16
riders
05:41
107km
1,970m
Road cycling
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
The surface along some of this route may not be suitable
Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.
After 15.5 km for 158 m
After 53.2 km for 561 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
15.6 km
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
53.5 km
Shelton Wayside County Park
Nature Reserve
107 km
Highlight • Rest Area
Translated by Google •
Tip by
107 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
105 km
1.72 km
614 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
93.5 km
11.9 km
1.57 km
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Elevation
Highest point (1,160 m)
Lowest point (470 m)
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Weather
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Monday 13 July
34°C
15°C
-- %
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
The Sutton Mountain Trailhead – Spoke'n Hostel loop from Mitchell is one of those road cycling routes that truly tests your mettle: a difficult 66.4-mile (106.9 km) journey with a staggering 6478 feet (1974 metres) of climbing, taking around 5 hours and 40 minutes. This challenging loop is perfect for experienced cyclists looking for a serious workout amidst Central Oregon's dramatic high desert scenery, offering a unique blend of remote beauty and significant elevation gain.
What to expect on Sutton Mountain Trailhead – Spoke'n Hostel loop from Mitchell
Expect a journey through Central Oregon's unique high desert, where the terrain shifts from paved roads to challenging gravel sections, sometimes steep, especially climbing into the Ochoco Mountains. You'll pass through varied desert landscapes, dramatic geological formations, and expansive vistas, with views of the iconic Painted Hills, the scenic John Day River valley, and distant Cascade Mountain peaks. The route demands very good fitness, with significant elevation changes that might even require pushing your bike on some unpaved segments, but rewards you with profound solitude and a true wilderness experience.
Planning your visit
This area is known for its challenging routes, so plan accordingly for a long day in the saddle. While there isn't specific parking information for this exact loop, Mitchell serves as a natural starting point, and the Spoke'n Hostel is a cyclist-friendly hub. Be aware that "goat head thorns" are prevalent in the John Day River Basin, making tubeless tires highly recommended for this region. The best time to cycle is typically outside of extreme summer heat or winter conditions, when the high desert can be unforgiving.
Trail details
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