PROJECT DETAILS:  We will backpack in 3-5 miles on Newton Cabin Road, an old 2-track with a steady, mild, up-hill grade, to our primitive camp near the Mud and Ankle creek drainages.  Camp is by a natural spring for filtering drinking water, but there are no other amenities.  There will be a 1-2 mile hike to the fence line each day.  The work is strenuous and it is often hot, but the trips are extremely rewarding.  There will be down-time to rest and explore.

WHEN: Plan to arrive in the Steens the night of Sept 9th.  We will hike in on the 10^th and hike out on the 14^th. 

BACKGROUND:  Steens Mountain Wilderness contains the nation's first cow-free wilderness.  Removing cows and ending grazing on this 100,000 acres of Steens Mountains has been key to the restoration of many of the headwaters and fragile desert meadows.  Equally important, the removal of fences allows for wildlife such as sage grouse and antelope to migrate safely without getting caught in the wire.  It also erases the remaining trace of man, giving the wild back to wilderness.

COST: Free to members, $45 for non-members.