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HINES, Oregon – Winter weather has officially landed on Steens Mountain, closing all sections of its Loop Road for the season.

• Jackman Park Campground to South Steens Campground – effective October 30
• Page Springs Campground to Jackman Park Campground – effective November 22
• Black Canyon to South Steens Campground – effective November 30

Page Springs will be the only campground open throughout winter.

Do you want to visit Steens Mountain in the snow? As soon as conditions permit, winter recreation activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and limited snowmobiling will be in full swing. You’ll need a gate key to drive to the snowline and winter use maps for safety – call us!

Road conditions and snow levels are variable. Visit tripcheck.com for the latest conditions.

And remember – when recreating this time of year, your chance of finding someone in trouble or having trouble yourself is an ever-present danger. For your safety:

• check weather reports and find out about road and access conditions before starting your trip;
• stay on designated, maintained roads and avoid wet, muddy or snow-drifted areas;
• be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions, especially on Steens Mountain where snow can fall year-round and blustery winds can create impassable snow drifts within minutes;
• always start your trip with a full tank of fuel;
• let someone at home know where you plan to go and when to expect your return;
• do not rely on phone service for emergency communication; and
• pack survival gear in your vehicle or on your person.

For more information, call the Burns District BLM Office at 541-573-4400.