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A favorite winter loop on the East side of Bend


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Map Key

9.3

Miles

14.9

KM

100%

Singletrack

4,320' 1,317 m

High

3,933' 1,199 m

Low

501' 153 m

Up

495' 151 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

11%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

Horse Butte is a great option for spring, fall and especially winter riding....due to its east side location. Fairly flat, easy riding with exceptional views of the Cascades.

Need to Know

Horses frequent this trail mostly on the north end, so often the north end can be a little bumpy.

Description

Easy, mostly gentle trail with a few minor technical sections.

Plenty of sagebrush and junipers with and minimal trees (read...Definitely a 'hot' trail in the summer.)

In the winter the trails are hard packed and fast. Watch your pedals as much of the trail is quite narrow and there are rocks hidden behind the knee high grass.

The South end takes you within a quarter mile of Boyd Cave and you'll be less than a mile from Arnold Ice Cave as well. Both caves are open to the public and worth a visit. You also have connections with trails which take you higher on up to Swamp Wells Horse camp.

Contacts

Shared By:

Katy Ryan

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 33 votes

#1

in Bend

#698

Overall
  4.1 from 33 votes
5 Star
36%
4 Star
39%
3 Star
21%
2 Star
3%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Bend

#24

in Oregon

#698

Overall
16 Views Last Month
9,543 Since Sep 28, 2012
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

What the hail? Hail storm fast approaching from the left.
Apr 30, 2018 near Deschut…, OR
Mostly smooth trail on Horse Butte ride, except for this short section.
Nov 6, 2012 near Deschut…, OR
Cascade Range with Pole Creek Fire in the distance.
Nov 6, 2012 near Deschut…, OR
Great view of the Cascades from the top of a steep, rocky section.
Mar 30, 2016 near Deschut…, OR
View from the Coyote Loop trail.
May 29, 2017 near Deschut…, OR
Moonrise on the high desert.
Nov 12, 2016 near Deschut…, OR

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 15 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 26, 2023
Dirk Schaffer
13mi — 1h 30m
Feb 18, 2022
Chris Bales
Jan 22, 2022
Nick Shelber
A bit muddy on the last half. Seems like everyone else was going the opposite direction. 9.7mi — 1h 09m
Dec 2, 2021
Lizz Robnett
Aug 17, 2021
Brett Robichaud
May 5, 2021
AJ Dexter
Really nice morning ride w/ Cristy 12.8mi — 1h 37m
May 2, 2021
AJ Dexter
Really quiet and lovely morning ride. 9.9mi — 1h 14m

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