Welcome to 41 miles of Central Oregon's scenic backcountry! Relish views of the orange and red clay mounds of the Painted Hills, crane your neck to catch the emerald-green lichen on the rock walls of Girds Creek Canyon, and get up close and personal with the high desert cliffs of Sutton Mountain. You can stick to the b
Maybe — confirm before you go.
This Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
- Fee type Fee unknown — The fee structure here is unconfirmed.
- Source Official / Recreation.gov ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Check
- Official pagewww.blm.gov ↗
- Contact 541-416-6700 · BLM_OR_PR_Mail@blm.gov
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Sutton Mountain Back Country Byway — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Depends Does the America the Beautiful pass work here?
Maybe — This Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go. Check with the managing agency before you go.
Yes Can you camp at Sutton Mountain Back Country Byway?
Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.
Depends Can you have a campfire?
Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — hiking is one of the listed activities at Sutton Mountain Back Country Byway.
Yes Can you bring a dog?
Generally yes — dogs are welcome when kept under control (usually leashed). Confirm any local rules.
Depends Are drones allowed?
Sometimes — often allowed away from wilderness and developed or crowded areas, with rules. Check locally before you fly.
Nearby sites
Sutton Mountain and Pat's Cabin Wilderness Study Areas
ConfirmedThis site is free — no fee is charged, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
NPS Photo / Scott Ritner National Park Service John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
