Much of Redmond's Dry Canyon Trail runs through a gentle valley, which becomes a deep coulee as the trail traverses north. The flat, paved pathway is lined with groves of juniper trees and tall grasses as it winds through picturesque rock cliffs. An interesting feature of the trail is its passage under the Maple Avenue Bridge with its wide, graceful arches. Along the way, a string of city parks provide ample rest stops, parking and access points.
While drive-in access and full-service trailheads can be found on the north and south ends, the most accessible trailhead is at Bowlby Park, about 1 mile from the trail's southern tip. From US Highway 97 in town, take SR 126 west for 0.85 miles to the park, which is on the right and adjacent to Redmond High School.
We entered on the trail at south most end. Eight miles round trip, fairly flat. Nice way to see a geologic feature. Easy street crossings, all cars stopped even though we had the stop signs. We are beginner types and really enjoyed it.
The Dry Canyon is Redmond's premier outdoor recreational feature. Reclaiming a jumble of agricultural enterprises (including potato fields, hence the "Spud Bowl" moniker of the soccer field that you'll pass by) and a rehabilitated old city dump (where Redmond residents once tossed their garbage and old cars over the eastern canyon wall), Redmond has greated a wonderful resource for those that want a quiet, pollution free stroll/hike/bike for its citizens. The smooth, curving paved bike path is paralleled by some added features. A good part of the paved pathway has, contiguous to it, a graveled 2 foot wide path for those that prefer to run on dirt. While the paved part of the path general sticks to the center of the canyon, along the canyon rims is a separate developed dirt path for mountain biking and even horse back riding.
The terrain is what the locals refer to as "high desert": juniper, sage, grasses. The wild life, while not abundant, is there for the observant: yellow bellied marmots (aka "rock chucks"), magpies, scrub jays, a variety of hawks, mourning doves, stellar jays, mountain blue birds (rare), rare coyotes, deer, rabbits, mountain chickadees, juncoes, can all be spotted by the observant.
This is a safe path, I've been using it since it was a simple dirt trail fifteen years ago, and have never felt threatened in any way. Looking for a bit of refreshment? Exit the path just south of the Highland Underpass, head north a quarter of a block: Cibelli's Pizza, McDonalds, Starbucks, a frozen yogurt place, and a Ray's Grocery Store are all readily available.
This trail does not have any events yet.
Be the first to add one!
The Pine Nursery Park Trail is a nearly 2 mile paved loop that meanders through a juniper forest and 158 acre community park. The trail offers vistas...
On the east end of Bend, a short trail winds along Big Sky Park and Sports Complex. The natural-surface trail runs through an open area and has...
Deschutes River Trail meanders over 12 miles through the heart of Bend in central Oregon. Most of the trail follows the river for which it’s named,...
Larkspur Trail winds for nearly four miles along the east side of Bend, connecting several parks and Pilot Butte Middle School. The northern half...
The paved Coyner Trail runs for about a mile between two community parks, both about 20 acres. On the southern end is Ponderosa Park, where there are...
COCC Shevlin Park Trail parallels Shevlin Park Road on a northwest course for nearly 2 miles. It brings trail-goers from northern Bend to Shevlin...
On the eastern end of Bend, lies the short East Bend Canal Trail. It begins in a residential area and offers access to a small community park called...
Cascade Highlands Trail runs just over 4 miles from Bend's west side towards Deschutes National Forest. It begins as a paved trail in a residential...
Although only about a mile long, the Colorado Trail runs between two trails with connections to well-loved outdoor experiences in the central Oregon...
Central Oregon Canal Trail offers 3 miles of trail on the southern end of Bend. A good place to begin your journey is Woodriver Park on the southern...
Haul Road Trail begins just east of the popular Skyline Sports Complex and continues for 3 miles southwest along Century Drive. The trail ends at the...
The paved Tetherow Trail winds for 3 miles in southwestern Bend towards the Willamette National Forest. It begins just west of the popular Skyline...
Download the TrailLink mobile app and take TrailLink with you!
Build trails nationwide + pick your FREE 2019 RTC member t-shirt!
Be Part of the Movement to Support the Great American Rail-Trail!
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
