started on your hiking explorations of this high-desert region. Feel free to explore off the beaten path, but take precautions in this isolated area. Although specific directions are provided, many hikes are not on established trails and there is a great deal of navigation required for most of these challenging hikes. Preparation and self-sufficiency are key factors for successful and safe hikes in this rugged terrain.

General tips to remember while hiking and camping in the Bruneau Area:

• Watch the weather! The roads that access these trails become impassable when wet!
• Watch out for rattlesnakes and poison ivy. Learn to recognize poison ivy before you go.
• Bring plenty of food and water. If you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated.
• Wear sturdy hiking gear and layer your clothing for rapid weather changes.
• Minimize wildlife disturbance and protect water quality by camping at least 200 feet from streams.
• Use a backpack stove instead of building a fire.
• Don’t wash your dishes in streams.
• Human waste and toilet paper should be buried in a small “cat hole” (six to eight inches deep and at least 200 feet from a water source).
• Know your own hiking and navigation skills. There are no beginner hikes in this area. For other nearby hikes, please reference the Four Rivers Field Office, Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, or Boise National Forest.
• Bring a basic first aid kit.
• Winter snow and summer heat may make the hikes impossible. Rain will make some roads impassable.
• Understand navigation with and without GPS and know how to navigate by map. Deep canyons will often render GPS useless.
• Pack out what you pack in.
• Leave No Trace. Keep these beautiful areas wild for future visitors!