Getting Oriented
The route leaves Joseph on Crow Creek Road, climbs onto the Zumwalt Prairie, and runs east across the prairie to Buckhorn Springs and the overlook. The lower segment is paved out of Joseph, then transitions to graded county gravel, then to forest road and BLM-managed two-track on the upper rim.
The Wallowa-Whitman ranger district handles the forest segments; the Bureau of Land Management's Vale District covers the BLM portions. The Zumwalt Prairie Preserve, a Nature Conservancy holding, occupies a portion of the middle stretch and allows public driving on the through-road.
Trail Overview
Forty-three miles, out-and-back from Joseph. The first 30 miles cross the Zumwalt Prairie at moderate grade on graded gravel. The final 13 miles climb onto the canyon rim through ponderosa and Douglas-fir and end at Buckhorn Overlook at 5,300 feet. Total elevation gain from Joseph (4,200 ft) is about 1,100 feet net but the route climbs and drops several drainages on the way.
The upper grade is rocky and rough enough that high-clearance 4WD is the safe call. Stock 2WD trucks can make it in dry conditions but get tested on the washouts. Most drivers run it as a half-day from Joseph; faster groups make it a morning.
Points of Interest
- Zumwalt Prairie. A 50,000-acre bunchgrass prairie, mostly owned by The Nature Conservancy. Open through-road driving, no formal trailheads.
- Buckhorn Lookout site. Former fire-lookout location at the overlook with a primitive campground and the rim view east into the canyon.
- Buckhorn Springs. Small spring near the overlook campground.
- Hells Canyon Wilderness boundary. The canyon below the overlook is wilderness; foot access only east of the rim.
- Wallowa Mountains views. The drive offers long views back south to the Eagle Cap massif from the prairie.
Where to Camp
Buckhorn Campground at the overlook is a primitive Wallowa-Whitman site with vault toilets and no water. Dispersed camping is allowed on Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and BLM land along the upper road. The Zumwalt Prairie Preserve allows through-driving but not on-preserve camping. Wallowa Lake State Park, 30 miles back west, is the closest developed alternative.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Confirm the road is open before driving. The Wallowa-Whitman Hells Canyon NRA office (541-426-5546) holds current status. The road is typically passable late June through October.
- Air down on the upper sections. The washboard and rock are worse than the lower prairie suggests.
- Carry water and recovery gear. There is no water on the route and the lookout campground has none.
- Wildlife is the reason a lot of visitors make the trip. Elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and a high concentration of raptors live on the prairie.
- Pair with Hat Point for a two-day Wallowa Valley rim circuit; Hat Point is the busier viewpoint, Buckhorn the quieter one.
- Cell coverage drops once you leave Joseph and stays gone to the rim.
