Burns Llama Trailblazers Champion Working Llamas
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SE OREGON LLAMA PACKING
View across Van Horn Basin in the Pueblo Mountains

The Pueblo Mountains, lying south of Steens Mountain and rising nearly as high, is of an entirely different character. Unlike Steens Mountain, Pueblo Mountain holds no huge glaciated gorges. Instead it consist of a single main ridgeline with a few basins and outlying hills. While most vegetation consists of sagebrush and bunchgrass, wildflower displays can be superb. Compared to Steens' vigorous uplift, this is a 'Grandmother' mountain with mystery and charm all its own, not the least of which is its isolation. Situated far out in the Oregon Outback the surrounding human population is sparse. There are a few scattered ranches and occupants of the tiny hamlets of Fields and Denio. Otherwise you are alone.

Desert flowers like this bitterroot thrive in the PueblosThe Desert Trail, a National Scenic Trail, runs along the crest of the range. Identified not by beaten tread, but by rock cairns perched among the sagebrush and bunchgrass, this route runs from southern California to northern Oregon through high desert country. The Pueblos feature some of its best. In the west, the land drops away to the dry and barren outback. To the east, the range plunges to the ancient bed of pluvial Lake Alvord, a huge expanse of water that once stretched over sixty miles across southeast Oregon and neighboring Nevada. In all directions views last nearly forever, while at your feet the flower show can be equally wonderful.

Bighorn sheep are a common sight among the high crags. Wide Van Horn Basin and Ten Cent Meadows provide springs and welcome relief from the steep slopes. The best way to describe this land is "big, open, and wild".


Sample Pack Trip: NORTH PUEBLO LOOP

Total elevation loss and gain is 7890 feet

Beginning near Fields, Oregon, this hike is a loop trip that swings all the way around the mountains. Short distances will follow the Desert Trail route. In general, hikers will use cross-country routes or animal trails. A few sections follow lightly used jeep tracks.Steens Mountain rises in the northDay one takes us from jeep roads south of Frenchglen to the mountains' crest, which we will follow south to camp in a saddle above the south fork of Willow Creek. On day two, we continue to follow the crest, picking up the Desert Trail, only to leave it behind as we swing across the western shoulder of the high point. Day three has us crossing back over the spine of the mountains to visit Van Horn Basin and camp near Ten Cent Meadows. Day four is a layover day that provides opportunities to explore on your own. Day five takes us north through Stergen Meadows to begin our up and down crossing of the eastern drainages. Day six returns us to our starting point along Sesena Creek.

This a 25 mile loop trip with a layover day. Daily hiking distances average about five miles a day. Routes follow animal trails and the Desert Trail. Footing can be uneven.

DAY Travel Distance Elevation Change Average Grade Elevation at end of Day
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
TOTAL
5.3 miles
6.1 miles
4.4 miles
Layover
4.9 miles
4.5 miles
25.1 miles
+2866 -782= +2084
+2349 -2449= -100
+1388 -1776= +388
----
+757 -2193= -1436
+781 -938= -157
+8141 -8141
13%
15%
14%
----
12%
7%
12%
7317
7217
6829
6829
5393
5236
5075 lowest/7907 highest

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Website update: 02FEB2022
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