Grinding it Out Near Redmond, OR.
There’s a slow steady click of the teeth on the chain, followed by some grunts, as you ride up a 15% grade. The weather is warm and pleasant. You, on the other hand, are working up a sweat. As you make your way up another steep climb, you drop a gear and lean in. The surprising part though…you are in pure bliss having Type 2 Fun. This is gravel biking in Central Oregon and you wouldn’t want it any other way.
If road cycling and mountain biking had a baby that loved camping and hated traffic, it would be a gravel bike. And chances are good it would spend every weekend in Redmond. Here the trails are uncrowded, the views are wide and scenic, and there’s a welcoming community that always carries that spirit of gravel. Whether it’s helping you fix a flat on the trail or telling you to keep your eyes open for the deer ahead, there are friends to be found here—along with plenty of challenging trails.
Grab some gear and advice
When you stop in at Trinity Bikes, it almost feels like a throwback to your youth. New riders in the store get enthusiastic when talking about rides they’re about to take. Seasoned ones look down the row of bikes, because we all know this is a “N + 1” kind of sport. And employees, in between getting your bike dialed, will hook you up with trails that are just right for your ability.
After getting an extra water bottle, this is High Desert riding after all, you’re ready to go. Point your truck and bike tires anywhere due north or southwest of town. It’s all good.
TRAILS THAT LEAD TO A STEADY STATE FLOW
Whether you’re looking to get your heart rate up over long, steady climbs or for biking at a party pace, the High Desert delivers. Here you’ll find everything from Champagne Gravel and Hero dirt to, on occasion, peanut butter mud when the last bits of rain want to make an appearance. Either way, keep it safe by riding with a friend. That way you’ll also have a story to share. Check out these great options from Dirty Freehub, a great local resource.
HAYSTACK
Near Culver, OR
This route has some of the best–if not the best–views of the Cascades from anywhere in Central Oregon. Beginning at the Peter Ogden Bridge, it winds its way through the Crooked River Grasslands. Views of Smith Rock are your riding buddy along the way.
Route: Lollipop | 20 mi
Gain: 1,500 ft
Surface: 45% gravel, 55% paved
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Navigation: Straightforward
Locale: Urban Backcountry
HAYSTACKS & SKULLS
Near Terrebone, OR
Bring two of the top 5-star routes in the areas together: Haystack and Skull Hollow. This mixed gravel offers big mountain views, some history, a touch of gnar and a pitched climb that’s not too long.
Route: Loop | 35 mi
Gain: 2,300 ft
Surface: 35% gravel, 65% paved
Technical Difficulty: Demanding
Navigation: Straightforward
Locale: Urban Backcountry
SKULL HOLLOW
Near Terrebonne, OR
Take a ride with history and views. In 1845 Skull Hollow was the site of a famous massacre . But these days, it’s only your quads that will be killing as you climb up the historic Crooked River High Bridge looking into the gorge.
Route: Loop | 28 mi
Gain: 1,900 ft
Surface: 30% gravel, 70% paved
Technical Difficulty: Demanding
Navigation: Attention Required
Locale: Urban Backcountry
ALPACA
Ride a whole lot of gravel roads slicing through farms and BLM land. Catch views of Mt. Bachelor and the Three Sisters. See some friendly alpacas checking you out as they try to keep up with you on this ride.
Route: Loop | 36 mi
Gain: 1,400 ft
Surface: 60% gravel, 5% single track, 35% pavement
Technical Difficulty: Demanding
Navigation: Attention Required
Locale: Urban Backcountry
Enjoy a Perfect Cool-Down
After a long ride in the sun, a burger and a beer never tasted so good. If you have any energy left, pull up a chair at Wild Ride Brewing for a pint of their award-winning craft brews. Then get your energy back with a cheeseburger loaded with all the works from Burger Wild or some fish and chips from Wild Catch next door. Here, there’s a good chance you’ll bump into that rider on the trail who helped you with your flat. Treat them to a round. Surely you and they have earned it.
Before You Go:
- Check Trail Status: Trails can sometimes close, check ahead of time here.
- Fuel Up: Grab a “to-go” lunch at Ollie’s Kitchen before you head the road and trail.
- Pack Backups: Bring an extra tube and CO2 cartridges as our gravel isn’t always smooth.
- Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunscreen as the sun can be intense in the High Desert.
Remember, it’s all about getting away from it all and less about hitting PBs. So relish your time in the saddle while exploring this unique corner of Central Oregon.
