Can you reserve a site at Heavens Gate Overlook?

No. Heavens Gate Overlook is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Heavens Gate Overlook

Facility · Idaho ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Nezperce National Forest (NF) · Open Access

8,222 ft
Elevation

This overlook is thought by many to be the best view into Hells Canyon from Idaho. It is the highest viewpoint on the Idaho side at an elevation of 8429 feet. From this point, in addition to Hells Canyon, you also have a wonderful view of the Seven Devils Mountains. This area also has campgrounds and the main trailhead for the Seven Devils trail system is located at Windy Saddle.

Getting there

Nineteen miles west of Riggins, Idaho off US Highway 95 on Forest Road 517. Allow a half day to reach the overlook on a very steep winding gravel road (Forest Road 517).

45.36977, -116.49663 · 45°22'11.2"N 116°29'47.9"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 90°F in Aug, down to 40°F in Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	41	46	55	62	71	78	90	90	80	64	48	40
Low °F	25	26	30	35	41	47	52	52	45	36	29	25
Precip in	1.3	1.4	1.8	2.0	2.2	1.7	0.8	0.7	1.2	1.5	1.4	1.4

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

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Common questions about Heavens Gate Overlook

Can you reserve a site at Heavens Gate Overlook?: No. Heavens Gate Overlook is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Heavens Gate Overlook

Hells Canyon - Snake River (4 Rivers) 12.6 mi · Permit · we watch it
Seven Devils Campground 1.9 mi · Campground
Shorts Bar Recreation Site 9.9 mi · Facility
Saddle Creek Campground 11.3 mi · Campground
Island Bar Recreation Site 11.9 mi · Facility
Iron Phone Junction Campground 12.4 mi · Campground
Black Lake Campground 12.8 mi · Campground
Kirkwood Ranch 13.7 mi · Facility
Old Lucile Recreation Site 14.2 mi · Facility
Lucile Recreation Site 14.6 mi · Facility
Blackerby Picnic Area 15.8 mi · Facility
Smokey Boulder Camping Area 15.9 mi · Campground

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Info Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.