The Owyhee Canyonlands have over 1.9 million acres of potential Wilderness and hundreds of miles of Wild & Scenic rivers. The canyons are home to the world's largest herd of California bighorn sheep, 6,000 pronghorn antelope, 7 species of bats, sage-grouse and songbirds, redband trout, longnose snakes, and pygmy rabbits. Innumerable archaeological and historical sites are hidden in its canyons. ONDA has been working with other conservation groups to gain permanent protection for this remote and wild area.

 

• Check out the new Owyhee Canyonlands website to find out more about the Owyhee region, and groups working to permanently protect this area. 
• Download a beautiful brochure about the Owyhee Canyonlands that has info about recreation, plants & wildlife, geology and cultural resources in the area.
  
• Read an article from the New York Times about a 50-mile trek through the Owyhee Canyonlands. View a slideshow of the trip on our Flickr page.

 

 

The Owyhee River begins in Nevada, winding through Idaho and into Oregon through one of the most sparsely populated areas in the contiguous United States. Its spectacular canyons reveal 14 million years of geologic history. The Owyhee is a popular float for rafters and kayakers who come to marvel at its canyons and paddle its whitewater.