Blue Canyon Trail

Blue Canyon Trail offers scenic adventure seekers and offroad enthusiasts a rugged, moderately challenging journey along the boundary of the Blue Canyon Wilderness. This 9.8-mile trail climbs over 2,000 feet of elevation from the Owyhee River up to the towering rimrock above, starting at approximately 2,666 feet and reaching a maximum elevation of 4,425 feet. The route is classified as a rough dirt road with a technical rating of 3, making it suitable for high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, SxSs, and dual-sport motorcycles. Drivers will navigate a primary surface of dirt and loose rock, with some steep and narrow sections that demand careful tire placement. Along the way, travelers are rewarded with sweeping views of the Owyhee Breaks and the prominent Diamond Butte, with several established dispersed campsites scattered along the trail for those looking to extend their stay. Due to the remote nature of the Owyhee region, self-sufficiency is critical when tackling this route. The dirt in this area features an exceptionally high silica content; when dry, it kicks up a fine talc-like dust that easily penetrates cabins and filters, and when wet, it transforms into an incredibly slick, sticky mud that dries onto vehicles like solid concrete. Offroaders should avoid traveling during or immediately after heavy rains, as the route can quickly become impassable, and must carry ample water, extra fuel, and spare tires. This high-desert route is best experienced during the dry seasons, typically late spring through autumn, when trail conditions are most stable.