Hike the Oolite Interpretive Trail
Grand View, Idaho
Details
Distance
1 miles
Elevation Gain
200 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Garren Moore
Oolite (egg stone) is a sedimentary rock formed from ooids, spherical grains composed of concentric layers - per Wikipedia. Just north of the Owyhee mountain range, these little known oolite rocks have become stunning geological formations free for all to poke around and explore in otherwise flat surroundings.
The two to three car parking area is situated at about and elevation of 3000 feet. Situated 200 feet up the interpretive trail stand the oolite rock structures. These structures stretch on for as far as you can see, and only a minute portion are included in the article photography.
Access to the trailhead is very easy; any vehicle, even a Prius, can reach it as the road is chip-and-seal the entire route. The hike from the parking area to the oolites is only a half mile, and about the last 1/8th of that portion is a steep uphill grade. This uphill is all sand (oolites "granules" actually), so take your time. Once you reach the top of the cliff, you'll be able to see along the stretch of rock formations and from there you can begin exploring. For a view of the Owyhees, head up to the tallest dune from the oolite formations. Consider also walking along the oolite structures to see them all up close.
Spring (through May) and fall are the best times to visit as summer is scorching hot and the desert becomes riddled with rattle snakes. The trail is off leash dog friendly, but there are no trash cans so please be sure to bag up and pack out the little land mines. Also, if the weather is a little warmer, be sure to be vigilant of the pads of your dog's paws that can overheat easily in the sand.
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Hike the Oolite Interpretive Trail Reviews
Awesome rock formation, very quiet and secluded place to hike, the hike itself is about 2 or 3 miles round trip. In winter bring boots because it can get kind of Muddy. In May it is dry and lots of loose sand to get there.
5.0
Leave No Trace
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