Crooked River Canyon Rim Trail

The Crooked River Canyon Rim Trail follows a knife-edge route along 400-foot vertical basalt cliffs carved by the Crooked River near Terrebonne. This 12-mile out-and-back technical trail starts at the Crooked River Day Use Area and follows primitive roads and cattle trails along the canyon’s eastern rim. The highlight is Monkey Face, a 350-foot volcanic spire that’s a world-famous rock climbing destination. Several sections run within feet of sheer drop-offs with no guardrails — just sagebrush and your survival instincts between you and a very bad day.

This is expert-level wheeling that demands experienced drivers with spotters for the exposure sections. Stock vehicles with good tires can handle most of it, but the rim sections require nerves of steel and precise line choice. Spring through fall offers the best conditions, though summer brings brutal heat. No permits needed, but respect private property boundaries. Dispersed camping is limited due to the terrain. You’ll trade comfort for some of the most dramatic high desert canyon scenery in central Oregon — just don’t look down.