Owyhee Canyonlands BLM Lands

At a glance

Visual character

“One of the most remote canyon systems in the lower 48: deep basalt gorges, hot springs, desert plateau. Southwest Idaho's secret landscape. Accessed primarily by 4WD or river raft.”

About

The Owyhee Canyonlands in southwestern Idaho and eastern Oregon represent one of the last great wild landscapes in the lower 48 states — a vast, roadless plateau of sagebrush desert cut by deep basalt river gorges that rival Arizona's canyon country in visual drama. The Owyhee River has carved a serpentine 1,000-foot deep gorge through ancient lava flows, creating sheer basalt walls, hot spring pools, and remote gravel bars accessible primarily by raft. Above the canyon, rolling desert plateau stretches to the horizon in every direction. Managed by BLM's Boise District, commercial filming requires a Special Recreation Permit. River-based access by motorized raft or paddle raft is the primary way to reach canyon interior locations. High-clearance 4WD accesses some plateau rim areas. Extreme remoteness means productions must be fully self-sufficient. A location of almost cinematic myth — wild, untouched, and utterly cinematic.

Where you'll be