Oregon Hikers

If I want to go to Steens mountain when the top is still covered with snow, but I can get within striking distance by car, about when would that be? Driving within say 5 miles and getting to the top on cross country skis strikes as a great way to see it. I wonder if snowmobiles would be up there too.

I'm guessing it varies every year, and I don't know whether they open the road in stages or all at once. Maybe call the local BLM office?

The road to the lower campgrounds, e.g. South Steens, should be open by mid-May. The entire loop road may be open by mid-June (depends on the year). There are a lot of miles and elevation gain between the lower campgrounds and the summit. It's usually done as a multi-day backpack ski trip before the loop opens.