Eastern Oregon - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 724

MUSTANGS: WILD SYMBOLS OF THE WEST
One of the highlights of exploring the Steens could be spotting a herd of wild mus-
tangs. Descended from domesticated horses that escaped from Native Americans,
early Spanish explorers and pioneers, these free-roaming herds are managed by
the Bureau of Landmanagement (BLM), which culls the animals (usually for adop-
tion) to keep them healthy, maintain desired characteristics and prevent overpopu-
lation.
Several different herds can be seen, each with their own distinctive markings.
The most famous - and rarest - bunch are the Kiger mustangs, who were dis-
covered in 1977 during a round-up and are considered to have descended directly
from original Spanish stock. They number less than 100 and are generally dun in
color, sometimes sporting a dark dorsal stripe and zebra-like markings on their
legs. Their rugged handsomeness and vitality attracted the attention of
DreamWorks, whose animated 2003 filmSpirit: Stallion of the Cimarronwas based
on a Kiger mustang.
One of the best places to spot these animals is on the southern leg of the Steens
Mountain Loop Rd. Keep your eyes peeled as you explore this area - if luck is on
your side, you may get a glimpse of these wild symbols of the West.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Steens Mountain
The highest peak in southeastern Oregon, Steens Mountain (9773ft) is part of a massive,
30-mile-long fault-block range that was formed about 15 million years ago. On the west-
ern slope of the range, Ice Age glaciers bulldozed trenches that formed massive U-
shaped gorges and hanging valleys. To the east, 'the Steens' - as the range is usually re-
ferred to - drop off to the Alvord Desert, 5000ft below.
Sights & Activities
Beginning in Frenchglen, the 56-mile, gravel Steens Mountain Loop Road is Oregon's
highest road and offers the range's best sights, with awesome overlooks and access to
camping and hiking trails. You'll see sagebrush, bands of juniper and aspen forests, and
finally fragile rocky tundra at the top. Kiger Gorge viewpoint is especially stunning; it's
25 miles up from Frenchglen.
Road improvements have made the loop road open to most vehicles; ask at
Frenchglen. It takes about two hours all the way around if you're just driving through,