Trail Overview

This track takes you up to Moon Hill as the high point and creates a loop that is open year-round. (Some of the Steens Mountains are behind a locked gate some of the year) The track is a seldom used trail with grass growing in the tracks of the lesser visited sections. Many camping opportunities along this trail. There are some small private property sections at the beginning and end of the trail that are legal to pass through per signage posted by the BLM. We were able to see some of the wild horses, antelope, and a herd of Elk along this. route. Depending on the time of year there are some giant puffball mushrooms along this trail.

Photos of Moon Hill to Dust Bowl Road

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Difficulty

Easy trail for high clearance AWD or 4x4 vehicles when dry. As many trails in this area if the trail is wet it can be nearly impassible by most vehicles. The deep dried ruts from attempts while wet are a warning to wait until this trail is dry.

Technical Rating

Rob Huebschmann

Jul 14, 2024

Open

Rough/Deteriorated

There are no difficult technical features on this trail but it is rough and bumpy for nearly the entire length, even aired down on 35's with soft suspension. There are 8 cattle gates in there, so account for the time required to open and close those throughout your journey. I would advise against this trail in anything less than a 33" tire simply because the rough and choppy is going to make it slow going. The grass has grown over the trail at 42.856404°N 118.677113°W so the right turn there can be difficult to find. Compared with surrounding trails in this same area, the veiws and scenery on this were more basic since its all the foothills without any of the more dramatic geological features.

Richard Maguire

May 26, 2024

Open

Dusty

Started at the south entrance and made it about a quarter of the way before camping for the night. If you like Oregon high desert in spring, it was really nice. Flowers were still in bloom, trail is definitely not used that often given the grass over most of it, but it was peaceful and beautiful.