Smith Rock Backcountry Loop

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.