Steens Mountain is a large fault-block mountain in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Oregon. Located in Harney County, it stretches some 50 miles (80 km) and rises from an elevation of about 4,200 feet (1,300 m) above the Alvord Desert to its peak at 9,733 feet (2,967 m).
The entire loop is usually open from July 1-October 31. Depending on snow conditions, sections of the road may open earlier and later. For up-to-date information call the Burns District of the BLM at 541-573-4400, or write to the District Manager at: HC74 12533 Hwy. 20 W, Hines, OR 97738.
The road is rough and rocky in places and has steep, narrow stretches with no guardrails. Motor homes, trailers, and cars with low clearance are not recommended. Suggested maximum speed is less than 35 MPH.
Dramatic weather changes are not uncommon. Be prepared for sudden lightning storms, snow, rain and high winds.
Road conditions
The North Side: Starts at the junction of Page Springs Campground and ends at the start of the Rooster Comb section.
•High standard, two land, gravel road. Can easily pass oncoming traffic. Road condition good most of the year. Road generally deteriorates and becomes washboarded sometime after August. This is a fairly gradual grade. There are some limitations in seeing distances, especially before curves or hills. There are many numerous vehicles traveling this road during summer, i.e., trucks, vans, cars and buses. Vehicle speeds are normally between 35 mph.
Rooster Comb Area: Begins just south of the three way junction with the roads going to the East Steens Overlook and the Summit and ends just above South Steens Campground.
•This road is steep and narrow. The road has not been surfaced with gravel and so has large rocks in the road bed and the surface is dirt. This is not an all weather road section.
South Side: Begins at Highway 205 and ends at South Steens Campground.
•High standard, two-lane, gravel road. This road has fairly gradual grades except for Black Canyon and Blitzen Crossing.
It’s recommended high clearance or 4x4 vehicles for primitive roads, including the steep and rocky portion of the Steens Mountain Loop Road near South Steens Campground. The rest of the Steens Mountain Loop Road can accommodate passenger cars at lower speeds. High quality tires are a must for all vehicles, even when traveling on maintained routes.
