Turnbull Peak Loop

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Turnbull Peak Loop

A 7 Peak Desert Loop in Southeast Oregon near Steens Mountain
March 17, 2026

Southeast Oregon is largely made up of high desert terrain. This open country is wild, remote, and sees few visitors. Fall and Spring are great times to visit, when the weather is mild. Solitude is the norm, and there’s plenty of room to roam. For peak baggers, there’s an abundance of sagebrush covered buttes and lesser-known peaks to choose from. In particular, the area northeast of Steens Mountain offers a plethora of peaks to visit. Many multi-peak outings are possible, including this 7-peak loop highlighted by Turnbull Peak.

	Kaden and I decided to take advantage of a beautiful spring day. We made the 3 hour drive from Boise, via Jordan Valley, and parked just north of Steens Highway (78) on the Crowley-Riverside Road. Our clockwise loop put the first peak immediately in view. Looking up the east slopes of ‘West Sunrise Peak’ (Peak 4815’).
	We made quick work of the first peak, then looped back down to the road before climbing the second peak "East Sunrise Peak" (Peak 4684'). Here's a view from the rounded summit of East Sunrise, looking ENE at the next objective.
	From our second peak, Kaden detoured north for a bonus peak, and I descended ENE toward my 3rd peak. I walked this little valley for a bit, with my next peak visible in the distance.
	It had been an unusually mild winter, and flowers were already starting to bloom.
	Here's a view from my 3rd peak of the day "North Turnbull Peak" (Peak 4634'), with Turnbull Peak visible to the south.
	Open country to the north of North Turnbull Peak.
	I headed south from North Turnbull, then contoured through the sagebrush toward Turnbull. Just a few cows to navigate around along the way.
	Summit cairn on top of Turnbull Peak, by far the most interesting summit of the day. I ate my PB&J here, and was able to spot Kaden on the slopes below, easily catching up with me after his bonus peak.
	Next up was "South Turnbull Peak" (Peak 4855').
	From South Turnbull, we descended past a herd of cows, then made our way up the grassy slopes of "East Opal Peak" (Peak 4811'). My pace was starting to slow at this point, but Kaden was patient.
	Kaden on the summit of East Opal Peak.
	Here we are on the final climb of the day, heading up West Opal Peak (Peak 4842').
	Summit of West Opal Peak. I’d either tired Kaden out, or he was getting tired of waiting. You decide. :)
	After the final peak of the day, it was all downhill back to the car.
	Map of our route. About 14 miles and 3800' elevation gain round trip, in just under 7 hours of hiking. A fine day of spring hiking, and great to get to know Kaden and hear about his many adventures.

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