Bruneau River and Canyon

Bruneau, ID U.S.A.

This stretch of the Bruneau River features dramatic canyons, hot springs, towering geological formations and diverse wildlife.

To reach the canyon, take I-84 east to Mountain Home. Take the first exit onto Hwy. 51 and then take the first left, entering Bruneau on Hot Springs Road. Continue on a gravel road to Bruneau Overlook turn-off.

There are no established trails here. The canyon cuts through a desert plateau and backpackers generally follow the stream along the canyon floor. Portions of the trek may require swimming and scrambling up steep rocks.

The Bruneau can have Class IV and V rapids and the West Fork should only be run by experienced paddlers.

Rafters ride the Bruneau River rapids, about 80 miles south of Boise.