Explore Perjue Canyon in the Owyhees

Sign on the way into Perjue Canyon 

The Owyhee Canyonlands are such a sight to behold, and always a treat! This past weekend, snow and rain was in the forecast in the Treasure Valley, so we decided to venture out to the Owyhees. I was originally attempting to hike the Shoofly Creek Quick Loop as described on Stueby's Outdoor Journal, but somehow missed the last turn-off to the two-track. Just as we were about to turn around to find the two track, we came upon a small parking lot and a sign for the Perjue Canyon trail, so we decided to explore. We hiked about 5 miles of the 8.4 mile out-and-back trail, and were treated to the Frank Perjue cabin and a great trail in a slot canyon, a feature typical of the Owyhees. 

The gray sky indicated winter was on the horizon (the next morning it snowed!), and there were only a few other people out. The trees along the creek in the canyon had mostly dropped their leaves, and it was a neat perspective to have rocky canyon walls towering above us. The silence in the canyon was such a welcome and needed respite from a crazy week of news surrounding the uncertainty of the Presidential election. 

I hope to get out and do a few other Owyhee Canyonland hikes this winter. It's a great season to explore these canyons as this area gets very hot and is prime rattlesnake country in the warmer months. And it's a contrast when you want a break from skiing and snow time in the winter. Learn more about hikes in the Little Jacks Creek Wilderness Area and plan a visit to the otherworldly Owyhees! 

 

Fallen leaves are the sign of the end of autumn here and the beginning of winter

The trail borders the bottom of a talus slope

Junction of the Perjue Canyon trail and Between the Creeks XC trail

View from the slot canyon looking up

Interpretive map of the Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway. This map is at Poison Creek Recreation Area right off of Mud Flat Road - a perfect place for a picnic lunch after a hike!