Sutton Mountain Trail

The Sutton Mountain Trail is generally considered a moderate hike. It begins on an old jeep road, transitions through a juniper forest, then open grassland, and finally onto a ridge. While the overall slope is gradual, some sections closer to the summit require cross-country travel on uneven terrain. Be aware that an old roadbed section can be muddy in spring.

The hike starts at the Sutton Mountain Trailhead. The trail itself is known as the Sutton Mountain Trail. Parking is typically available at the trailhead, which is accessible by vehicle.

The best times to hike are generally in fall, winter, and spring. This helps avoid the intense summer heat that can make the exposed sections of the trail challenging. Spring also offers the bonus of colorful wildflowers.

The Sutton Mountain Wilderness Study Area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. As of current information, permits are generally not required for day hiking, and there are no entrance fees for the area. It emphasizes primitive recreation and solitude.

From the 4,694-foot Sutton Mountain summit, you'll be treated to panoramic 360-degree views. These often include the vividly colored Painted Hills, the John Day River, the Ochoco Mountains, and on clear days, distant Cascade peaks like Mount Jefferson and Mount Hood.

The area is rich in geological history, composed of volcanic ash and pyroclastic flows from the John Day Formation, dating back approximately 16 million years. It also offers a unique top-down perspective of the Painted Hills, which is not readily available elsewhere in the region.

The high-desert landscape provides opportunities to spot wildlife such as pronghorn, mule deer, bald eagles, and various hawks. Keep an eye out, especially in the more open grassland sections.

While the trail is within a Wilderness Study Area, dogs are generally permitted. However, it's always best to keep them on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all hikers. Be sure to pack out all waste.

Hiking in spring offers the beauty of colorful wildflowers like red and yellow paintbrush, yellow stonecrop, blue flax, and blue lupine, particularly from late April to late June. However, be prepared for potentially muddy conditions on the old roadbed sections of the trail.

Beyond the summit views, the trail passes through a wire-fenced corral and an old roadbed. The journey itself, from juniper forests to open grasslands, offers varied scenery. The main highlights are the Sutton Mountain Trailhead, the Sutton Mountain Trail itself, and the Sutton Mountain summit.

Yes, in addition to the main Sutton Mountain Trail, there is a shorter, relatively flat Black Canyon hike within the Wilderness Study Area. This alternative is about 3.1 to 5 miles round trip and leads to a waterfall, offering a different experience.