CANYON MOUNTAIN TRAIL
"This trail offers excellent views of the John Day Valley. It also allows access to Canyon Mountain and the west end of the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness. The trail is compact dirt, with a 2200' elevation gain. Most of the trail is dry, but there are a few streams that cross the trail."-USDA
Access:
From John Day, take US Highway 395 south for approximately 2 miles. Turn left onto County road 52 (Marysville Road) in Canyon City. Travel uphill on the paved road approximately 2 miles, then take a right on Gardner Ranch Lane (County road 77) for approximately 1/4 mile, then take another right on Canyon Mountain Trail 218 and follow the road up another 2 full miles to a short, unmarked spur road on the left that – within a hundred yards – terminates at the trailhead. If you miss the spur road junction, the landscape will begin to drop off severely on the right until the main road ends 1/4 mile beyond at the Iron King Mine.
More Information:
Visitors to the area have the opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife. Wildlife in the area range from big game animals such as Rocky Mountain Elk and mule deer to a variety of birds and smaller animals such as squirrels and chipmunks. Hikers can travel along the 15.5 mile trail connecting to other trails along the way such as the Pine Creek #201 allowing hikers to explore miles of trails throughout the wilderness.