Steens Mountain is one of Oregon’s great scenic and geological wonders, a 30mi long fault-block with a spectacular and rugged east face that rises one vertical mile above the equally spectacular Alvord Desert. Steens Mountain is the largest fault-block mountain in the northern Great Basin. A 59mi (95km) loop road, the highest road in Oregon, scales the mountain range and tops out at 9,734ft (2’967m). The Steens also offer some of the most impressive fall colors and are home to the toughest 10k in Oregon.
The Challenge
The (real, or long or North-South or South-North) Steens (Range) Traverse challenge consists of traversing the entire mountain range from North to South (or South to North) between OR-78, Steens Highway (43.10004, -118.23641) and OR-205, the Higher Desert Discovery Scenic Byway/Catlow Valley Rd. (42.31616, -118.74916) The approximately 75 mile long route entirely follows the fault-block’s rim, offers stunning views, is 100% off-trail, rugged, wild, slow, and unique in every aspect. The traverse can be completed on public (BLM and state) land only, although that involves a few “detours.” Please respect private land and ask for permission to pass if necessary.
You can start on either end and go either southwards or northwards.
The rim is rugged, exposed, and unforgiving. The weather can change quickly and dramatically as you climb toward the highpoint (9,734ft). It can snow in the middle of the summer. Help may be far away and water is hard to find. There are also several tricky technical sections. If you attempt this, do your homework and come prepared.
Some Maps
The Steens Traverse seen from Alvord Desert.
Overview map of the Steens Traverse. You can of course go the opposite way if you desire too.
Overview of the Steens Mountain area. Map by BLM.
GPS Data
None, you pick your own line.
Guidelines
- This is not a race. You do not need to register or qualify or anything. There are no fees. Anyone can do it anytime of the year.
- The line you pick for the traverse must connect 43.10004, -118.23641 and 42.31616, -118.74916.
- The clock starts at one of these coordinates and stops at the other one.
- The clock does not stop if the individual or team sleeps, rests, etc.
- You pick your own line, but you have to traverse the mountain range from North to South or from South to North. That means you cannot simply run on the East Steens or the Catlow Valley roads because, well, that would not be a traverse.
- You do not have to tag the Steens highpoint (9,734ft, aka East Rim Overlook), but you have to at least tag the highpoint where the Steens Loop road intersects with the Summit road (42.66711, -118.57003, 9,560ft).
- The challenge can be done individually or in teams. If completed in a team, all team members must do all parts of the route. Relays do not count.
- The challenge must be completed in a single push. Sleep, rest, etc. along the route are allowed. No leaving the route and returning.
- Each and every part of the route must be covered with human muscle power only. That includes: climbing, hiking, running, swimming, kayaking, biking, skiing, and paragliding. No motorized form of transport is allowed on any part of your chosen route.
- Crews and stashing of gear, food, and water are allowed. All stashes must be retrieved.
- The challenge can be completed in an unsupported, self-supported, or supported way.
- Announcing your intentions is encouraged, but not mandatory.
- The challenge must be tracked and documented in order to be listed in the results. More info also on the new FKT board.
- All wilderness regulations as well as Federal, State, and Local laws must be strictly followed.
- Please respect private land and property. Ask for permission to pass if you have to.
- Strict leave-no-trace backcountry ethics must be followed.
Hall of Fame
FKT route: https://fastestknowntime.com/route/steens-range-traverse-or
| Athlete(s) | Start date | Elapsed time | Style | Report |
| Max King & Jackson Brill | Jul 11, 2023 | 28:48:55 | Supported | FKT entry |
| Christof Teuscher | Jul 12, 2020 | 34:23:45 | Self-supported | Report & movie |
Stay Informed and Connected
FAQs
- What’s in for me if I complete this route? Fame. Pure fame. And perhaps an FKT.
- How can I announce an attempt? Use your personal Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or post in some running-related group/forum/page.
- How can I submit my data to be listed on this page? Use the submission form at the end of this page.
- Do I need to write up a trip report? No, it’s not mandatory. Yet, reports allow to share knowledge and to inspire others, so they are encouraged.
- Do I need to carry a satellite tracker? No, but you need to submit solid evidence that you completed the challenge. A GPS track (e.g., recorded with GaiaGPS) provides reasonable evidence. So do links to Strava or other activity websites. And of course photos and movies will provide additional evidence.
Disclaimers
- Records are not verified. The burden of proof is solely on the individual or team. Thus, the more documentation you can provide, the better. See https://fastestknowntime.com/fkt-guidelines for more info.
- The information provided on this website does not identify possible dangers. When you are attempting this challenge, you assume responsibility for your own actions and safety.
Impressions
A typical view from the rim.
