NEWS: 1st 75mi Steens Traverse Attempt

Christof Teuscher
Completed. See Report: 75mi Steens Range Traverse FKT.

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 Steens Traverse consists of traversing the entire mountain range between OR-78 and OR-205, the Higher Desert Discovery Scenic Byway. The 75mi 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 BLM/state land only, although that involves a few detours.

On Fri, Sep 20, 2019, I will make a self-supported attempt of this traverse. There is no water on the rim, so I’m relying on three water caches on the way.

Overview map of the Steens Traverse

A typical view from the rim.

Tracking

You can track me in the embedded map below or go here. Approximate start coordinates: (42.31616, -118.74916). Approximate finish coordinates: (43.10004, -118.23641).