Cooperative Management and Protection Area · OR

Dogs in Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area

Can I bring my dog, and on which trails?
Dog-friendly

A dramatic fault-block mountain rising above the high desert of southeast Oregon, with glacier-carved gorges and a famous backcountry byway. Dogs are welcome and rules are relaxed.

Dogs are allowed in all areas but must be under voice or physical control at all times, so a leash is not strictly required away from developed sites. In campgrounds and developed areas keep dogs leashed and pack out waste.

Where dogs are allowed

Dogs are allowed in all areas but must be under voice or physical control at all times, so a leash is not strictly required away from developed sites. In campgrounds and developed areas keep dogs leashed and pack out waste.

Seasonal closures

The high country holds snow well into summer and the Steens Loop Road is typically closed by snow from roughly late fall through late spring, so check road status before you go.

Leash rule

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, trailheads, and picnic sites. On most of the open BLM land there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times, and local field offices can set stricter rules.

Service animals

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.

Official source
Bureau of Land Management
View the BLM page →
Last verified 2026-07-09
Designation
Cooperative Management and Protection Area

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area?

A dramatic fault-block mountain rising above the high desert of southeast Oregon, with glacier-carved gorges and a famous backcountry byway. Dogs are welcome and rules are relaxed. Dogs are allowed in all areas but must be under voice or physical control at all times, so a leash is not strictly required away from developed sites. In campgrounds and developed areas keep dogs leashed and pack out waste.

What is the leash rule at Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area?

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, trailheads, and picnic sites. On most of the open BLM land there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times, and local field offices can set stricter rules.

Are there seasonal closures for dogs at Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area?

The high country holds snow well into summer and the Steens Loop Road is typically closed by snow from roughly late fall through late spring, so check road status before you go.

Are service animals allowed at Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area?

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.