Leslie Gulch Honeycombs

Hike amongst Gaudi inspired goblins in Southeast Oregon

Hidden in the remote southeastern corner of the state, Leslie Gulch is a stunning red-rock canyon in the Owyhee Canyonlands. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern, it features towering volcanic tuff spires, rare endemic wildflowers, and roaming California bighorn sheep.

The Otherworldly Landscape

Leslie Gulch looks like a piece of the American Southwest dropped straight into the desert of eastern Oregon. Millions of years ago, violent volcanic eruptions spewed thick layers of ash and stone. Over time, wind and water carved these deposits into steep, dramatic spires and cliffs.

The rock has a distinct honeycombed look. Trapped gases left small holes and cavities across the stone walls, creating unique patterns. The soil and rocks display warm shades of deep red, orange, and pale yellow.

Getting There and Staying Safe

Visiting this remote landscape requires careful planning.

Location: Malheur County, close to the Idaho border.

The Drive: Expect to drive miles on unpaved gravel and dirt roads.

Weather Warning: Avoid the area if rain is in the forecast. Wet dirt roads turn into thick, slick mud that traps vehicles easily.

Fees: There are no entry or camping fees since it is public land.

Facilities: Amenities are very limited, featuring only a few basic pit toilets and no drinking water. Pack out all your trash and bring extra water.

Hikes and Wildlife

The canyon offers incredible outdoor recreation. Short, rugged trails branch right off the main road.

Juniper Gulch Trail: A 1.6-mile round-trip walk into a narrow, dramatic red-rock canyon.

Timber Gulch Trail: A 1.2-mile round-trip path leading to a massive stone amphitheater.

Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for a herd of over 200 California bighorn sheep, plus mule deer and raptors.

Rare Plants: Unique soils host fragile wildflowers, including two plant species found nowhere else on Earth.

At the end of the road, the canyon meets the deep blue water of the Owyhee Reservoir, offering a quiet boat ramp and a peaceful place to reflect on this rugged wilderness.