Mayfield Ghost Town, Danskin Lookout, and Eureka Cave
This outing takes a back road to Mountain Home from Boise, Idaho through the Mayfield ghost town and along the Danskin Mountains. In the spring, huge herds of deer can be seen along this road. Side trips to Danskin Lookout and Eureka Cave makes for a very nice outing.
Starting at Boise, Idaho take I84 east towards Mountain Home. Take the Blacks Creek exit and turn left at the stop sign.
Drive up this road 2.6 miles to where a paved road takes off to the left at coordinates: 43° 28.59' north, 116° 02.94' west. There will be a sign indicating Bonneville Point. Turn left.
Drive 1.4 miles staying on the main road until you reach the parking area and the kiosk.
Bonneville Point is where US Army Captain Bonneville first saw the Boise valley and gave it the name Les Bois for all of the cottonwood trees he saw.
Return to the paved road after your visit and turn left at the Stop sign.
Bonneville Point, Idaho
Valley storm from Bonneville Point
Stay on the main road for 10.3 miles to reach the ghost town of Mayfield, Idaho. The road becomes gravel about 1/2 of the way to the townsite.
Mayfield, Idaho
Mayfield, Idaho
Mayfield, Idaho school, I think
Mayfield, Idaho
Mayfield, Idaho
Continue on the main road. At the intersection about 3 miles down the road, coordinates: 43° 23.68' north, 115° 51.55' west turn left.
Continue on the main road. At the intersection about 9 miles down the road, coordinates: 43° 19.53' north, 115° 44.54' west turn left on the jeep trail to visit Danskin Lookout. This is a pretty good jeep trail but I would recommend a high clearance vehicle beyond this point. Four-wheel drive would not be a bad plan either.
Drive north for 8.6 miles to reach coordinates: 43° 25.53' north, 115° 44.25' west, turn right.
Drive north for 5.6 miles to reach the summit of Danskin Peak and the lookout.
Danskin Lookout
Looking north from the lookout
South Fork of the Boise River canyon
Return the way you came in until reaching the intersection at the valley floor. Continue straight for 5.6 miles and arrive at the Canyon Creek Stage Stop location, coordinates: 43° 15.67' north, 115° 42.16' west.
Canyon Creek Stage Stop
Canyon Creek Stage Stop
Canyon Creek Stage Stop
Continue straight for 0.4 miles and arrive at coordinates: 43° 15.38' north, 115° 42.06' west. Turn left.
Continue straight for 6.2 miles and arrive at coordinates: 43° 14.84' north, 115° 35.15' west. Turn right onto highway US 20.
Continue straight for 10.9 miles and arrive at coordinates: 43° 08.69' north, 115° 39.65' west. Turn left.
Continue straight for 4.7 miles and arrive at coordinates: 43° 07.91' north, 115° 34.50' west. Turn right.
Drive 0.6 miles and arrive at Eureka Cave.
When done exploring, return to highway US 20, turn left and get back on the freeway to Boise from Mountain Home.
