The best road cycling routes in Crook County

Crook County offers a variety of road cycling routes, with over 10 options available for exploration. These routes cater to different skill levels, from easy to difficult, ensuring there's something for every cyclist.

Road cycling routes in Crook County range from easy to difficult. You'll find 2 easy routes, 8 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route. For an easier ride, consider the Forked Horn Butte – Dry Canyon Wildlife loop from Saint Charles Medical Center Redmond. For a challenging experience, try the Spoke'n Hostel – Sutton Mountain Trailhead loop from Buck Point.

Crook County's road cycling routes showcase diverse natural beauty. You can ride along the scenic Crooked River, through dramatic canyons, and past volcanic remnants. Routes also traverse high desert landscapes and ponderosa forests. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as antelope and wild mustangs, especially in areas like Big Summit Prairie.

While many routes offer varied terrain, the 3-mile Long Bike Path Loop in downtown Prineville is an easier option, following Ochoco Creek through Stryker Park and Ochoco Creek Park, which could be suitable for families. For a slightly longer, moderate ride, the Forked Horn Butte – Dry Canyon Wildlife loop from Saint Charles Medical Center Redmond is also rated as easy.

The spring and fall seasons generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Crook County, with milder temperatures. Spring brings abundant wildflowers, particularly in areas like Big Summit Prairie. Summer can be warm, especially in the high desert, while winter may present colder temperatures and potential for snow at higher elevations.

Many routes offer views of significant landmarks. The Cline Falls Road & Old Bend Redmond Highway loop provides scenic views of the Deschutes River and Cline Falls. The Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway loop traverses geological wonders. You might also encounter views of Chimney Rock or Stein's Pillar, both striking volcanic formations.

Prineville serves as a hub for cyclists in Crook County. Good Bike Co., LLC in Prineville offers bike sales, rentals, and repairs, and also hosts community cycling events, making it a valuable resource for visitors.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Crook County are designed as loops. Popular examples include the Cline Falls Road & Old Bend Redmond Highway loop, the Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway loop, and the Crooked River – Prineville Reservoir loop from Prineville.

The road cycling routes in Crook County are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 2 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, scenic river canyons, and the overall experience of riding through the region's diverse landscapes.

Absolutely! Crook County is rich in outdoor activities. After a ride, you can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, or paddleboarding at Prineville Reservoir State Park. The region is also known as the 'rockhound capital of the world,' offering opportunities to find agates and thunder eggs. Hiking and wildlife viewing are also popular in the Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland.

Prineville is a central location for accommodation, offering hotels and motels. For those who prefer camping, Prineville Reservoir State Park provides numerous primitive campsites and a full-service campground. Walton Lake in the Ochoco National Forest also features a campground.

Elevation gains vary significantly across Crook County's routes. For example, the Cline Falls Road & Old Bend Redmond Highway loop has around 278 meters (912 feet) of elevation gain, while the Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway loop features about 645 meters (2,116 feet). The most challenging route, Spoke'n Hostel – Sutton Mountain Trailhead loop from Buck Point, involves over 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) of climbing.