At 9,733 feet, this fault-block mountain stands out in the relatively flat high desert of Eastern Oregon. A popular outdoor destination, the Steens is known for its hot springs as well as activities including hiking, camping, picnicking, horseback riding and stargazing.
Hiking is available in all areas and trailheads exist near Page Springs and South Steens Campgrounds, as well as Wildhorse Overlook and Pike Creek. Visitors can bike on rugged mountain roads, photograph landscapes, wildlife and wildflowers, and catch redband trout in the Donner und Blitzen River. Others enjoy hunting for wild game and visiting special places such as Riddle Brothers Ranch, the Kiger Wild Horse Viewing Area, and the nearby historic P-Ranch. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and limited snowmobiling are winter favorites.
Camping on Steens Mountain offers something for everyone – whether you’re pitching a tent, parking a camper or RV, or simply rolling out a sleeping bag under the stars. Visitors can choose from four developed campgrounds with basic amenities or explore the wide-open opportunities for dispersed camping across the mountain’s rugged landscape. When camping outside of designated sites, please follow Leave No Trace guidelines by using existing campsites when possible, keeping vehicles on durable surfaces, and avoiding fragile vegetation and sensitive areas. Obey road closure signs and stay on designated open routes (which are those shown on current BLM maps) driving off road is prohibited. Respect land owners and always get permission to go onto private property.
Steens Mountain is part of the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area (CMPA) and is approximately 500,000 acres of private and public land offering diverse scenic and recreation experiences. The CMPA encompasses deep glacier-carved gorges, stunning scenery, wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, and a way of life for all who live there. The 52-mile Steens Mountain Backcountry Byway provides access to four campgrounds, numerous trails, the Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District, wild horse roaming areas, and opportunities for fishing and hunting. The views from Kiger Gorge, East Rim, Big Indian Gorge, Wildhorse, and Little Blitzen Gorge overlooks are not to miss.
There are long distances between services and amenities, such as fuel, drinking water, restrooms and cell phone reception. Most roads in the area are rough and primitive high clearance or 4×4 vehicles along with high quality tires are recommended. The remote nature and vast landscape of the area may leave even the most experienced traveler confused or lost. Traveling with a current map of the area is essential.