By Mariah Cannon
Idaho is full of old mining towns, cabins, and shafts – along with so much other history throughout the state and this is a hiking trail about an hour and twenty minutes South of Boise in the Owyhee canyonlands that provides a step back in time, but not necessarily specific history or at least that any of us have been able to find…
Getting to Upper Perjue Canyon
From Boise, you’ll begin E on I-84 towards Mountain Home, Idaho and you’ll remain there until exit 74 and then take a right onto Simco Road towards Grand View, Idaho. Follow this road for about 20 miles before taking a right onto Grandview road and continue for another 10 miles before turning left onto SH-78. Lastly, you’ll keep a slight right onto Mud Flat road after 2.1 miles and you’ll follow Mud Flat road for 22 miles.
About half of the Mud Flat road is unpaved gravel and dirt, it’s a pretty well managed road and does not require a 4×4 vehicle to drive through. Although, if it’s been raining, it might help some due to the road getting slippery and muddy.
There is a large pull off to the left of Mud Flat road, you can’t miss it, you’ll know it when you see it! There is a large entryway/driveway frame that begins the trail.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This is in the Owyhees, which is essentially a desert, it can get very warm out here -especially during the Summer. Remember to bring sun protection, water, and snacks to keep yourself protected and fueled. These are some of my favorite sunny day hiking items!
- You will likely have no cell service in this area, so make sure to let somebody know where you’re at and when you plan on returning. I also use the Garmin InReach Mini to contact my family when I’m out of service and in case of emergencies.
- Since this is the desert, don’t be surprised to find rattlesnakes, especially in the warmer months and times of day. Bring a snake bite kit, hike with poles to avoid startling one, and know what to do if someone or a pup gets bitten.
- Although there could be rattlesnakes, there are also lots of other neat animals that call this habitat home. Like big horn sheep, deer, elk, mountain lions, antelope (pronghorn), bobcats, badgers, tons of different large birds, and more! There’s a good chance you’ll run into something out here. Be aware of your surroundings so you don’t spook anyone.
Hiking Upper Perjure Canyon
Trail Stats:
Distance: 8 miles round-trip
Elevation: 800 feet
Hike Type: Out & Back
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate due to mileage
Terrain: Rocky, Sandy, small creek crossings
What to Expect on the Trail:
- This trail was absolutely epic to me. For starters, I had no idea it was out here. I had to do some real digging to find this bad boy and it’s a lesser known/populated hike within the Idaho side of the Owyhees.
- It is 8 miles long, however due to the scenery and the terrain, you don’t ever really feel like it’s 8 miles. The only real elevation you have is a little at the start and most of it on the way back to the trailhead.
- There’s a few creek crossings and depending on the weather each year and what time of year you visit, you may or may not have to deal with them. Although they’re pretty small and manageable; poles may help with balance.
- You’ll walk across slate rock several times, which all have some really neat minerals and colors within them, so make sure to check them out when you get there!
- There is not really ever any steep or unmanageable sections. If you’re wanting to up your mileage and add some weight to your pack for training, this would be a good spot to do it.
- This trail doesn’t really have a turn around sections or an “ooh” “ahh” spot (the whole trail is like this), so when you hit about 4 miles in – take off the packs and enjoy the views and some lunch.
Features on the Trail:
- This trail is known for its insane rock canyon walls and formations. As you drop down into the canyon, you’ll be mesmerized by red, orange, brown rocks that tower above you and make you feel really really small. The canyon is lined with sharp and uniquely shaped rocks and you have a super good chance of seeing some bighorn sheep resting atop of them. Keep your eye out and bring binoculars!
- Now for the most exciting part of this hike, the whole reason this canyon has a name. Frank Perjure and his wife, Ethel Perjue, were early 1900s settlers that built a cabin just on the rim of the prairie before the canyon and jagged rock formations take over the land. And the best part? That cabin still stands today, well mostly… It doesn’t have a roof or the windows, but the walls are a sight for sore eyes! You truly feel like you’re taking a step back in time when you see the cabin, and even more so when you step through the “front door”. It must’ve been such different world back then, a much calmer, more peaceful one – with different worries than those of the modern world we live in.
There is actually a lot of controversy over the way “Perjue” is spelled. The sign you’ll see when you begin the trail is spelled, “Purjue”. Along with some blogs and articles about this area. Purjue, Perjue? I’m not entirely sure, because I get such a mix when I look it up online, but however it’s spelt, it’s definitely worth the drive from Boise to see and hike for yourself!
Enjoy this guide to Upper Perjue Canyon? Be sure to save it for future adventures!
Let’s Get Adventuring!
Mariah 🙂
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