Steens MountainAbout Steens Mountain
Steens Mountain is a large fault-block mountain in southeastern Oregon, United States, with a high point of about 9,733 feet (2,967 meters). It is a dominant feature of Harney County and a recognized high-elevation plateau and escarpment in the region.
The area offers high ridgelines and wide plateaus with dramatic cliff faces and long views over the Alvord Desert to the east and surrounding ranges. Hikers and naturalists use trails and backcountry routes to reach alpine meadows and lookouts; wildlife viewing and birding are common reasons to visit.
The mountain was formed by tectonic uplift and faulting; its landscapes were used for grazing and by Indigenous peoples for millennia. Federal protections for the high country were enacted under the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act of 2000, which established designated wilderness and management rules for the area.
Steens Mountain sits in southeastern Oregon’s high desert country, rising above the Alvord Desert and nearby drainage basins. The range is remote and accessed from county roads that lead south from communities in Harney County.
- Highest point: The mountain’s highest point reaches about 9,733 feet (2,967 meters) above sea level.
- Access and seasons: High elevations produce alpine weather and seasonal snow; most vehicle access is easiest in late spring through early fall.
What to See#
- Steens Mountain Wilderness: Designated wilderness area covering the high plateaus and escarpments that preserves backcountry hiking, mule routes and alpine meadows; managed under federal protections established in 2000.
- Alvord Desert viewpoints: High vantage areas on the mountain rim that provide panoramic views over the Alvord Desert to the east and the surrounding high desert; accessible from marked overlooks along the mountain access road.
Best Time to Visit Steens Mountain
Best visited late spring through early autumn when the unpaved access road is open and high-elevation views are clear.
Weather & Climate near Steens Mountain
Steens Mountain's climate is classified as Subarctic (Dry Summer) - Subarctic (Dry Summer) climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 22°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -8° - -1° | -9° | 48 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -9° - 1° | -9° | 40 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -8° - 3° | -7° | 48 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -6° - 5° | -5° | 47 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -2° - 9° | 0° | 46 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 1° - 13° | 5° | 40 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 6° - 21° | 13° | 17 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 7° - 22° | 15° | 25 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 4° - 17° | 11° | 25 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -1° - 11° | 2° | 34 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -5° - 3° | -5° | 53 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -8° - -1° | -9° | 56 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Steens Mountain
From Burns, Oregon (about 60-75 miles), take OR-78 south toward Frenchglen, then follow OR-205 and county roads to Frenchglen. The Steens Mountain Loop Road (a mostly unpaved, seasonal road with steep grades and hairpin turns) departs near Frenchglen and climbs to the east rim. High-clearance or 4WD is recommended; check the BLM Burns District for seasonal closures and road conditions.
Tips for Visiting Steens Mountain
- Drive the Steens Mountain Loop Road (unpaved) only in dry conditions; high-clearance or 4WD recommended.
- Start at Frenchglen for gas and supplies; services are extremely limited elsewhere.
- Stop at Page Springs Overlook and Big Indian Gorge-short hikes reveal wildflower meadows and marmot colonies most visitors miss.