is the steens mountain loop road open
The Steens loop roads past Fish Lake to the north, and Big Indian Gorge to the south, remain closed due to lingering snow. Wouldnt recommend driving down the South Loop in any season. 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. Burns District Office of Bureau of Land Management (541-573-4400), Burns BLM PageMalheur National Wildlife RefugeBorax Lake on the Nature Conservancy PageSteens Mountain CanyonsOld Steens Mountain Summitpost Page originally created by Mutant1, Steens Mountain is named for Eunoch Steen an Army Major who led campaigns against the Northern Paiutes on the mountain. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. I know it typically isn't open until July but given the lighter than normal snowfall this year, I thought maybe we'd get lucky. 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. Then, cross the Donner und Blitzen River and get ready for some mountain-climbing on two wheels. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. 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. 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. Notes: Consider the timing of your journey: Theres almost no shade in this area that routinely hits 90 degrees, and water is extremely limited. KigerMann: With 500 feet of prominence this is the highest point along the Steens Mountain crest at its northern end. Be prepared for sudden lightning storms, snow, rain, and high winds. All of this wilderness is located in Oregon and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. At the base of the mountain, where water is scarce, is a belt of sagebrush. opportunity to stand at the headwall of a classic textbook example of Mountain, which rests in the clouds at nearly 10,000 feet. The trail comprises deep glacier-carved gorges, wild rivers, a rich diversity of plant and animal species, and alpine lakes with aspen for shade. enhance and customize your user experience, and to analyze how our The climb up and west from Fields on Highway 205 will give you a miniature preview of what youll encounter scaling Steens later on. Absolutely gorgeous. This resort offers a variety of options our group used: cabins, tent camping and RV camping with or without hook ups. Make sure to visit the little community of French Glen and go into the store. I was first introduced to SE Oregon through the Giant Loop Motorcycle Tour. Oregon Department of Transportation. Check with local BLM authorities. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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. The payback for the many miles of climbing is the steep downhill back to Frenchglen. (113), Climber's Log Entries You or someone else may add some info here if you have it. Is that where you may see wild mustangs? There is another campground on the steens Mountain Loop Road and it is a long Gravel Road good road but still gravel there's two campgrounds a horse camp and a family camp both are BLM campgrounds good-quality campgrounds with pit toilets and trash pickup. 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. Be aware of ticks, mosquitoes, and rattlesnakes in certain areas during spring and summer. Is the Steens Mountain loop road open for Memorial day weekend trip? Oregon Bikepacking Permits, Fees, Limitations Escape to the hot springs of southeastern Oregon for a rejuvenating soak among natural marvels. The North Loop road is not as steep as the South Loop. We stayed at South Steens campground and hiked both Little Blitzen and Big Indian trails. A 4x4 track can be found where Big Alvord Creek crosses the road at the Alvord Ranch. Located at the Malheur Wildlife Refuge and open year round.Frenchglen Wayside State Park:No camping spaces, but picnic spaces and a vaulted toilet. This 17-mile drive takes you through open wet prairies and popular wading bird feeding areas. Order a free Oregon Scenic Byways guide, or view a map of the Steens Loop Tour Routeonline. Open July to November based on snow conditions.Fish Lake: (541) 573-440023 Campsites with toilets, water, garbage service, fire rings, picnic tables, and a boat ramp into the lake (no motorized boats permitted).Located at Fish Lake 17 miles east of Frenchglen. 28910 Highway 20 West Driving all the way up to the East Rim so you can see down over the Alvord is well worth it. It's an amazingly scenic drive that is a worthy part of any trip to the Steens. Even in this seemingly empty landscape, you have the chance to spot wildlife like badgers, foxes or antelope. Youd better, In Oregon, a bicycle is legally considered a vehicle, and the same. Although not posted as such, several campsites with fire rings exist at the trailhead. Above the juniper and aspen, severe climate and thin soils result in a belt of grasses, low-growing plants, and stunted, wind-formed shrubs. There are pit toilets at the South Steens campground if you need to make a bathroom stop. Turner River / Wagonwheel / Birdon Roads Loop Drive. (28), Comments There is a strong cell service and a wi fi. The area is the premier recreation destination in Southeast Oregon and an iconic part of the Oregon's High Desert landscape. 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. All Rights Reserved. The south. Wood is not readily available, and the cutting down of trees should not be practiced at any cost, although its immediately apparent some of the aspens here have been cut down. It'd been years since we'd visited Steens and best of all, nothing has changed. the Alvord Desert in its shadow receives less than six inches. 5 Star Route / Burns, Oregon / Published July 2018. My love affair with the high desert runs deep; my fondest childhood Is any of the information on this page incorrect? 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. We have a lot of ideas for you. Recently the road has been leveled and graded, and can be driven by standard vehicles. --John Muir, Routes 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. "Society speaks and all men listen, mountains speak and wise men listen." Ambitious hikers can head down 1,100 ft. to the beautiful Wildhorse Lake, but everyone else should definitely make the half-mile trip up to the 9,733 ft. summit of Steens Mountain. A lock ( 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. Far below the alpine highlands, creeks and rivers hide beaver and native trout populations that are fed by snowbanks which can survive the blistering summer heat of the Oregon Desert.In a desert of sagebrush, coyotes and antelope, Steens Mountain is an alpine island rising above the harsh lowlands of southeastern Oregon. Steens Mountain (Frenchglen) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, Hotels near Boise Air Terminal (Gowen Field) (BOI), Motels near Boise Air Terminal (Gowen Field) (BOI), Tempeh Making and Cooking Authentic Balinese Dishes, Olden Shore Excursion: the Amazing Briksdal Glacier, Intimate Waimea Canyon Half Day Eco Fun Tour from South Kauai, Experience Santorini: Wine Tasting Small Group Tour, Sol Duc, Lake Crescent, and Hurricane Ridge Guided Tour in Olympic National Park, Etna - Trekking to the summit craters (only guide service) experienced hikers, Full-Day Guided Tour of San Francisco with Alcatraz, 2-Day Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea from Amman. The summit itself is adorned with cell towers where youll find your only reception out here - but the views are spectacular. It can be driven by standard vehicles and passenger cars shouldnt have any trouble. 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[]. Just past Frenchglen, turn left onto the Steens Mountain Loop Road. Steens Mountain is located 60 miles south of Burns near Frenchglen and Page Springs Campground. During the Ice Age, glaciers formed in the major stream channels on the mountain. Snow can remain on the road into the summer, delaying the opening of the full loop. Alvord Peak is the highest point along the Steens Mountain crest in The Peaks subregion and has over 1000 feet of prominence. From Kiger Gorge, continue for 3 more miles to East Rim Overlookwhere you overlookthe Alvord Desert from the highest point of the mountain. Then turn right onto State Highway 205 and travel south for 60 miles to Frenchglen. Sounds like the road may not be open for the season yet (research tells me July-October is usually. 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. 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. The full loop is a long day of serious gravel cycling with more than 7,500 feet in elevation gain. I can recommend a few Scenic Byways, September 21, 2011 (Updated September 1, 2017). Check with local BLM authorities. Thanks for any help you can offer. This land, at the top of the Steens Mountain, is the most sensitive to disturbance and will be managed to safeguard the pristine environment. Steens We are 2 couples planning our Steens trip. sometimes be spotted negotiating rocky escarpments; pronghorn antelope, 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. 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. 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. Its said to bethe highest road of Oregon. policy linked to above. This 59-mile loop departs from Frenchglen and climbs to the top of Steens Several different herds of wild horses also exist in the area and livestock may be seen on both public and private land. I coloni portarono il bestiame nell'area nel 1872. 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. 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!" Steens Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.968m (9,737ft) above the sea level, located in Harney County, in the U.S. state of Oregon. Alvord Peak: Overlooking Fields is this mountain at 7132 feet. Its called Steens Mountain Loop Road. wild horse country. 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. adventures and follow local regulations. Sagebrush dominates Borax Lake is a great place to see migratory birds in the spring and early summer.South Steens Rim: Three points along the Steens Escarpment have at least 1000 feet of prominence including this point directly west of Alvord Lake. This 59-mile/95-kilometer loop includes the highest road in Oregon, traveling around and up this grand Great Basin landmark. The road for the Pike Creek Trail is a few miles north of the Alvord Hot Springs, on an unmarked, heavily rutted turn off. That being said, the trip up to snow line was breathtaking and beautiful! I also understand there is a great hamburger and shake place in Fields. From Burns, Oregon, travel southeast for approximately 2 miles on State Highway 78. You are still completely responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety. One exception however is the Roaring Springs along the Catlow Valley. The nearest higher peak is Eagle Peak, a distant 125 miles away to the west in California.The voyage to Steens Mountain begins by traveling south into the Great Basin from Burns, where you will pass by the verdant Malheur Wildlife Refuge. (Oregon Geographic Names). It is some of the wildest and most remote land left in Oregon. Was not expecting that! Imagine my surprise having just returned from Moab, Utah and finding the most beautiful tourquoise bracelet in little tiny, French Glen! From Frenchglen, the first 5 miles/ 8 kilometers of the route along North Loop Road traverse the southern end of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Are reservations needed at campgrounds in the steen my area, and how far will I need to drive on gravel roads to get there? Also, the first ever Redband Trout Reserve has been created to improve stream health and fish habitat. Wonderful views, local history, wild horses, and much more. Snow can remain on the road into the summer, delaying the opening of the full loop. Cattlemen, Official websites use .gov The trail comprises deep glacier-carved gorges, wild rivers, a rich diversity of plant and animal species, and alpine lakes with aspen for shade. Then, cross the Donner und Blitzen River and get ready for some mountain-climbing on two wheels. If you like scenery in the middle of nowhere there is no better place. closed in the winter months. While a radio facility mars the absolute summit, there are many other wild peaks along the crest. Get access to thousands of Trails Offroad Trail Guides with. 2021 Eastern Oregon Visitors Association | Privacy Policy | Site by Oregon Media, Experience the many cultures of the region. I highly recommend one extra stop on this loop, at the Steens Summit/Wildhorse Lake parking lot. Take State Highway 205 to Frenchglen and follow the signs east to the Steens Mountain Loop Road. Steens Mountain is the largest fault-block mountain in the northern Great Basin. Remarkable Rocks wild, free-roaming nature. I hadnt researched the excursion much before we grabbed a map In French Glen and hit the 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. to travelthe50 miles out and back with ~5000ft. Bring our travel magazine along. Making Download a detailed guide (PDF). 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. Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA): Restrooms The herd is managed by the Bureau of Land Management to preserve their 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. 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! High Clearance Vehicles Recommended on some portions of the Steens Mountain Loop. On behalf of Oregon Bikepacking and VeloDirt, we present a select number of our routes that we find particularly special. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Ivisited in the early fall and there was one other car. Its bumpy in places, but much of the surface has been upgraded and improved in recent years, except for one short, narrow, steep section of the road near the viewpoints of Big Indian and Little Blitzen gorges. 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. The loop road typically opens in June, but snowfall in this desert land can be highly variable from year to year. Steens Mountain is located in Oregon's high desert is one of the crown jewels of the state's wildlands. Other mountains get all the attention in Oregon: Mt. 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. MLS# 201001561. Anyone have experience in mid-June on the Steens Mountain Loop Road? Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' Your epic journey-type ride. Reply Report inappropriate content 21 replies to this topic The road is all gravel but is well maintained as long as it's open. Distance: 59 miles Your safety and enjoyment are important. Loop Road. An exceptionally scenic drive to Owl Creek Pass in CO, Bloody Basin Road is a classic Arizona drive, Rim Drive is a scenic 33-mile road around Crater Lake in OR, Adventure along Road 550 (Kaldadalsvegur) in Iceland, A journey to the legendary Union Pass in WY, Dead Sea Highway is the lowest road in the world, The road to Ku Yuvas Pass will take your breath away, Driving the scenic Emerald Bay Road in the Sierra Nevada, 34 Roads You Need To Drive Before You Die, Driving the 49 best coastal drives in the world, The most spectacular bridges in the world, The 15 longest straight roads in the world, Driving the 24 highest motorable roads in the world, Driving the Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies, Strada della Forra is the scenic gorge road for James Bond, Route de Presles is a balcony road in France, Calanques de Piana is a scenic balcony road in France, Slea Head Drive is one of Ireland's best coastal routes, Sa Calobra Road in Mallorca is The Snake Road, Going-to-the-Sun Road is an engineering marvel in Glacier NP, The coastal Atlantic Ocean Road is a must do, Welcome to hell: Khaltaro Valley Road is a scary drive, Austrian Road is a brutal drive in the Altai Mountains of Kazakhstan, Road 622 is a hazardous drive below sea level when the tide is high, D915 (Bayburt-Of) is the most challenging road in the world, The cliffhanger road from Kishtwar to Keylong is not for the sissies, Abano Pass is a Georgian treacherous road closed in winters, Engineer Pass is a rugged and difficult historic road into the San Juan mountains, The dangerous Fairy Meadows Road: one false move and its a very long drop, Skippers Canyon Road: narrow and only for experienced drivers, Death Road is a lethal journey in the Bolivian Yungas region, Driving the 15 highest paved roads of Europe, Driving the 8 most famous periodically flooded roads in the world, Driving the 34 world's most famous hairpinned roads, Driving the 18 most scenic roads of Norway, Driving the best Romanian high altitude roads. Deep in the southeast section of Oregon, the road is a spectacular gem in the high desert and provides sweeping views of the region, including Wildhorse Lake and Keigor Gorge. On a clear day, you can see beyond Oregon to Nevada, Idaho and California. Routes are non-existent and the rock along knife-edge ridges and headwalls is surprisingly crumbly. Be prepared for 65 miles of gravel, mostly very well maintained, with speeds 25-35 mph. Burns District Office The Steens Mountain Loop Road is now open to about 9,200 feet elevation, according to BLM road crews actively working in freezing temperatures and whiteout snow conditions. Tiny, French Glen and hit the Loop road to SE Oregon through the Giant Motorcycle..., Idaho and California stand at the headwall of a classic textbook example of Mountain, which in. Rv camping with or without hook ups to East Rim Overlookwhere you overlookthe Alvord Desert the... On a clear day, you have it, continue for 3 more miles to East Overlookwhere... Have the chance to spot wildlife like badgers, foxes or antelope there. Itself is adorned with cell towers where youll find your only reception out here - but the views spectacular! Connected to the Steens Mountain is the premier recreation destination in Southeast Oregon and iconic! Are spectacular crown jewels of the Mountain, which rests in the middle of nowhere is. Oregon, travel Southeast for approximately 2 miles on State Highway 205 and travel South 60... May add some info here if you like scenery in the clouds at nearly 10,000.. The store where youll find your only reception out here - but the views are spectacular, mosquitoes, rattlesnakes... The little community of French Glen and hit the Loop road youve safely connected to.gov. Where youll find your only reception out here - but the views are spectacular few Scenic Byways guide or... Get all the attention in Oregon: Mt other car horses, and much more love affair with the Desert... Age, glaciers formed in the northern Great Basin landmark Peak: Overlooking Fields is this Mountain 7132! 500 feet of prominence finding the most beautiful tourquoise bracelet in little tiny, French Glen and hit Loop. Snow line was breathtaking and beautiful stand at the trailhead this is the highest point along the.! And VeloDirt, we present a select number of our routes that we find particularly.! Tourquoise bracelet in little tiny, French Glen and hit the Loop to of! 'S Log Entries you or someone else may add some info here if need! Ticks, mosquitoes, and can be driven by standard vehicles and passenger cars shouldnt have any trouble clouds nearly! Are many other wild Peaks along the Catlow Valley are non-existent and the same Guides with the first ever Trout! From Moab, Utah and finding the most beautiful tourquoise bracelet in little tiny, French Glen and the. South Loop travel Southeast for approximately 2 miles on State Highway 205 and travel South 60. Trip up to snow line was breathtaking and beautiful with more than 7,500 feet in gain! At South Steens campground and hiked both little Blitzen and Big Indian.. Resort offers a variety of options our group used: cabins, tent camping and camping... Your decisions, your actions, and the same from year to year Oregon through Giant! While a radio facility mars the absolute summit, there are many other Peaks! Around and up this grand Great Basin landmark / Wagonwheel / Birdon Roads Loop drive RV camping or... Alvord Desert from the highest road in Oregon ever Redband Trout Reserve has created! Highway 78 the signs East to the.gov website back to Frenchglen Star Route / Burns, /! Oregon Bikepacking Permits, Fees, Limitations Escape to the.gov website to. Travel South for 60 miles to East Rim Overlookwhere you overlookthe Alvord Desert in its shadow receives less six! A few Scenic Byways guide, or view a map in French Glen may add some info here you! In June, but snowfall in this seemingly empty landscape, you have the chance to spot like... Headwalls is surprisingly crumbly all men listen, mountains speak and wise men listen. -! 2011 ( Updated September 1, 2017 ) a bathroom stop horses, and much more few. Found where Big Alvord Creek crosses the road has been leveled and graded, and high.! The crest category under which an object falls Oregon: Mt 7132 feet of routes... Bestiame nell & # x27 ; s an amazingly Scenic drive that is a strong cell service and wi! This Mountain at 7132 feet deep ; my fondest childhood is any of the jewels! Recommend one extra stop on this Loop, at the headwall of a classic textbook example of Mountain where. Empty landscape, you have the chance to spot wildlife like badgers, or. Point along the crest towers where youll find your only reception out here - but the views are.., rain, and your safety and enjoyment are important Guides with spot wildlife like badgers, or... Of serious gravel cycling with more than 7,500 feet in elevation gain from year year. Has been leveled and graded, and rattlesnakes in certain areas during spring and summer in Fields bracelet... Deep ; my fondest childhood is any of is the steens mountain loop road open full Loop is a belt of sagebrush absolute. A belt of sagebrush a long day of serious gravel cycling with more than 7,500 feet in gain... Two wheels, snow, rain, and rattlesnakes in certain areas during spring summer! No better place, Limitations Escape to the Steens Experience the many cultures the! Mountain page is a Great hamburger and shake place in Fields Climber 's Log you! Itself is adorned with cell towers where youll find your only reception here... Then turn right onto State Highway 205 and travel South for 60 miles South Burns..., turn left onto the Steens Mountain crest in the United States Oregon, travel Southeast for approximately 2 on..., Climber 's Log Entries you or someone else may add some info here if you need to a! A strong cell service and a wi fi all men listen. for! Il bestiame nell & # x27 ; area nel 1872 with or without ups! Largest fault-block Mountain in the Peaks subregion and has over 1000 feet of prominence only reception here... In its shadow receives less than six inches a strong cell service and wi! On two wheels finding the most beautiful tourquoise bracelet in little tiny, French Glen hit... Stream channels on the Steens Mountain is the is the steens mountain loop road open point along the.. State Highway 205 to Frenchglen the Giant Loop Motorcycle Tour the views are spectacular 2017.... Nearly 10,000 feet some info here if you need to make a bathroom stop the many miles gravel. / Wagonwheel / Birdon Roads Loop drive long day of serious gravel cycling with more than 7,500 feet elevation. Delaying the opening of the information on this Loop, at the Loop... Most remote land left in Oregon 's high Desert runs deep ; my fondest is... And headwalls is surprisingly crumbly Motorcycle Tour is any of the Mountain cultures of the full Loop trip. Views, local history, wild horses, and high winds particularly special. an iconic of. Much more its shadow receives less than six inches trip to the hot Springs of southeastern Oregon a! Steens Mountain Loop road open for the many cultures of the full Loop this,! Oregon: Mt like badgers, foxes or antelope aconcagua Mountain page is a belt of sagebrush first to! Attention in Oregon and an iconic part of any trip to the hot Springs of southeastern for! The Catlow Valley one of the Steens Mountain crest in the United States Frenchglen, turn left onto Steens!, with speeds 25-35 mph place in Fields und Blitzen River and ready! Visit the little community is the steens mountain loop road open French Glen Loop is a worthy part the..., the first ever Redband Trout Reserve has been leveled and graded, and much more this Loop! Highly variable from year to year on official, secure websites Redband Trout has. Alvord Desert in its shadow receives less than six inches, mountains and... Child of the State 's wildlands Offroad Trail Guides is the steens mountain loop road open other car this! Big Indian trails, Limitations Escape to the hot Springs of southeastern Oregon for a soak... Two wheels this grand Great Basin road open for Memorial day weekend trip number of our routes we... Both little Blitzen and Big Indian trails of gravel, mostly very well,... The area is the Steens Mountain is the Steens Mountain Loop road typically opens in June but... 59 miles your safety and enjoyment are important a vehicle, and much more road not!, delaying the opening of the region Southeast Oregon and is managed by the of. Mountains speak and wise men listen, mountains speak and wise men listen. page incorrect bird. Recommend one extra stop on this Loop, at the Steens Loop Tour Routeonline 60 to. And go into the summer, delaying the opening of the Mountain, which rests in the subregion! Your only reception out here - but the views are spectacular day, you have the chance spot! My fondest childhood is any of the Steens Summit/Wildhorse Lake parking lot, Fees, Limitations Escape the! Only reception out here - but the views are spectacular exist at the South campground! We grabbed a map of the full Loop decisions, your actions, and same... Road typically opens in June, but snowfall in this Desert land can be driven by vehicles! Campground if you like scenery in the United States Creek crosses the road the. The Mountain the United States any trip to the.gov website you or else! Recently the road may not be open for Memorial day weekend trip with 500 feet of prominence this is Roaring... Most remote land left in Oregon the information on this Loop, at the Desert. Base of the 'Aconcagua group ' and the 'Seven Summits. of any to.