Treasures of Owyhee West: May 2-4, 2026

**This trip requires a vehicle with 4-wheel or all-wheel drive, and some clearance. See below**

Join Alison on a weekend trip along the remote western plateau of Owyhee Country. On this 70-mile out-and-back dirt road trip, we'll explore the remnants of the Owyhee's explosive volcanic history. We'll search the slopes of dramatic badlands and desert gulches for agate, colorful jasper, and petrified wood.

Of all the trips I lead, this one is the most hardcore for rockhounding. Long hikes, epic views, and an astonishing abundance of beautiful rocks. Owyhee West is high and dry, with spectacular vistas and very few visitors. There is no river access.

The group will camp for two nights at Twin Springs near Grassy Mountain (Coordinates: 43°37'01.8"N 117°25'03.9"W). Our camp chef will prepare a beautiful camp dinner each night.

The group will meet in the town of Owyhee, Oregon on the morning of Saturday, May 2nd and caravan from there. The group will disband by lunchtime on Monday, May 4th. The Owyhee region is on Mountain Standard Time (PST).

Trip participants should be adults 18 and over who are comfortable with dirt road driving. Anticipate spending a full day hiking in the elements and camping through all possibilities of weather.

While the dirt roads out here are mostly easy-traveling, we will be diverging from the main route down segments of washed-out road that will require a capable vehicle. Any vehicle with high clearance and 4-wheel drive is welcome, as well as sportier compact vehicles with all-wheel drive and some ground clearance. (Examples: Subaru Crosstreks, Honda CRVs.) Good tires are essential!

All genders welcome. No pets.

Make sure to schedule extra time before or after this trip if you'd like to visit the Owyhee reservoir or popular east side sites like Succor Creek and Leslie Gulch.

Weather forecast for the beginning of May: average daily highs of 70°F and nightly lows of 40°F. The chance that it could rain on this trip is 20%. The chance it could snow is less.

Cancellation policy: A full refund will be given if a participant cancels 1 month or more before the start date of the trip. Cancellation made within the 1 month window leading up to the trip will be given full credit towards a future trip, but no refunds will be made. Please consider this before signing up.

Postponement: Alison reserves the right to postpone and cancel trips if hazards such as wildfire, heavy smoke, extreme temperatures, or flooding jeopardize group safety. In this scenario, all trip members will be given full credit towards a future trip. No refunds. Alison does her best to schedule trips outside of wildfire season.

Permits: Alison is a licensed and bonded Outfitter Guide in the state of Oregon. Permits are acquired through the Bureau of Land Management - Vale Office.