Glass Butte Run

Glass Butte Run is a challenging route for intermediate four-wheel-drive enthusiasts looking to explore Oregon's high desert and the famous obsidian-rich slopes of Glass Buttes. Starting off the Central Oregon Highway, this dirt road transitions from a flat desert track into a series of steep, off-camber climbs over loose rock and soil. Drivers will need a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle or capable SxSs to negotiate the deeply washed-out sections and loose, volcanic terrain. This area is highly sensitive to weather, as rain or melting snow can quickly turn the soil into slick mud, rendering the climbs completely impassable. As the trail ascends the volcanic butte, travelers are treated to expansive panoramic views of the surrounding high desert landscape. The route features a primary surface of dirt and loose volcanic rock, requiring careful tire placement to avoid sidewall damage from sharp obsidian shards. Bureau of Land Management regulations permit rockhounding here, making it a popular spot to stop and search for various types of obsidian, including rainbow and gold sheen. Due to the remote nature of the area, visitors should travel prepared with recovery gear, extra fuel, and plenty of water, especially during the hot summer months.