Hiking & Walking
Hiking and walking opportunities are available throughout the NCA but most occurs within and along the Snake River canyon. Three areas are particular favorites: Dedication Point; Halverson Bar and Celebration Park. See the hiking map for more information.
Dedication Point
This interpretive site is located about 15 miles south of Kuna, Idaho on Swan Falls Road. A one-quarter mile trail provides an easy walk to a spectacular overlook into the Snake River canyon. Interpretive signs along the trail describe the plants, wildlife, and geology of the NCA and aids with bird identification. During the spring, this is a good place to spot birds of prey in flight. The surrounding winterfat and scattered patches of sagebrush provide habitat for Paiute ground squirrels. For raptors with hungry nestlings in the canyon cliffs, a food supply this close to the canyon rim makes for a quick turnaround. See additional information.
Havlerson Bar
The BLM has established a non-motorized portion of the canyon between the USGS gaging station downstream to the Canyon County line. This encompasses the Halverson Bar area. Throughout the area, you can follow trails that lead through the Bonneville Flood boulders scattered across Halverson Bar and see remnants of mining homesteads and old placer claims. Halverson Lake, near the base of the canyon cliffs provides a small oasis in the desert. If you hike the Halverson Bar area plan at least several hours. More than ten miles of trails will lead you to interesting locations. See additional information.
Celebration Park
Canyon County's Celebration Park is Idaho's only archaeological park. A short hiking trail leads visitors past petroglyphs carved on boulders by Native Americans and early settlers. A non-motorized trail along the north bank of the Snake River provides access upstream to Halverson Lake, a small pond nestled along the canyon wall. Guffey Bridge, located at the downstream edge of Celebration Park, provides one of the few crossings over the Snake River. The one-time railroad bridge, built in 1897, has been restored for non-motorized use and provides access to primitive trails on the south side of the river. The park's facilities include vehicle parking, an interpretive center, restrooms, picnic area, boat launch and Idaho's only atlatl range. See additional information.
Other Areas
Hiking is also popular of the south side of the Snake River. There are two ways to cross the river on foot; park at Swan Falls Dam and walk across the dam or park at Celebration Park and hike across the old railroad bridge just downstream. No formal trail system is established but old roads and game trails allow the adventurous soul to explore new areas.
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