There is no longer snow ON the road thanks to road crews, but there may still be snow BY the road at higher elevations. BLM photo

Hines, Ore. – Starting July 1, the Steens Mountain Loop Road in southeast Oregon will be open to vehicle traffic, except for a one-mile section near Big Indian Gorge Overlook. This section will remain closed indefinitely due to a rockfall and instability above the roadway.

“Safety is the most important thing,” said Kyle Wanner, Bureau of Land Management Burns District Assistant Field Manager. The closure will prevent continuous travel around the loop, limiting visitors to ‘out and back’ adventures only. “We can’t risk vehicles on the roadway until the rockfall area is secured.”

There are no turnarounds for large or towing vehicles, campers, or recreational vehicles near the closed section. Plan accordingly and give yourself plenty of space to make a safe retreat. 

The Loop Road can accommodate all types of vehicles, including passenger cars. High-quality tires are a must. Despite the one-mile closure, visitors can still access area favorites like Page Springs, Jackman Park, Fish Lake and South Steens campgrounds. Kiger, East Rim, Steens Summit, Big Indian Gorge and Little Blitzen Gorge overlooks are within reach, too. Wildhorse Lake, many hiking trails, and Riddle Brothers Ranch are also not to miss.

Keep up with the status of the Loop Road on Oregon Department of Transportation’s TripCheck website at www.tripcheck.com. 

For more information, call the Bureau of Land Management at (541) 573-4400. General information about the area can be found at https://on.doi.gov/44nL6rR.

-BLM–

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.