Vinyard Lake is hidden away in the Snake River Canyon. There are three ways to get to it all of which are demanding adventures.
The lake is chilly due to the outlet of one of the canyon springs. It feels great on a hot summer day. For upper level swimmers there is a waterfall on the opposite side of the lake that the canyon spills in. The waterfall is about 30 ft high! Always be mindful of surroundings when swimming and looking at the waterfall. It can be dangerous.
The first path is through the Bureau of Land Management property. It is located on back roads from Hwy 93 off of Devils Corral Rd. The dirt road has room for parking anywhere. Because the path winds down caved in rocks and through brush, be mindful of snakes on and off the trails. Carefully step over rocks to reach the destination.
The second is from the Snake River and up Box Canyon. Because the path winds up caved in rocks and through brush, be mindful of snakes on and off the trails. Carefully step over rocks to reach the destination.
The third is located on back roads just west of the Hansen Bridge. The private dirt road has room for parking to the side. The path is through protected private property, active pastureland with livestock. From there the path winds to the top of the canyon, then leads down the canyon, and over crumbled rocks. In the distance, the lake is visible. Because the path winds down caved in rocks and through brush, be mindful of snakes on and off the trails. Carefully step over rocks to reach the destination. The total hike takes on average one hour.
