Overview
Pueblo Mountain is a lonely peak located in the high desert of southeastern Oregon, only eight miles north of the Nevada state line. It quickly rises 4500 feet above the desolate Pueblo Valley. The climb to the summit is just a steep hike, but don't expect any trails or company along the way.
For hot spring lovers, several undeveloped thermal areas are located north of the mountain. There is nothing like a good soak after a long hike. Borax Lake is a huge 80 degree pool with a bottomless center. Alvord Hot Springs has a bath house of sorts, but its pretty hot! Mickey Hot Springs has no bathing potential but has very pretty pools and (if its been wet enough) an active mud pot.
Comment from silverbullet: The Pueblos are much less traveled than the Steens or the Trout Creek Moutains. Their beauty lies in the basins, springs and wildlife. Cougars are populating that area and rattlesnakes are found at least up to the 6200 ft altitude. This is mostly BLM wilderness area and "tread lighlty" should always be practiced.
Getting There
The closest town of any size is Winnemucca, Nevada, which is located 164 miles east of Reno on Interstate 80. From there follow US 95 for 22 miles north, then turn left onto State Route 140 and proceed 65 miles to Denio Junction. Then follow State Route 292 north for 3 miles through the border town of Denio and on into Oregon.
Continue north another 11 miles and watch for a primative road leading towards the peak on to the west. This road climbs to an old mine site at the 6600 foor level of Pueblo Mountain, a good starting point for the climb. A fork in the road also circles around the north side of the mountain. This primative road reaches the 7000 foot level on the west side of the peak, but finding your way is more difficult. The scenery there is better though, with groves of aspen and meadows.
From the north, start in Burns, which is 130 miles east of Bend, 126 miles west of Ontario, and 197 miles south of Pendleton. From there, follow State Route 205 south for about 60 miles to the small community of Frenchglen, which has a store, gas station, post office (all in one), and a nice historic hotel. Continue south on Route 205 for another 58 miles to Fields. About 9 miles south of Fields, the primative road turns off to the west.
Red Tape
No fees and no one to collect them if there were.
When To Climb
The slopes are steep enough to have avalanche danger if they ever have enough snow. Spring and Fall are probably the best times to climb. Nice wildflowers in late May and June.
Camping
The basin between Pueblo Mountain and the 8400 foot ridge to its west has many nice campsites where you are sure to be alone. Little Cottonwood Creek, which is 2.25 miles north of the access road on the east side of the mountain, also makes a good (except for the lack of shade) campsite. The summit is flat and spacious, but electrical storms are common in the summer. No fees.
Mountain Conditions
You are on your own with this one!
Maps and Other Links
Pueblo Mountain Topozone | Aerial View
Hot Springs
Alvord Hot Springs Topozone | Aerial View
Mickey Hot Springs Topozone | Aerial View
Borax Lake USGS Topozone | Aerial View
Images
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Southeast Oregon Basin and Range
