Spring is great time to visit desert

OWYHEE BYWAY (Primitive camping): Spring is the time to take the drive along the 100-mile, dirt road that crosses the heart of Southwest Idaho's remote Owyhee high desert. It's the Owyhee Uplands National Backcountry Byway. There are a lot of exploring, camping opportunities and off-trail hiking. Some people have done it in one day but an overnight or two-day camp will give you a better appreciation for this area's remoteness.

Camping: The best bet for camping is the developed campground along the way at the North Fork of the Owyhee River. It has camping spaces and a restroom. Otherwise, you can camp anywhere along the road as long as it's not private property. There are no services along this road.

Cost: Free.

Getting there: The entire loop going from Boise to Grand View and then the Owyhee Byway to Jordan Valley, Ore., and back to Nampa and Boise is about 270 miles. First, drive an hour and 15 minutes to Grand View by taking I-84 east from Boise to Mountain Home. Head south from Mountain Home on the road to Grand View. Once at Grand View, keep going east on Idaho 78. Just on the outskirts of town is the Mud Flat Road on the right. Take it and follow the road to Jordan Valley.