Bruneau Desert
Bruneau Desert is a remote basin and dunefield corridor in Owyhee County, Idaho, known for large arching sand dunes and access points near the Owyhee River.
Learn More
Geography
| Address | Bruneau, ID, USAOwyhee County Road 53 |
|---|---|
| Continent | North America |
| Region | Pacific Northwest |
| Subregion | Intermountain West |
| Country | United States |
| State | Idaho |
| County | Owyhee County |
| District | Jarbidge-Rails to Trails |
| City | Bruneau |
| Timezone | AmericaBoise |
| Latitude | 43.775 |
| Longitude | -116.011 |
| Maps |
7:14 PM LOCAL TIMEBruneau Desert is a stark, windswept basin and dunefield in Owyhee County, Idaho, carved by episodic flows of the Owyhee River and relentless seasonal winds. The core dunes, visible from Oregon and accessible from the Jarbidge-Rails to Trails Road, offer expansive sandy flats and steep crescent-shaped ridges shaped by variable wind patterns. Around the dunes, the landscape transitions to arid basin terraces, shrubsteppe, and canyon country punctuated by stone-paved gravel roads and dispersed primitive sites. The best way to experience Bruneau is by crossing from the south via informal routes near Mile 51-52 on the Railroad Flats Road, combining short walks with vehicle access to roadside pullouts. Be prepared for remote conditions—extreme heat in summer, minimal facilities—and carry maps, plenty of water, and your own sources of navigation. Despite its relative isolation, Bruneau rewards travelers who seek wide-open skies, wind-formed shapes, and solitude away from more developed desert parks.
All content was written by our AI and may contain a few mistakes. We may earn commissions on some links. Last updated: Sun Dec 14, 2025, 2:55 AM