The Owyhee Canyonlands in southeastern Oregon are a vast, untamed wilderness—a rugged masterpiece sculpted by time and the relentless forces of nature. Spanning 2.5 million acres, this remote landscape is a labyrinth of deep canyons, towering cliffs, and ancient volcanic formations.

 

​Here, the Owyhee River carves its way through layers of basalt and rhyolite, creating breathtaking gorges and honeycombed cliffs that seem almost otherworldly. The Pillars of Rome, standing like ancient ruins, add to the mystique, while Leslie Gulch showcases dramatic rock formations shaped by millennia of erosion.

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Wildlife thrives in this isolated expanse—bighorn sheep scale the cliffs, pronghorn antelope roam the sagebrush plains, and raptors soar overhead. The canyonlands are also a paradise for adventurers, offering hiking, fishing, kayaking, and rockhounding, with hidden treasures like jasper, agate, and petrified wood waiting to be discovered

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Owyhee History

The name Owyhee comes from an early spelling of the word "Hawaii" and is used in the names of many places in Idaho, Nevada, and Oregon. The name originated with fur trappers who named the area after Hawaiian natives who went missing during a trapping expedition in 1819. They were to be memorialized by naming the waterway the Hawaii River, but the early spelling of "Owyhee" stuck, and so the area came to be known as Owyhee Canyonlands.

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Route Description

Your journey will begin in the small Oregon town of Owyhee as you head south and carve your way alongside the Owyhee River. The Owyhee Canyonlands are an enchanting wilderness filled with endless miles of dirt roads to explore. Depending on time, your trip can be divided into two segments. Segment 1 will be your priority route as you travel south and explore the Honeycombs, Lower Owyhee Canyon, and Jordan Craters Wilderness Study Area. Then, you will turn your sights west to begin Segment 2 as you traverse the Alvord Desert and head north across the Steens Mountains. Between these two segments of your route, you will have the option to encompass over 600 miles of exploration, eventually bringing you back to your starting point in the town of Owyhee.

 

​Some exciting activities and points of interest will include short slot/gulch/canyon hiking, Pillars of Rome, Three Fingers Gulch, Leslie Gulch, Moon Rocks, Diamond Craters, Riddle Mountain Lookout Tower, and countless vistas and viewpoints of these incredible lands. If you’re lucky, you’ll experience some amazing desert star gazing! Your goal will be to complete as much of your route as possible while keeping an enjoyable pace.

 

*Bring a bathing suit for hot springs, and fishing gear as there may be opportunities to do both.

*Be prepared for varying types of roads and unpredictable weather conditions. As always, expect the unexpected. Adventure is subject to change.

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Off-road Miles and Duration

Segment 1: 280mi - 3-5 Days

Segment 2: 325mi - 3-4 Days

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Trail Difficulty

Easy to Medium: Dirt and/graded gravel roads and remote, rugged playa desert sand and silt, but there could be some slower possibly rockier terrain.

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Vehicle Recommendations

• Spare Fuel Containers

• Stock or High Clearance 4x4

• Off-road capable tires (plus wheel key)

• Full-size spare

• Frame mounted tow points front and back

• Winch

 

Minimum Recommended Equipment

• Fire Extinguisher

• First Aid Kit

• Extra Water

• Extra Fuel

• Vehicle Unique Tools

• Warm Emergency Clothing

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Trip Duration

Progress always depends on pace, but this entire route is estimated to take 1-2 weeks.

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Camping

You'll be camping in wild/dispersed locations. With that in mind, bring appropriate gear for packing out your trash, and potty waste.

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If you have any questions regarding this trip please reach out to me.

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