The Two RV Gypsies: Full-Time RVers
at Bruneau Overlook at Bruneau Canyon
- an amazing gorge -
August 9, 2013

Not even a warning about objects falling from aircraft can stop the two RV Gypsies from rolling along, loving life, and filling their lives with the adventures of their dreams.

Below: Part of the gravel road to Bruneau Overlook of Bruneau Canyon was lined with sunflowers, some of which were pretty big.

Below: After driving down a gravel road for over 10-miles, all of sudden the two RV Gypsies saw Bruneau Canyon Overlook. It was hard to believe there is a canyon way out here in the middle of nowhere, but here it is.

Bruneau Overlook is in southwestern Idaho, south of Mountain Home and 19 miles from Bruneau on Hot Springs Road. This spectacular desert gorge on the Bruneau River is 1,300 feet wide, 800 feet deep and 60 miles long with one accessible overlook from which to view the canyon.

Below: The Overlook is the only readily accessible spot from which to view the spectacular canyon carved through basalt and rhyolite by the Bruneau River. The opposite rim is 1,300 feet away, and the distance from rim to riverbed is 800 feet, although the Bruneau River was nearly dry at this time.

BELOW: The two RV Gypsies tried to imagine the cataclysmic events that occurred over thousands of years that created lava flow this deep. Tremendous volumes of lava spilled over this area then none flowed for hundreds of years. When lava was not flowing a layer of ordinary sediment laid down. Then lava flowed again, covering the old lava and the sediments covering it. Notice the "bacon strips" showing where the layers of sediment covered one old lava flow then that in turn was covered by yet another round of molten lava.

Below: The section of Bruneau Canyon is known as Five Mile Rapids. During the spring run-off, it is one of the most challenging stretches of white water in the nation for rafters and kayakers. Although it was very dry at this time. Signs warn people that if they venture onto this river, they are on their own, and must help themselves should trouble arise.

The two RV Gypsies have repeated this warning on many pages throughout this website. "You are the only person responsible for your own safety if you venture off the paths."

Below: Basalt walls of Bruneau Canyon

Below: Lee Duquette enjoyed the amazing view of Bruneau Canyon. Notice that part of the Bruneau Overlook had a railing, and part of the Bruneau Overlook did NOT have a railing. If you go here, please be careful, especially if you have children with you.

Below: The pictures below show at least one thick layer of red sediment about 1/3 the way down the cliff face.

Below: Heading out of Bruneau Canyon, and driving back down Hot Springs Road, the two RV Gypsies took a moment to photograph the entry to Hot Springs Cemetery.

Below: The two RV Gypsies stopped at a small convenience store in town, and noticed a sign about The Wild Man of Bruneau Canyon which was on a wall alongside of a painting of Spiderman and three shadow people. Unfortunately a car was parked in front of the mural, so Karen Duquette was unable to get good photos.

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