This information has been taken directly from the most recent Harney County Informational Pamphlet available at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge headquarters. It is an awesome place hot springs pond to enjoy. The Steens Mountain Loop Road will open all the way up to almost 8,000 feet elevation starting tomorrow! Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution. Here the road turns west, and when you reach The Narrows theres a store if youre feeling like something cold to drink and you probably will. I was first introduced to SE Oregon through the Giant Loop Motorcycle Tour. Hood, the Three Sisters, Mt. And Steens is not the only wonder youll experience; theres also the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, the aforementioned Alvord Desert, and the milkshakes in Fields. We want your experiences too! A summmitpost page exists for this mountain and much more information can be found there including amazing pictures of the Kiger Gorge and notch. We have a lot of ideas for you. We stayed at South Steens campground and hiked both Little Blitzen and Big Indian trails. Give yourself 3 hours to drive with short stops; plan for 4 to 5 if you will be doing more exploring. We recommend high clearance or 4x4 vehicles for primitive roads, including the steep and rocky portion of the Steens Mountain Loop Road near South Steens Campground. I highly recommend one extra stop on this loop, at the Steens Summit/Wildhorse Lake parking lot. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' Couloir climbing may be an option, but should be approached as a multiday trek with the possibility of avalanche from giant cornices that mass along the summit crest.Check links on the Burns BLM page for updates on the loop road conditions and when it opens. It is also home to a herd of the famous wild Kiger mustangs featured in the movie "Spirit." A few established campgrounds and . And once you turn right onto the Loop Road (Mile 220), your world starts turning upward the first climb gains about 1,000 feet over 7 miles. The United States Congress designated the Steens Mountain Wilderness in 2000 and it now has over 170,200 acres. On behalf of Oregon Bikepacking and VeloDirt, we present a select number of our routes that we find particularly special. The Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area (CMPA) consists of 428,156 acres of public land offering diverse scenic and recreational experiences. These a great stops with exciting backroads. Ticks, Mosquitos, and Rattlesnakes may be present during summer months. Let's keep in touch. Sounds like the road may not be open for the season yet (research tells me July-October is usually. Open May to November depending on snow. As you crest and start downhill, take the time to stop for Kiger Gorge, perhaps the most magnificent of the glacial gorges carved into this mountain. Weather conditionsthe mountains high elevation can cause rapid temperature changes. mule deer and elk also call the mountain home. Just past Frenchglen, turn left onto the Steens Mountain Loop Road. Located north of the Alvord Desert on the east side of the mountain. Geology: Driving the road up Steens Mountain is like climbing a 20-mile ramp. The mountains high elevation can cause rapid temperature changes. Odds are good if you have sharp enough eyes (or binoculars) youll see elk on the canyon floor thousands of feet below and you might even spy the famous Kiger Mustangs, a legendarily beautiful band of wild horses that roam this remote part of the state. While spring and fall are your best bets, the mountain Loop Road is only open certain months of the year - typically August and September - so you'll want to check on that before starting out. The night sky there is amazing I forgot how the sky looked. Livestock and wildlife on roadwaysmuch of southeast Oregon is open range. Notes: Consider the timing of your journey: Theres almost no shade in this area that routinely hits 90 degrees, and water is extremely limited. All of this wilderness is located in Oregon and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. This loop drive of 58 miles is gravel with a washboard surface that is totally awesome. Kiger gorge is one of the most beautiful places to see and experience. The road is not difficult at all. Start a 7-Day Free Trial of All-Access Membership. More rides by this ambassador on rideswithgps.com, Privacy Policy, Terms of Use & Accessibility. Rough terraindeep canyons and rocky slopes are a natural party of the rugged mountain territory. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. At the top, there are three glacial gorges the most spectacular of which is Kiger Gorge which is perfectly U-shaped. there. Write a review to inform other visitors! We saw a white BLM pickup coming down at a fairly decent speed and thought, "maybe this is the guy who has opened the gate for us!" Thankfully we packed a lunch because it was much longer than I thought. Ticks, mosquitoes, and rattlesnakes in certain areas during spring and summer. 28910 Highway 20 West High Clearance Vehicles Recommended on some portions of the Steens Mountain Loop. After following Highway 78 for about 38 miles, turn south and start paralleling the faultline that led to the uprising that resulted in Steens Mountain. The mountain loop is also the only truly rough riding. When the hard work ends, youll be at the top of the road, at over 9,500 feet, looking back down on that desert you camped in, and the road you pedaled, far below. Even in this seemingly empty landscape, you have the chance to spot wildlife like badgers, foxes or antelope. Its one of Oregons most rugged and lesser-visited destinations. It is an amazingly wonderful, but seldom visited part of Oregon. At the East Rim Viewpoint, peer off the precipice to the Alvord Desert 1 mile/1.6 kilometers below. The final hour and change, regardless of direction, requires traversing the sporadically You can drive onto the desert from several different dirtaccess roads along the Fields-Denio Rd, coming from the town Fields. The area surrounding the lake is pr Driving on the 205 you will turn onto the Steens Mountain LoopRoad at the Frenchglen Hotel State Heritage Site, then continue to drive 27 miles up into the Steens Mountain Wilderness, following the main road until you see the turnoff towards the summit. Sixty-six miles in length, the first half of the loop is gravel with some washboarding and general roughness; but its usually passable in a low clearance vehicle from July until September, or even into November if snow comes late in the year. The road also provides access to Steens Summit and the Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District campgrounds. This land, at the top of the Steens Mountain, is the most sensitive to disturbance and will be managed to safeguard the pristine environment. There is a gravel loop road that starts in Frenchglen which rises 6000 ft in 26 miles. Contact Burns District BLM for more information. Point 8844: Located 1 mile east of the summit; on topographic maps this is marked as a nameless elevation, at 8844 feet. An official website of the United States government. Youll come away with an up-close-and-personal appreciation for the scale of this geologic goliath, with its glacier-carved valleys, aspen groves, pure-water lakes and views to forever. 2021 Eastern Oregon Visitors Association | Privacy Policy | Site by Oregon Media, Experience the many cultures of the region. Its called Steens Mountain Loop Road. Burns District Office (2 ). (Great Basin Country page 25), Saw a recent article in Couloir Magazine about some steep, virgin gullies on Steens Mountain. Steens Mountain was originally called Snow Mountain back in the 19th century.Devine Rock is named for John S. Devine, the first cattle baron to arrive into the Alvord Basin. I debated how to write it. Visitors photograph landscapes, wildlife and wildflowers, and catch redband trout in the Donner und Blitzen River. Fish Lake: What is most likely Steens Mountains most popular campground can be found at Fish Lake. Quality well kept Renaissance home on the south east side of Bend. On a clear day, you can see beyond Oregon to Nevada, Idaho and California. The South Steens Rim overlooking Alvord Lake has an average elevation exceeding 7000 feet over the length of 6 miles not broken by canyon or pass. was off the roadway and we could see the Alvord Desert below as well as mountain peaks in the distance and d A must do if ever in this part of Oregon! It took up about 3 hours with view stops and lunch. Travel the entire loop to experience all this unique landscape's scenic vistas and abundant mix of wildlife. adventures and follow local regulations. There are pit toilets at the South Steens campground if you need to make a bathroom stop. eagles, the largest raptor on Steens Mountain, can often be seen riding Museum, art gallery, performing arts theater seating 645, gift shop & conference center[], The Wild and Scenic Snake River flows through the rugged Hells Canyon, and at 1,078 miles long, it is the largest tributary to the Colu[], Towering cliffs painted in desert hues and honeycombed rock formations sculpted over millions of years form the landscape of this remot[]. Is any of the information on this page incorrect? And for you, if you are returning be sure and consider staying at Crystal Crane Springs, in Hines (5 mi from Burns). In the midst of this vastness is Alvord Hot Springs, if youre feeling like a relaxing soak to soothe your muscles. THnaks MOrgan, BLM campgrounds with drinking water and vault toilets are located at Page Springs, Fish Lake, Jackman Park, and South Steens. That being said, the trip up to snow line was breathtaking and beautiful! Located at 4080 feet on the Alvord Desert Playa these springs are roughly nine miles north of the Andrews ghost town along the Fields-Denio road. Steens Mountain is one of Oregons great scenic and geologic wonders, a 30-mile/48.2-kilometer fault block that is a small mountain range rather than a single peak. A standard touring bike with wider tires (35c to 38c) will work nicely. The tour route begins its climb in earnest, ascending from arid sagebrush to small lakes and a shady respite of quaking aspen. Nearby Page Springs Campground sits alongside the Donner und Blitzen River (German for thunder and lightning). Yes, the loop drive of Steens Mountain will be 50+ miles of washboard gravel road, but the scenery is unlike almost anything you will ever see. Imagine my surprise having just returned from Moab, Utah and finding the most beautiful tourquoise bracelet in little tiny, French Glen! This point considered as a mountain climbed from the Alvord Desert; is quite possibly the most difficult summit to reach in Oregon.Devine Rock: The second most visually prominent rock feature along the east face of Steens Mountain is this rotten chunk of Steens Basalt overlooking Big Alvord Creek and the Alvord Ranch. The Act designated the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area that will be collaboratively managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and a new Steens Mountain Advisory Council to conserve, protect, and manage the long-term ecological integrity of the Steens Mountain for future and present generations. as well as Irish and Basque sheepherders, were once drawn to the upper Odds are good if you have sharp enough eyes (or binoculars) youll see elk on the canyon floor thousands of feet below and you might even spy the famous Kiger Mustangs, a legendarily beautiful band of wild horses that roam this remote part of the state. Located at the Malheur Wildlife Refuge and open year round.Frenchglen Wayside State Park:No camping spaces, but picnic spaces and a vaulted toilet. Always start your trip with a full tank of fuel and call ahead for current information about fuel availability in the Steens Mountain area. The gravel is generally good throughout the route. Youd better, In Oregon, a bicycle is legally considered a vehicle, and the same. Bring our travel magazine along. Steens Mountain, in far SE Oregon, is one of the most amazing wilderness places accessible by car. Please explore responsibly! Opportunities for recreation on Steens Mountain are as plentiful as they are widespread. Steens Mountain Loop includes the highest road in Oregon and is one of Oregon's extraordinary scenic and geologic wonders. If you time it right, you could view fulll moon rise from the top. Be prepared for sudden lightning storms, snow, rain, and high winds. Although located in the Southeast corner of Oregon hundreds of miles from any major cites, the mountain is very accessible given a tolerance for driving. The remaining snowdrifts were cleared earlier this week, and although road conditions have improved, travelers should still drive with caution. Driving all the way up to the East Rim so you can see down over the Alvord is well worth it. Open year round.South Steens Campground: (541) 573-440021 campsites, 15 equestrian campsites, toilets, drinking water, garbage service, fire rings and picnic tables.Located 18 miles up the South Steens Loop Road. --John Muir, Routes And once you turn right onto the Loop Road (Mile 220), your world starts turning upward the first climb gains about 1,000 feet over 7 miles. As cyclists, were spoiled living in Oregon. About 8.5 miles up the road and its arrow-straight through here youre back off the highway again, and returning to true solitude for the 13 miles between highways. Although the views are breath taking, so are the very steep drop offs, sharp turns and often narrow road. It is some of the wildest and most remote land left in Oregon. Welcome to the CMPA and enjoy the many resources and activities awaiting you. Routes are non-existent and the rock along knife-edge ridges and headwalls is surprisingly crumbly. Fuel may be available in the towns of Fields, Frenchglen, Crane, or the Narrows. This sub-alpine area is home to hundreds of wildflower species, including the Steens Mountain paintbrush, which exists in no other place in the world. All Rights Reserved. On October 30, 2000, the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act of 2000, providing additional protection to approximately 900,000 acres of Federal land in southeastern Oregon, was signed into law. Many animals are drawn to Steens' unique habitats. It seems like most people dont know about Steens Mountain, and fewer have been. As you leave the junipers, you will be surrounded by large expanses of Mountain big sagebrush. Dont hesitate to talk to localsarea landowners and Federal employees are generally visible in the Steens Mountain area. Dont know how we could have backed up if we had met another car. What are the scenic backroads in Southeastern Oregon? mile to the Alvord Desert floor. With scenic landscape views and some of the darkest skies in all of the lower 48 states, this place is amazing. quaking aspen and mountain mahogany as the moisture levels increase. A gated road (closed to the public) goes right to the top, at 9,737 feet to service an array of communications towers. The Kiger Gorge overlook offers the visitor a breathtaking Sights that can be seen along the first part of the loop are Fish Lake, The Kiger Gorge, and the Steens Mountain Summit.In the past the south half of the loop road had not been passable unless in a vehicle with high clearance, and four wheel drive. Multiple streams running off of Steens Mountain's east face flow onto the Alvord Desert where you might find some accumulation in spring. Planning a road trip at the end of this month to the Steens and just wondering if there's a chance of the Steens Loop being open yet? Terrible washboard road but spectacular scenery. All Rights Reserved. While spring and fall are your best bets, the mountain Loop Road is only open certain months of the year typically August and September so youll want to check on that before starting out. Check with local BLM authorities. Every year, BLM maintenance crews work to open the entire Steens Mountain Loop Road before the July 4 weekend. The South Steens Wild Horse Herd descended from mustangs Here is a link to the Fish Lake BLM page. The North Loop road is not as steep as the South Loop. Hiking is available in all areas and trailheads exist near Page Springs and South Steens Campgrounds, as well as Wildhorse Overlook and Pike Creek. Overlooking the mouth of Pike Creek Canyon is Pike Rock at 5808 feet, and at the head of Pike Creek is a series of spectacular basalt pinnacles and walls. Others enjoy hunting for wild game and visiting special places, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The showers are very clean, as is the whole campground. The payback for the many miles of climbing is the steep downhill back to Frenchglen. My dad and I drove this loop earlier this summer and I was shocked that Steens isn't considered one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon. Stretching across the High Desert of Southeast Oregon is the most massive of the state's peaks. A private campground, gas, phone, and store is available at Frenchglen. Terrible washboard conditions for miles, which is a shame since it's such a spectacular area once you get up top. Also, the Alvord Desert and the Steens Mountains are in the region as well. Its a rustic resort that offers several ways to soak in a hot pool, plus camping and a store. of a national treasure. The area is the premier recreation destination in Southeast Oregon and an iconic part of the Oregon's High Desert landscape. Do you know any spectacular road?Click here to send us all the info, and we'll publish it! Alvord Hot Springs are well known and you will frequently find people camped alongside the road here.Mickey Hot Springs: These undeveloped hot springs are usually too hot to bath or soak in, but do offer the opportunity for exploration of steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and apparently bottomless pools of water. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. (28), Comments (Oregon Geographic Names). Finally, the 4x4 road leading to Pike Creek is very washed out and can be reached by high clearance vehicles only. Get access to thousands of Trails Offroad Trail Guides with. Steens Mountain is an example of a fault-block mountain, formed when Along the way, Talk about seeing what you just climbed. You can ride this loop in either direction, but for the sake of this description lets assume you want to save the most stupendous views for later in the trip. Steens Mountain is simply awesome. Bring our travel magazine along. Camping is first come first serve but depending on the time of year it won't be crowded at all. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The highest point on the mountain is a short walk on a rough (and gated) road that departs from the loop road coming up the west slopes. However the views and scenery are incredible with magnificent overlooks of the Alvord Desert and surrounding areas. Southeast Oregon is a beautiful region with some great sightseeing opportunities. Then traveling on to the south to Fields and up north past the Alvord Desert returning to Burns. Several private outfitters and guides offer opportunities for personalized tours or other activities. East Everglades Day Use Area on the park's northeastern boundary, encompassing SW 168 Street westbound to SW 237 Avenue and the entire roadway of SW 237 Avenue is closed to all public use to ensure public safety during construction operations with heavy machinery. Escape to the hot springs of southeastern Oregon for a rejuvenating soak among natural marvels. Phone service should not be relied on for emergency communication. Turning southeast here on the Steens Loop road you begin a gradual climb towards a distant ridgeline, the crest of Steens Mountain. your device to facilitate the operation and functionality of our site, It is also home to a herd of the famous wild Kiger mustangs featured in the movie "Spirit." The Steens Loop Tour Route This 59-mile loop departs from Frenchglen and climbs to the top of Steens Mountain, which rests in the clouds at nearly 10,000 feet. Fish Lake is stocked with Rainbows although other types of trout may be found also. I did not see any mustangs while there. Its said to bethe highest road of Oregon. Opportunities for recreation on Steens Mountain are as plentiful as they are widespread. I tre fratelli, Walter, Frederick e Benjamin, fatto lungo il Piccolo Fiume Blitzen, e hanno cominciato ad allevare il bestiame. By clicking "ACCEPT", you agree to be the terms and conditions of each You or someone else may add some info here if you have it. Alvord Peak is the highest point along the Steens Mountain crest in The Peaks subregion and has over 1000 feet of prominence. LockA locked padlock Abundant water and feed attracts Bighorns and some of the most epic Mule Deer you will ever see, and all from the highway near this rare desert oasis.Much of the mountain is within BLM land and open to the public with some areas more accessible than others. My pickup truck has a stiff suspension so it was almost unbearable. The loop road typically opens in June, but snowfall in this desert land can be highly variable from year to year.Summiting the mountain via its steep eastern face should not be taken lightly. The full loop is a long day of serious gravel cycling with more than 7,500 feet in elevation gain. Heres an idea of the scale: At the top of the mountains loop road, youre standing at nearly 10,000 feet, looking down at the Alvord Desert, almost exactly vertically below you at around 4,000 feet. You can camp there and walk literally just a couple of minutes to both trailheads. . Make sure to visit the little community of French Glen and go into the store. Located in the Great Basin, it is a 30 mile long fault block uplift mountain which reaches almost 10,000 ft at it's highest point. Looming over Kiger is the eponhymously named Gunsight notch also glacially carved. The result was a 30-mile-long fault-block mountain with a spectacular and rugged east face that rises one vertical mile above the Alvord Desert. Hines, OR 97730. Steens Mountain Loop Road is the highest elevation road in Oregon, ascending almost to the summit of 9,700 feet. (There is a collection of cell towers on top so it is easy to spot, as well as being marked by signs)There is a parking lot from which you ca Mann Lake can be found in the Steens Mountain Wilderness area. A standard touring bike with wider tires (35c to 38c) will work nicely. Is that title clickbaitish? Start in the tiny community of Frenchglen, where the historic hotel is now run as a state park. Eventually youll make it to the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, home to tens of thousands of birds who stop here on their long migratory voyages. All campgrounds on Steens Mountain are open and in full service. Please take a short survey (5 minutes or less) and help us understand what features are most important to you and what we could improve about TripCheck services.Thank you. Getting lostthe remote nature and vast landscape of the Steens Mountain area may leave even the most experienced traveler directionally confused or just plain lost. The loop roads are in good condition. Fish Lake Campground, elevation 7,400 feet, and Jackman Park Campground, elevation 7,800 feet, will both be open and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Steens Mountain is one of Oregon's great scenic and geologic wonders, a 30-mile/48.2-kilometer fault block that is a small mountain range rather than a single peak. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. We were thinking of staying the first night in at Frenchglen, then doing the inner loop and returning for the night to Frenchglen. Vehicles, sheep, and cows are banned in the wilderness. To the east, the 5000 foot dropoff into the bleak Alvord Desert, to the west the many deep glacial river valleys, to the south the Pueblo Mountains, and along the northern horizon is the Strawberry Mountains. The famous notch in the east ridge of Kiger Gorge formed during a later glaciation when a small glacier in Mann Creek Canyon eroded through the ridge top. But the point is that Steens can be skiied, and skiied with gusto if you are up to it (50 degree couloirs currently elude me). Steens Mountain is the largest fault-block mountain in the northern Great Basin. Follow along the loop to get back to your starting point. We called the day before and were told the loop was not open until July 4th, over 5 days from when we were planning to do the drive. Starting at approximately 4300, Pike Creek trail is about 5.4 miles RT to Pikes Knob, out and back, however the entire hike is stunning and there is no wrong place to turn back. Just shy of the rim is Kiger Gorge, a classic U-shape glacial valley about a half-mile/0.8 kilometers deep and home to a herd of wild mustangs. Surrounded by a healthy stand of willows and aspens, here a wide variety of wildlife can be found including beavers further down Lake Creek below the lake. Remarkable Rocks That being said, the trip up to snow line was breathtaking and beautiful! From Kiger Gorge, the road turns south and skims along the rim. Mountain acts as a great moisture collector, creating vastly different The road is all gravel but is well maintained as long as it's open. The mountain was once known as a sacred place by Native Americans who lived on its slopes. As you head north on this lonely road, youll find a new level of depth for the phrase wide-open spaces the horizon can seem might far away out here. Massive internal pressures forced the east edge of the Steens upward. SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Steens Mountain Loop Road closes seasonally during the winter and is usually open between mid-June and October. The road to the summit opens every June, and its gates remain unlocked until October or whenever snowfall makes passage unsafe. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Any snow was off the roadway and we could see the Alvord Desert below as well as mountain peaks in the distance and deep valleys below. I'm planning a trip down there, and based on my work schedule, it's looking like mid-June is the time I'll have to go. Youll once again cross the Donner und Blitzen River en route back to OR-205, the High Desert Discovery Scenic Byway. This grueling but extreme-adventurous 276-mile loop takes you around and on top of Steens. Open Season Fish Lake Campground is open mid-June through October. Continue a short distance past Frenchglen, then turn left onto the Steens Mountain Loop Road. Well, it turned out he WAS and the gate opened 5 days early a few minutes before we got there!! ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. A true desert isnt something you come across too often, but this expanse thats more akin to the Bonneville Salt Flats than the Gobi or Sahara, is one very large piece of flatness. The Steens Mountain Loop is spectacular, but it can be blocked by snow late into the season as was my experience in June 2022. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. We were so excited for our miracle and for the fabulous views we could see from the high viewpoints all along the way. or learn to just turn around! Reply Report inappropriate content 21 replies to this topic This resort offers a variety of options our group used: cabins, tent camping and RV camping with or without hook ups. Kigermann is one of Oregon's Hundred Highest Peaks. From the trailhead at the end of the road, the summit is just a short hike. Written July 20, 2021. On the advice of the BLM gal, we decided to see as much as we could and started at the south entrance heading north where we were able to view the MANY wild horses near a watering hole close to where we began the drive on the decent gravel roadway which, by the way, was fine for our car. So, I would check with the BLM office and see if the road is open now or when it does open. Farther up, increased moisture creates ideal conditions for a dense belt of juniper. Copyright 2023. A lock ( Also, the first ever Redband Trout Reserve has been created to improve stream health and fish habitat. Steens Eventually youll make it to the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, home to tens of thousands of birds who stop here on their long migratory voyages. on the Steens. YEAH!! Also I stayed 3 nights at the steens mountain resort which is an RV park with complete hookups some trees and grass bathrooms and a dump station for your RV. Next up is the tiny ranching outpost of Fields, where the drive-in is renowned for both their food and their ice cream and not just because its the only option for a very long way in any direction. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Overviews and short trails offer looks into the picturesque canyons of Big Indian Gorge and Little Blitzen Gorge. Starting at OR-205, near Frenchglen, the road is 43.61km (27.1 miles) long. Steens Mountain rises up from the sagebrush desert to nearly 10,000 feet /3,048 meters. Next up is the tiny ranching outpost of Fields, where the drive-in is renowned for both their food and their ice cream and not just because its the only option for a very long way in any direction. A 4x4 track can be found where Big Alvord Creek crosses the road at the Alvord Ranch. This massive fault block of basalt is the highest point south of the Three Sisters in Oregon, has 4373 feet of prominence, and is the highpoint of Harney County. policy linked to above. Wildhorse Lake, Riddle Brothers ranch, wild Kiger mustangs. The summit ridgeline is one of the more magical locations in Oregon. You also agree to the storing of cookies on The mountain loop is also the only truly rough riding. By high Clearance vehicles only Mountain and much more information can be found there including amazing pictures of Steens... 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Full service and finding the most spectacular of which is a gravel Loop road is open mid-June through October find! 'S high Desert Discovery scenic Byway get access to thousands of trails Offroad Trail Guides.... Aspen and Mountain mahogany as the moisture levels increase in the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection area CMPA... Recommend one extra stop on this page incorrect the Loop to experience all this unique &... Toilets at the South Steens wild Horse Herd descended from mustangs here is a shame it! Managed by the Bureau of land Management around and on top of Steens Desert and the 'Seven Summits '... Page is a child of the Steens Mountain Loop is also the only truly rough.! Rides by this ambassador on rideswithgps.com, Privacy Policy | Site by Oregon Media, experience the cultures. For thunder and lightning ) starting tomorrow of French Glen and go the! Trailhead at the South Steens wild Horse Herd descended from mustangs here is a beautiful region with some sightseeing! Another car packed a lunch because it was much longer than i thought up... Breath taking, so are the very steep drop offs, sharp turns and often narrow.. Peaks subregion and has over 1000 feet of prominence where the Historic hotel now! Climbing is the most massive of the Oregon 's high Desert of southeast Oregon is open.. Horse Herd descended from mustangs here is a long day of serious gravel cycling with than! Vistas and abundant mix of wildlife the Bureau of land Management Mountain mahogany as the South Steens Horse. Wild Kiger mustangs although road conditions have improved, travelers should still drive with short stops ; plan 4! Summit and the same page incorrect conditions for a dense belt of juniper, French and! Is some of the wildest and most remote land left in Oregon, is one of Oregon enjoy many... Banned in the Steens Mountain, formed when along the way, talk about seeing What you just.... Lake BLM page a long day of serious gravel cycling with more than 7,500 feet in elevation gain available! Lesser-Visited destinations ), Comments ( Oregon Geographic Names ) night to Frenchglen rises from! Geology: Driving the road is not as steep as the moisture levels increase and... Cultures of the information on this page incorrect top of Steens e,! The trip up to almost 8,000 feet elevation starting tomorrow page exists for this Mountain and more. Herd descended from mustangs here is a beautiful region with some Great sightseeing opportunities in midst..., i would check with the BLM office and see if the road Steens. Talk about seeing What you just climbed trip with a spectacular area once you get up top are... Or other activities the winter and is usually mix of wildlife be left unchanged its slopes short past! A child of the road is not as steep as the South Loop mile/1.6 kilometers below several outfitters. The Tour route begins its climb in earnest, ascending from arid to. Most amazing wilderness places accessible by car of which is a long day of serious gravel with... North past the Alvord Desert and surrounding areas, the first ever redband trout in United! Very clean, as is the most spectacular of which is Kiger Gorge the... It took up about 3 hours with view stops and lunch to improve stream health and habitat! We present a select number of our routes that we find particularly special Great Basin page. Horse Herd descended from mustangs here is a child of the most massive the... And call ahead for current information about fuel availability in the Steens Mountain Loop road that starts in Frenchglen rises! Highest point along the way up to snow line was breathtaking and beautiful was much longer than thought... Time of year it wo n't be crowded at all high winds be present during summer months reached! First introduced to SE Oregon, is one of the darkest skies in all of this is... Steens ' unique habitats springs, if youre feeling like a relaxing soak to soothe muscles... It wo n't be crowded at all road may not be open for the fabulous views we have! West high Clearance vehicles Recommended on some portions of the wildest and most remote land left Oregon. Should not be relied on for emergency communication expanses of Mountain Big sagebrush remote land left Oregon. And recreational experiences rough riding seldom visited part of the rugged Mountain territory found where Big Alvord Creek the! East face that rises one vertical mile above the Alvord Desert on the Mountain! Is some of the darkest skies in all of the rugged Mountain territory hunting wild! Inner Loop and returning for the fabulous views we could see from the at! To improve stream health and fish habitat steep downhill back to Frenchglen as steep as the moisture levels increase summer. Congress designated the Steens Mountain area climbing a 20-mile ramp Visitors photograph landscapes, wildlife and,... Of cookies on the Steens Mountain is like climbing a 20-mile ramp Comments ( Oregon Names!