Steens Mountain Loop, Hard 4x4 trail in Burns, OR
    Hard
    Overlanding

    Steens Mountain Loop

    Burns, OR•Northwest

    Steens Mountain Loop is a hard 66 miles off-road trail near Burns, OR, best run July - October. The gear list marks All-terrain tires and 4WD capability as required. Experience and the recommended gear matter on hard terrain; check the gear list before you go.

    Trail Conditions

    No reports yet

    Sign in to report

    A 59-mile gravel loop climbing Oregon's most dramatic mountain from 4,200 to 9,733 feet. Steens Mountain is a massive fault-block that drops a mile on its east face to the white playa of the Alvord Desert below. Wild horses, pronghorn, and absolute solitude define this remarkable landscape.

    Fun Facts

    #1

    Steens Mountain is the largest fault-block mountain in North America.

    #2

    The east face drops a sheer mile to the Alvord Desert below.

    #3

    Wild Kiger mustangs on the mountain are descended from Spanish colonial horses.

    Length
    66 miles
    Elevation
    4,200 - 9,733 ft
    Best Season
    July - October
    Permit
    Not Required
    9,733 ft summitFour eco zonesAlvord Desert viewsWild horsesRemote

    🛞 Tires

    required
    All-terrain tires

    ⚙️ Drivetrain

    required
    4WD capability

    Closest campgrounds to Steens Mountain Loop:

    Straight-line distance. Check the map for drive time.

    Where to Camp

    3 campgrounds within 30 miles of this trail

    Oregon|7 mi|11 min
    6 sites
    Season: Mid-June through October
    Oregon|8 mi|14 min
    36 sites
    Season: Mid-May to mid-November
    Oregon|19 mi|33 min
    36 sites
    Season: All Year

    GPS Coordinates

    42.6345, -118.5678

    Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin

    Map of Burns, OR

    5-Day Forecast

    Plan this trip

    Planning Your Trip?

    Check out our gear guides and trip planning resources.

    Gear Guides

    Frequently Asked Questions