Overlanding the Alvord Desert

We rarely drive from point A to point B. Instead, we like to take the scenic route when we are “commuting”. This spring as we started to make our way, slowly, towards the US and Canadian border we wanted to find a creative route to get us off the beaten path so that we can see something new, have some fun, and still get to where we need to go.

While we were in a new part of Nevada we turned to On X Offroad to find trails that could give us an intimate tour of this rugged and beautiful landscape. Oh, and we made a video about it, so here it is!

Once we found a trail that would take us north, we set off to find it. However, our first choice ended up being closed for raptor nesting.

MAK soaking in the hot creek at camp the night before our trail

Our second attempt, Pine Ridge Mountains, we encountered a deep snowdrift that blocked the road. After walking the section and a brief attempt to drive in the snow, we decided to call it quits on that road as well. Being that our truck is big, tall, and filled with all of our worldly possessions we decided not to press further. The snowdrift made the road really off-camber, and it just didn’t feel like the risk was worth the reward.

Roxanne on trail

Once again, we set off in search of another option.

At this rate we had moved far enough north that we made it to Eastern Oregon. The only other trail we found on OnX that was in the area was very much under snow, so we decided to try something a little different.

OnX has a trail guide program that allows for people in the off road community to record and submit trails that will then show up in the OnX app. As trail guides we decided it would be fun to make our own trail and submit it for all of you to try!

After scouring the maps we found a network of small roads on BLM land that would climb high above the popular Alvord desert on a plateau to the east. We figured it would five us a unique view of the Steens Mountains while taking us deeper into an area we’ve only ever been to once before!

A quick side note about onX’s trail guide program: We typically do not share our specific locations because we don’t like to encourage an unsustainable volume of traffic into fragile ecosystems. Before deciding to record a trail we talked to the OnX crew about our concerns and I thought that their perspective and motivation behind adding new trails was brilliant, so I wanted to share.

As I mentioned, this area is a popular place for adventurers of all kinds, including overlanding. The Alvord desert is a beautiful place but often is swamped with people to the point that we typically avoid it all together. Over at OnX they like to add options so that people will spread out and have less of an impact on these places. For instance if 100 people are going to the area right now there are no trails when the Steen Mountains are snow covered. But, if we can add a trail, or even 10 trails, people will have more options to spread out. This will give the Alvord Desert a break from so many people, and the new trails will help in the effort to spread people out. It also gives people more reason to dive in deeper to get to know a place.

At the end of the day, Owen and I are always keeping in mind the sustainability of travel and for the places we travel to and I thought that explanation was really insightful.

If the trail guide program is something you feel that you and your vehicle is up to, here is the link to check it out.

I recommend watching the video to get a taste of the trail that we made so you can go out and try it if you find yourself in this area! We found some truly incredible spots. We had a blast exploring a new area and hopefully being able to help you get out there to enjoy it too!

Thank you so much to OnX for always supporting us in our efforts to get out and explore the places we love. Also huge shout out to them for being presenting sponsors for the series that we are currently filming up in Alaska!

For those who are interested in using OnX here is a link to learn more about it. It is our personal favorite app for rail navigation, tools for offline use, tracking, and terrain reading!

Love, MAK & Owen