Hike the Oolite Interpretive Trail

Grand View, Idaho

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

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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Features

Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Scenic
Wildflowers

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.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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