Bruneau – Jarbidge Rivers Wilderness

The Bruneau-Jarbidge Rivers Wilderness is a river canyon landscape in Owyhee County with deep gorges, volcanic plateaus, and interconnected water systems spanning approximately 90,000 acres. The terrain varies across different elevations creating diverse environments where rock formations and river valleys define the setting.

This area was designated as protected wilderness through the Omnibus Public Land Management Act signed by President Barack Obama in March 2009. The law established protection status for numerous wild areas across the western United States.

The rivers and canyons are used by visitors for hunting upland birds and large game while following ecological preservation practices.

This wilderness is mainly accessible to experienced paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts who can undertake multi-day river journeys. Visitors should prepare for remote conditions and self-sufficiency as services are not available within the area.

The area is home to populations of California bighorn sheep, river otters, and bull trout inhabiting the canyon environment alongside rare native wildflowers. This combination of wildlife and adapted plants creates notable ecological conditions rarely found elsewhere.

Location: Idaho

Inception: 2009

GPS coordinates: 42.39610,-115.62600

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:23