Description
The Steens Mountain East Rim Overlook offers one of the most dramatic views in the entire Northwest, looking straight down over the Alvord Desert thousands of feet below. Reaching the overlook requires riding the Steens Mountain Loop Road, a long, remote gravel road that climbs high into the mountains with sweeping views, wildlife, and almost no traffic. For riders coming from Idaho, this is a true destination ride — often combined with Fields Station, the Alvord Desert, and Alvord Hot Springs. Snow can block the road until mid-summer, and conditions can change quickly, but on a clear day the view from the East Rim is absolutely worth the ride.
More Information
Steens Mountain Loop Road info: https://www.blm.gov/visit/steens-mountain-loop-road
Alvord Hot Springs: https://alvordhotsprings.com/
Fields Station: https://fieldsstation.com/
Alvord Desert: https://traveloregon.com/places-to-go/regions/eastern-oregon/alvord-desert/
Coordinates: 42.666549, -118.565210
Elevation: 9430 ft
Difficulty: 2
What to Expect:
Check In
Use the form below to check in. Check-ins must include a photo of you or your bike at the challenge site with the 2026 bandanna. All participants must be registered IAMC Challenge Members. Leave a description of your ride and share road conditions — snow, water, obstacles, and tips for future riders are all appreciated.
Replying to another person's check-in is encouraged, but take care not to accidentally create your own check-in.
The stated difficulty is an estimate. Rating your experience helps future riders stay safe. You alone are responsible for the safety of your ride.
7 Check-Ins
There were bits of snow remaining from the storm two days ago when we visited the east Steens overlook. The clouds came in and there were no views here but on over to Steen‘s Mountain we got some nice views there.
The view from the top really exceeded expectations, and gave a good view of Alvord Lake / Desert. I honestly wish I had more time to explore the Steens Mountain area; there are a lot of roads and trails going every which way, and all of them look amazing.
Gravel road up to the top, in good condition all the way. Decent incline the last 12 miles.
This was an amazing ride and amazing place on day 2 of our 840 mile 2-day ride. I would highly recommend folks hitting the Steens loop if you've never been here. I was blown away by the 100-mile views and the playa below this overlook. Super fast easy gravel road......maybe a 1.5 honestly.
