A route page exists for this option.In winter the gentle western slopes of the Steens offer great ski touring. The south. 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. The Kiger Gorge overlook offers the visitor a breathtaking Download a detailed guide (PDF). wild, free-roaming nature. Yes the road is washboard at first. ft. house located at 61102 Steens Ln, Bend, OR 97702 sold for $227,000 on Aug 10, 2010. 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. Over 12 miles, youll climb about 4,400 feet but the scenery will distract you, as you ascend the ridge between the Little Blitzen and Indian gorges; make sure to stop for every viewpoint along here. Welcome to the CMPA and enjoy the many resources and activities awaiting you. The Steens Mountain Loop is spectacular, but it can be blocked by snow late into the season as was my experience in June 2022. Farther up, increased moisture creates ideal conditions for a dense belt of juniper. 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. Opportunities for recreation on Steens Mountain are as plentiful as they are widespread. Let's keep in touch. This grueling but extreme-adventurous 276-mile loop takes you around and on top of Steens. It is some of the wildest and most remote land left in Oregon. 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. adventures and follow local regulations. At the top, there are three glacial gorges the most spectacular of which is Kiger Gorge which is perfectly U-shaped. The 52-mile Steens Mountain Backcountry Byway provides easy access to the mountain's four campgrounds and the Kiger Gorge and East Rim scenic viewpoints. This last half travels down the sidewall of Big Indian Gorge along a feature called the Roosters Comb offering some nice looks back towards the summit and gorgeous views of Big Indian Gorge, but much of the mountain can be seen and enjoyed without ever traveling this second half of the loop. It took up about 3 hours with view stops and lunch. I did see some wild horses on the drive. Trail Overview. It offers a great view of the sunset and if you stay at night will offer the one best stargazing in all of the U.S. as Steens Mountain claims the darkest skies in all of the lower 48 states. Distance: 59 miles Burns which calls itself the "Gateway to the Steens" offers the amenities of a large town and has a population hovering around 3000. As cyclists, were spoiled living in Oregon. Travel the entire loop to experience all this unique landscape's scenic vistas and abundant mix of wildlife. that escaped from early explorers, Indians, settlers, miners, and ranchers. I saw lots of wildlife several herds of wild horses, and coyote and Antelope. Open Season Fish Lake Campground is open mid-June through October. Turner River / Wagonwheel / Birdon Roads Loop Drive. When I was there in late May the Loop Road was still closed due to snow. Quando i fratelli d'Indovinello arrivarono il 1900, ci furono 100.000 bestiame e pecora che sfiora la gamma aperta in dintorno di valli Steens. For being comprised of basalt, the vertical rock along the east face is substantially rotten. Wouldn't recommend driving down the South Loop in any season. Opportunities for recreation on Steens Mountain are as plentiful as they are widespread. The Act is a culmination of a cooperative effort between Oregon's Congressional delegation, Oregon's Governor, and the Secretary of the Interior to forge legislation that will provide long-term protection to the cultural, economic, ecological, and social health of the Steens Mountain Area. Is any of the information on this page incorrect? You'll drive through a herd of sheep on the way up. Share YOUR roads!We'vemorethan 13.000 roads but we want more! 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. Taken as a mountain with a nine thousand foot crest, the peak runs over eight miles from north to south. 2023 Travel Oregon | The official guide to Oregon travel and tourism information. 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. Some activities within the CMPA, such as motorized access for winter recreation and organized group functions, may require a special-use permit from BLM. policy linked to above. The North Loop road is not as steep as the South Loop. Sustainable grazing and recreational use, including fishing and hunting, will be continued where consistent with the purpose of the Act. Glaciers once scoured down this mountain, scrubbing away softer sediments and creating distinct notches in the bedrock. Continue a short distance past Frenchglen, then turn left onto the Steens Mountain Loop Road. Phone service should not be relied on for emergency communication. Set high in the Steens Mountain Wilderness, the road is usually open from mid-June to October, weather permitting. 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. Its said to bethe highest road of Oregon. Overviews and short trails offer looks into the picturesque canyons of Big Indian Gorge and Little Blitzen Gorge. While not easily seen, Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, mountain lion, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope make this corner of southeast Oregon their home. Elevation can change from less than 4,000 feet to over 9,000 feet in just a few miles. Starting at the tiny, historic town of Frenchglen, on OR-205, the ascent is 43.61km (27.1 miles) long. The road is all gravel but is well maintained as long as it's open. This is the only place you can see the Borax Lake Chub, a fish that has evolved to survive in what is essentially a hot spring. The result was four immense U-shaped gorgesKiger, Little Blitzen, Big Indian, and Wildhorse. A standard touring bike with wider tires (35c to 38c) will work nicely. west slope of the mountain may receive as much as 25' of precipitation, The road is not difficult at all. Because the Steens Mountain Loop was on husband's bucket list, we added it on to our annual late June Bend birthday/anniversary trip. So head north out of Frenchglen up Highway 205 to get warmed up; after almost 18 miles of pavement, veer off the highway toward Diamond (even smaller than Frenchglen, but another great historic hotel/restaurant) and then onto the first stretch of the many, many miles of unpaved road youll experience. The Act also designates three new Wild and Scenic RiversWildhorse Creek, Little Wildhorse Creek, and Kiger Creekand adds two new segmentsAnkle Creek and Mud Creekto the existing Donner und Blitzen Wild and Scenic River. Terrible washboard road but spectacular scenery. Your safety and enjoyment are important. I was first introduced to SE Oregon through the Giant Loop Motorcycle Tour. 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. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. I did not see any mustangs while there. 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. Start in the tiny community of Frenchglen, where the historic hotel is now run as a state park. Vehicles, sheep, and cows are banned in the wilderness. The road can be rough on the descent, with some washboarding, but its a small price to pay for seeing the land youre riding through. Kiger gorge is one of the most beautiful places to see and experience. Frenchglen Hotel is located next door.Located on the south end of Frenchglen.Page Springs: (541)573-440036 Campsites along the Blitzen River with toilets, water, garbage service, fire rings and picnic tables.Located 3 miles east of Frenchglen on the Steens Mountain Loop Road and open year round.Jackman Park: (541)573-44006 Campsites with toilets, water, garbage service, fire rings and picnic tables.Located 19 miles east of Frenchglen on the Steens Mountain Loop Road near Fish Lake. Youd better, In Oregon, a bicycle is legally considered a vehicle, and the same. The campground was nice, quiet, and well-maintained (including the outhouses!). 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. Most of the road to the mountain is graveled but well maintained. And for you, if you are returning be sure and consider staying at Crystal Crane Springs, in Hines (5 mi from Burns). I tre fratelli, Walter, Frederick e Benjamin, fatto lungo il Piccolo Fiume Blitzen, e hanno cominciato ad allevare il bestiame. So, I would check with the BLM office and see if the road is open now or when it does open. From the east rim overlook, the Steens Mountain drops over a vertical A note: From here to Fields, its a long and typically hot stretch of riding just over 100 miles, so carry two days worth of water with you. You can find just about anything to suit your fancy here whether youre into glacier views of Mount Hood or exploring remote jeep roads and sleeping in the sagebrush. Any tips or recommendations would be appreciated. Always start your trip with a full tank of fuel and call ahead for current information about fuel availability in the Steens Mountain area. A gated road (closed to the public) goes right to the top, at 9,737 feet to service an array of communications towers. Both ranches continue to operate to this day. 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. Dont hesitate to talk to localsarea landowners and Federal employees are generally visible in the Steens Mountain area. Scenery is stunning, especially dramatic Kiger Gorge Lookout, then East Rim Overlook, overlooking Alvord Desert and The loop is about 60 miles, ascends to 9600 feet, and should not be missed. Every year, the Bureau of. At the East Rim Viewpoint, peer off the precipice to the Alvord Desert 1 mile/1.6 kilometers below. Located on the north side of the creek, gaining permission to travel on this land from the Alvord Ranch may be necessary. Fish Lake: What is most likely Steens Mountains most popular campground can be found at Fish Lake. I debated how to write it. The landscape to your west has been gradually taking up a higher spot on the horizon, and after you leave Mann Lake youll be below the main bulk of Steens, at the same time as you spill out into the Alvord Desert. Do you know any spectacular road?Click here to send us all the info, and we'll publish 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. A. Obey road closure signs and stay on designated open routesdriving off road is prohibited. Steens Mountain Loop includes the highest road in Oregon and is one of Oregon's extraordinary scenic and geologic wonders. Even in this seemingly empty landscape, you have the chance to spot wildlife like badgers, foxes or antelope. Permits, Fees, Limitations Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Steens Mountain makes you feel like you are on top of the world. There are pit toilets at the South Steens campground if you need to make a bathroom stop. 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. Stayed at the Alvord Dessert Hot Springs and had a great time there and the views on top of the Steens Mountain are breath taking. I wish I had better words to tell you how amazing this place is. For some reason I heard it in my head in the voice of those guys that do the Monster Truck event comme. Here is a link to the Fish Lake BLM page. Sagebrush dominates Update; reportedly fish and game is working on a plan to exterminate goldfish from Mann Lake. The drive offers an extraordinary landscape of volcanic uplifts, deep glacier-carved gorges, stunning scenery, wilderness, wild rivers, and a rich diversity of plant and animal species. These animals navigate the rough eastern face of Steens Mountain high above the Alvord Desert. Loop Road. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Snow can remain on the road into the summer, delaying the opening of the full loop. That depends on which campgrounds you use but for the most part yes there is a gravel roads to most campgrounds the one I stayed at was Steens Mountain Resort and it was a two and a half mile drive on a gravel road that is a little washboard. We are 2 couples planning our Steens trip. Steens Mountain is a mighty fault-block edifice that rises dramatically from its surroundings. Escape to the hot springs of southeastern Oregon for a rejuvenating soak among natural marvels. Look for a dirt road with a cattle guard on the west side of the road, about 1.9 miles nort Alvord Hot Springs at the base of Steens Mountain deep in the heart of the eastern Oregon Wilderness is a hidden gem, known mostly to climbing enthusiasts and the ambitious adventurer willing to drive the nearly 4 hours from Boise, Bend, or 2.5 hours from the nearest town of any size, Winnemucca in Nevada. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Steens Mountain Loop Road closes seasonally during the winter and is usually open between mid-June and October. Multiple streams running off of Steens Mountain's east face flow onto the Alvord Desert where you might find some accumulation in spring. From Baker Pass in the north to Long Hollow in the south, The Steens as a mountain range is nearly 60 miles long and 18 miles across. (Great name). Make sure you bring warm clothes because it gets cold on the mountain even when the valley below is scorching hot. opportunity to stand at the headwall of a classic textbook example of Official websites use .gov 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!" I'm a big fan of Oregons wide-open spaces, especially east of the Cascade Mountains- where the distances are great and thepeople are few. Finally, the 4x4 road leading to Pike Creek is very washed out and can be reached by high clearance vehicles only. Raptors, including golden Hog Key on the Gulf Coast is open for camping, but the middle of the key is closed. 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. Solitude at it's finest. as well as Irish and Basque sheepherders, were once drawn to the upper Itll make your jaw drop. Also, the first ever Redband Trout Reserve has been created to improve stream health and fish habitat. Thats more than a mile, nearly straight down. Its one of Oregons most rugged and lesser-visited destinations. 28910 Highway 20 West Also, the Alvord Desert and the Steens Mountains are in the region as well. Your epic journey-type ride. One exception however is the Roaring Springs along the Catlow Valley. 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. Although the views are breath taking, so are the very steep drop offs, sharp turns and often narrow road. The CMPA encompasses an extraordinary landscape with deep glacier carved gorges, stunning scenery, wilderness, wild rivers, a rich diversity of plant and animal species, and a way of life for all who live there. 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