Leslie Gulch Trailhead — Owyhee Canyonlands

Leslie Gulch is a volcanic canyon carved into the Owyhee Uplands west of the Idaho border, and the trailhead at road’s end is where you park up and start exploring on foot. The rhyolite spires and hoodoos here are legitimately stunning — some of the most dramatic geology in the Pacific Northwest, and almost nobody outside of the hardcore overland and canyon crowd knows it exists. The BLM maintains a small primitive campground nearby (Slocum Creek). No shade, no services — bring everything you need.

Access is via Leslie Gulch Road off Highway 95, roughly 24 miles of maintained gravel that’s passable in dry conditions for most high-clearance rigs. After significant rain, the road turns to greasy clay that will park you — this is not a wet-weather route. Running the Owyhee River Breaks and Succor Creek trail system? Leslie Gulch is the crown jewel anchor on the western end. Plan your fuel out of Jordan Valley or Homedale, Idaho — both are within range.

Owyhee rhyolite canyons — Oregon's hidden desert gem.