You don’t have to spend a lot of money on extraordinary experiences in Idaho. The fact that so many spectacular destinations are free and open to the public is one of the best parts of living in the Gem State. For instance, Bruneau Canyon may just be one of the coolest natural wonders our state has to offer, and it’s a must-visit for an adventure-loving Idahoan. The only thing it’ll cost you is the gas in your car and your time. Not too bad for one of the most beautiful places in Idaho! Take advantage of this awe-inspiring destination and see it for yourself.

When your state is home to the deepest river gorge in North America—aka Hells Canyon—it can be easy to overlook all of our state's other spectacular canyons. However, if there's one canyon that's definitely worth looking out for, it's the awe-inspiring Bruneau Canyon.
Wild & Scenic Rivers/Flickr
Situated near the town of Bruneau in southern Idaho, Bruneau Canyon is one of our state's most unique natural wonders. First of all, the canyon's scenery is some of the most dramatic in the state, if not the entire country. But weirdly enough, most non-Idahoans don't seem to know this place even exists.
BLMIdaho/Flickr
The thing about Bruneau Canyon is you don't even realize it's there until you're practically on top of it. Located out in the remote desert landscape that southern Idaho is known for, there's not much else out here to see. Bruneau Canyon is certainly an enigma, but that's part of its incredible beauty.
Blake Lewis/Flickr
There's simply nothing that compares to the feeling you get as you gaze out over the canyon's towering 800-foot-deep walls. The Bruneau River was responsible for carving out this jaw-dropping scenery so many years ago, and the beauty is absolutely astounding.
BLMIdaho/Flickr

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Visitors of Bruneau Canyon are more than welcome to do some exploring. If you head to the official overlook location, you'll come across a couple of hiking trails that follow the canyon's rim. These trails are mostly flat so they are very manageable for hikers of all skill levels and ages.
Travis Finborg/Google
The amazing thing about Bruneau Canyon is just how accessible it is. Although there is some steel railing that is meant to protect both people and animals from walking right over the rim, there are several spots where you can get as close to the edge as possible. Just be sure to watch your step while you snap that perfect photograph.
Jordan LaCroix/Google
Once you see this mesmerizing canyon for yourself, it's easy to see why some refer to it as "the Grand Canyon of Southwest Idaho". We're just glad it doesn't have the Grand Canyon's crowds!
BLM/Flickr
It's places like Bruneau Canyon that remind us of why we're so lucky to live in Idaho. Our state is home to so many grand landscapes that are just begging to be visited, and doing so doesn't cost a thing. All we have to do is visit them.
BLMIdaho/Flickr

Have you had the chance to visit this amazing natural wonder? We are so thankful to live in a state with incredible destinations like this one just a short drive away. For more places like this one, take a look at some of these amazing natural wonders in Idaho.

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More to Explore

Wonderful Natural Attractions in Idaho

William Suphan | January 08, 2023

What are some bucket list natural attractions in Idaho?

Some bucket list natural attractions in Idaho include:

  • Balanced Rock. This top-heavy rock is quite a fascinating sight as the bulk of it rests on a mere three feet wide base.
  • Craters of the Moon National Monument. This vast landscape of hardened lava really does look like the surface of a moon.
  • Ritter Island. This island in Thousand Springs State Park is a gorgeous area of cliffs, waterfalls, and mesas.
  • Sawtooth Mountains. This aptly named mountain range of jagged peaks juts out of lush forests and looks magical.

Find out more about these and other bucket list natural attractions in Idaho. 

What are the most beautiful hiking trails in Idaho?

The most beautiful hiking trails in Idaho include:

  • Boxcar Bend Preserve. This is a rather popular hiking trail and it’s easy to see why with all the greenery and wildlife.
  • Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. If you’re looking to catch glimpses of wildlife, this is where you want to go.
  • Cougar Bay Wildlife Preserve. This is a gorgeous area teeming with wildlife and includes the lovely Lake Coeur d’Alene.
  • Roosevelt Cedar Grove. This is an awe-inspiring area of old-growth forest with trees reaching 150 feet in height.

Discover more about the most beautiful hiking trails in Idaho.

What are the most stunning natural attractions in Idaho?

The most stunning natural attractions in Idaho include:

  • Beaver Bay Beach. Since there’s no coastline in Idaho, this is the place to go for some time at a beach. It’s simply stunning.
  • Lochsa River. This is wild, rugged wilderness at its best. Rushing rivers, lush forests, and spectacular views are all around.
  • Craters of the Moon Cavern. These caves look like something from another world. They even have skylights!
  • Hells Canyon. This is the deepest river gorge in the country and the views here are utterly gorgeous. 

Learn more about the most stunning natural attractions in Idaho. 

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Bruneau Canyon, Idaho 83604, USA