Alvord Desert Adventure Trail

In the high desert of eastern Oregon, lies a vast desert playa known as the Alvord Desert. Known for its isolation, rugged river canyons, and brilliant night skies, the Alvord Desert is bordered by the nearly 10,000 foot Steens Mountain; an awesome site to behold!

Route Overview

Trip Length & Season

Adventure Rating:  Epic Trip Length:  299 miles, 4-6 days Season: Late June - October if you plan to drive up Steens Mountain, but it may open later in some years. Otherwise April - November should work, but the shoulder seasons provide the best weather. Avoid after heavy rains (4-5 days at least), as the eastern Oregon mud is a thing of the devil!

Digital Maps & GPX Files

Technical Rating & Terrain

Recommended Vehicle / Moto / Adventure Vans

Fuel, Provisions, and Recommended Gear

Alternative Routes

Camping Recommendations

Discovery Points

Land Managers & Other Resources

Permits & Papers

Adventure Badge: Get your Alvord Desert adventure badge at our online store.

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Route Details

Far away from the temperate rainforests along Oregon's western front, there’s a place that lies on the northern edge of the Great Basin Desert, where mountains rise a mile from the desert floor into magnificently blue skies. This is the Alvord Desert, a stark, windswept playa that receives a mere six inches of rain per year. Framed by geological marvels, it is a testament to the Earth’s violent and ongoing transformation.

At nearly 10,000 feet (9,733 to be exact), Steens Mountain looms as the crowning feature of this remote region. It was shaped over millennia by a fault block formation—where the Earth’s crust was stretched and fractured—causing the massive uplift that created this 70-mile-long behemoth. To the east, Hart Mountain mirrors this fault-block geology, forming a geological corridor where tectonic forces have left their mark. The sharp rain shadow cast by Steens Mountain squeezes out what little moisture remains in the heavens, leaving the Alvord Desert below parched and barren.

The Alvord itself is a classic example of a playa, formed when ancient lakes dried up, leaving behind flat, alkali-crusted basins. The Great Basin Desert is filled with such landscapes—reminders of a wetter past when the Pleistocene Epoch blanketed the region in massive lakes. The Alvord's bone-dry expanse and cracked earth create a canvas that reflects both the rugged simplicity and the power of nature.

This corner of Oregon also boasts some of the darkest skies in the lower 48, making it a sanctuary for stargazers. On clear nights, the Milky Way sprawls across the heavens in an awe-inspiring display, untainted by urban light. During late spring, Steens Mountain awakens with life as a spectacular explosion of wildflowers—lupines, Indian paintbrush, and desert marigolds—blanket the slopes. This fleeting burst of color underscores the fragile beauty of the desert environment.

The geology here isn’t just about towering peaks and vast playas; it also includes geothermal wonders. The region’s hot springs are a direct result of the Earth’s tectonic activity. Magma-heated groundwater rises through fractures in the Earth’s crust, creating bubbling pools scattered across the landscape. Some, like Alvord Hot Springs, are safe for soaking, while others, such as Mickey Hot Springs, are dangerously hot or laden with toxic minerals like arsenic. These springs are a reminder of the molten forces still shaping this land from beneath.

Your adventure begins in Burns, Oregon, made infamous by the Bundy Brothers, who led a 41-day occupation at Malheur Wildlife Refuge in 2016. This is rugged, wild, ranching country, where cattle outnumber the local population by 14 to 1. The first discovery point along the route is at Malheur Lake (DP1), a major migratory stop and breeding ground for over 300 species of fowl. This first section of the route follows a series of paved county roads until reaching the dirt at Moon Hill Road (DP2). Moon Hill is a fantastic way to experience Steens Mountain, as it sees little traffic and offers impressive views as you climb higher and higher. Just note that the road can get bumpy depending on seasonal weather patterns! There’s a trio of nice campgrounds near the top before reaching Kiger Gorge. Kiger Gorge (DP3) is the largest of the four glacier-carved gorges on Steens Mountain, and the short out-and-back drive to the viewpoint is definitely worth it. Both the East Rim Lookout (DP4) and Steens Mountain (DP5) provide stunning 360-degree views, especially of the Alvord Desert 5,000 feet below.

From Steens Mountain, descend down the gravel road to the old Riddle Brothers ranch and homestead (DP6). There are several old ranch buildings still standing and a hiking trail if you’d like to venture out further on foot. Jump back on the pavement heading south to Fields Station (you’d be wise to fuel up here!), before heading over to Borax Hot Springs (DP7). While Borax Hot Springs and its lake may not be safe for soaking, the geothermal activity is impressive. From Borax, head north along the graded dirt road until reaching the Alvord Desert (DP8). At five miles across and ten miles long, the Alvord may not be as large as Black Rock’s playa, but the juxtaposition of the rugged Steens Mountain against the pale lakebed of the Alvord Desert creates an unforgettable scene—and it’s a fantastic place to camp as well. If you’re looking for a soak, try the Alvord Hot Springs right around the corner (just make sure to bring cash; last we checked, it was only $5).

The route continues north into the rugged canyons and plateaus of the northern Alvord Desert, looping around Mickey Hot Springs (DP10, also not safe for soaking) before ending at Highway 95. Those looking to extend their adventure by several days should check out the Alternative Routes for the nearly 300-mile-long Owyhee Canyonlands West track.

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