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Steins Pillar Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 78 Google reviews · Running trail in Prineville, Oregon · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Steins Pillar Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking trail featuring scenic views and an unusual geological occurrence.
What runners say about Steins Pillar Trailhead
“The rock formation is stunning, visible from the view point but not super clear.”
“Good hike that is easy to navigate with ups and downs throughout.”
Good hike that is easy to navigate with ups and downs throughout. We decided not to go all the way to base because the look out near the pillar was good enough for us. I was able to capture good images using the 0.5 option on my iPhone.
Beautiful trail! Not a super hard trail but areas are steep enough that footwear is important. Has amazing views of the Ochoco Forest. The pillar is worth the hike. Once the road turns into gravel it is super washboard but once you turn towards the trail head to road gets better.
I discovered this hike when trying to find additional hiking options near Painted Hills. The access to this trail is not far east of Prineville and pretty much along the route to the Painted Hills area, though on a few miles of washboarded gravel road north from the highway.
This is a hidden jewel! Two miles out and back trail that is essentially at the same level as the Pillar, but has some ups and downs on the way. The actual Pillar is 350 feet high and a wonder to behold!!! About 4-5 miles of gravel road, two miles of which is pretty steep is the price you must pay.
Trail conditions & character
“The walk is about 45mins each way on a fairly clear path but there are no signs or markers other than a single sign indicating a view point about halfway in.”
“The last 2 miles of gravel road up to the trailhead are quite rough - we drove in a manual 20+ year old Toyota Matrix, which is inadvisable but possible to do without stalling.”
“About 4-5 miles of gravel road, two miles of which is pretty steep is the price you must pay.”
“The last 2 miles of gravel road up to the trailhead are quite rough - we drove in a manual 20+ year old Toyota Matrix, which is inadvisable but possible to do without stalling.”
Plan your run at Steins Pillar Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Prineville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Twin Pillars North Trailhead
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Ochoco Creek Park
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Pioneer Park
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Shaded, family-friendly park featuring picnic tables and a playground for younger kids.
Rimrock Park
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Laid-back, dog-friendly park featuring a disc golf course, a pond, a stream and trails.