Grand View: History, the Snake River and Desert Landscapes

Grand View lies on the south side of the Snake River and offers several ways to explore southwestern Idaho. These include local history, wildlife viewing and the vast desert; the Owyhee Uplands Back Country Byway and the Owyhee County Fair may also shape your stay. Depending on your interests, the questions to settle ahead of time vary: museum tours, event dates or road conditions.

Snake River, Desert and the Owyhee Route

Grand View is a good base for wildlife viewing and for exploring the vast desert of southwestern Idaho. Wildlife viewing and desert exploration offer different focuses for your stay. The Owyhee Uplands Back Country Byway is 103 miles long.

From Grand View, travel two miles east to Mud Flat Road, also known as the Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway. From there, it is another 20 miles to the Little Jacks Creek Wilderness and the Perjue Canyon trailhead. The 103 miles refer to the total length of the byway; the two miles to Mud Flat Road and the following 20 miles describe the drive to the destinations mentioned.

The byway runs mostly along gravel roads that are one to one-and-a-half lanes wide. An experienced driver is recommended; watch for potholes, ruts and washboard surfaces. Road conditions vary by season and may change. Prepare accordingly before setting out.

The Grand View (Snake River) boat ramp is south of the Snake River bridge and on the east side of Highway 167. Check current access conditions before visiting.

Museums and Local History

At the Grand View Historical Museum, you can learn about Grand View's eventful history. Lawson's Legacy Museum includes 19th-century objects as well as collections from Historic Silver City; the museum also has its own Pioneer Town. All tours at Lawson's Legacy Museum are guided. Check current operating details before you arrive. As a guide to choosing: the Grand View Historical Museum focuses on the town's history, while Lawson's Legacy Museum is distinguished by its collections and Pioneer Town.

Events and Finding a Hotel

The Owyhee County Fair takes place in Grand View. If this event is a deciding factor for your trip, check the dates and plan your travel accordingly.

When looking for a hotel in Grand View, it helps to decide on the purpose of your trip first. For the fair, the specific dates matter; at Lawson's Legacy Museum, keep the guided tours and current operating details in mind. For a drive along the byway, the route information and seasonally changing road conditions are important.

Discover more destinations: Homedale

For the broader travel overview: Owyhee.