Owyhee Uplands Back Country Byway is in southwest Idaho, 75 miles south of Boise. The byway begins near Grand View and travels west for 101 miles. It ends south of Jordan Valley, Oregon off US 95. Owyhee Uplands follows Deep Creek-Mud Flat Road, which is a narrow, gravel road. There are short grades of 12 percent at plateau breaks. The byway is generally open June through September.

The Owyhee Uplands scenic drive travels across a remote area in Idaho with a small portion crossing into Oregon. This route travels through juniper and mountain mahogany woodlands, sheer-walled river canyons, mountain valleys, and sagebrush covered hills. To the south and west, the vast desert expanse is framed by the Santa Rosa and Steens Mountains. In the spring, wildflowers growing in the open fields add a splash of color to the desert landscape.

There is only one campground located directly along the byway, the primitive BLM-operated North Fork Campground. The BLM also maintains Cove Campground, just a few miles south of the byway's eastern end. This campground offers 26 units for tents and recreational vehicles and also has drinking water, shower facilities, and restrooms. The BLM does permit dispersed camping nearly anywhere on BLM land.

A few other camping areas may be found within the area. The Idaho Power Company maintains three parks near the C.J. Strike Reservoir's dam with a total of 50 campsites available, some being pull-through sites. The reservoir offers abundant fishing and boating opportunities.

Farther east of the byway is Bruneau Dunes State Park. This 4,800-acre park encompasses sand dunes reaching heights of several hundred feet. There are also several lakes within the park that offer good fishing. The campground here has 48 sites, some with hookups, drinking water, shower facilities, flush toilets, and a dump station.

Information: BLM-Boise Field Office, 3948 Development Ave, Boise ID 83705 / 208-384-3300. Bruneau Dunes State Park, HC 85 Box 41, Mountain Home ID 83647 / 208-366-7919