Smith Rock Backcountry Loop
High desert rock crawling with Cascade views
This route cuts through the high desert east of Smith Rock State Park, threading between towering volcanic spires and deep canyons carved by the Crooked River. The main challenge hits at Monkey Face Overlook, where loose basalt scree and off-camber sections test your line choice and throttle control. You’ll cross several seasonal washes and navigate tight switchbacks between house-sized boulders.
Moderate difficulty with some technical rock crawling sections that demand high clearance and good articulation. A stock 4WD with skid plates handles most of it, but bring recovery gear for the rockier climbs. Best tackled May through October when snow clears the higher elevations. No permits required, but respect private ranch gates. The payoff is classic Oregon high desert — endless sagebrush, painted canyons, and those iconic Cascade peaks on the horizon.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 4-6 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3900 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Redmond, Oregon |
| Land manager | Oregon Parks and Recreation Department |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle this trail without any mods?
A stock high-clearance 4WD is the listed minimum and will get through most of it, but the rock gardens will test your skid plates and approach angles. Lift and all-terrain tires are a real advantage here — don't bring a soft-roader or crossover.
When does the trail open after winter, and is snow a real concern?
May through October is the reliable window. The high desert elevation means late snow is possible in early spring and the volcanic rock surface gets genuinely sketchy when wet or icy — don't push it before conditions confirm clear.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp out here?
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department manages this land — no trail permit is currently required to drive the loop, but check current regulations before you go since land manager rules in Oregon can shift. Dispersed camping is allowed; follow Leave No Trace and fire restriction rules, which change seasonally.
What's the hardest section actually like and where does it hit on the loop?
The technical rock gardens are the crux — volcanic basalt with uneven, loose chunks that demand careful tire placement and low-range crawling. It's not a death-defying experience, but one bad line choice can hang up your rocker panels or punt a wheel into a void, so don't rush it.
How serious are the water crossings, and is there drinkable water on trail?
Crossings exist but are generally manageable in the May–October window — depth varies with snowmelt, so earlier in the season means more water moving faster. Don't count on any source being drinkable without a filter, and carry enough water for the full 4–6 hour duration plus buffer since resupply options on-trail are zero.
Trail track
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