ORBDR Route Updates
Updated May 21, 2026
Join our Facebook Group for more route updates.
Visit the official ORBDR Facebook Group page for ride reports, photos, and discussions with other riders in your area HERE
Winter is Coming: Check snow levels with our interactive map
With winter upon us, weather and route conditions can change rapidly. Before you go, be sure and use our Interactive Map to view estimated snow levels on each of our routes.
- Click HERE to access the main interactive map page.
- Click on the LAYERS icon in the top right of the window.
- Select SNOW DEPTH to view estimated current snow levels.
- Zoom into the area of your choosing to view the estimated snow depth.
- Explore the other features of our interactive map to plan your next BDR experience.
- See attached screenshots for reference.
May 21, 2026
New Tracks Available for Download
A new version of the ORBDR tracks is available labeled ORBDR-May2026
In addition to the significant revisions changes listed in the previous post, this update includes a slight change to Section 2:
- A previous portion of the route has been revised east of Thompson Reservoir to bypass a section of highly degraded terrain.
See attached screenshots for reference.
Purchase the updated official map for the ORBDR HERE
Always download the latest version of the GPS tracks just before you go HERE
November 11, 2025
New Tracks Available for Download – Major Updates!
A new version of the ORBDR tracks is available labeled ORBDR-Nov2025
This update marks a significant and exciting change to the Oregon BDR.
- Sections 1-3 have now been completely redesigned and are brand new! More on that below.
- Plus, a new addition to Section 7 to include a great portion of Barlow Wagon Road.
Why the Change?
As an organization, we strive to deliver the best riding opportunities for our community, and the all-new revisions to the first three sections of the ORBDR are certainly no exception.
After releasing the ORBDR, riders faced logistical challenges with the original Sections 1-3 often being closed due to wildfire travel restrictions on BLM land and the Hart Mtn Wildlife Refuge. This, and the higher temperatures in the southern Oregon desert meant a very short window to safely ride the entire route from start to finish.
The newly revised Sections 1-3 start and remain in higher elevation National Forests to match a similar climate to the northern sections. This will ensure a more predictable and consistent riding season to run the entire route, whereas in the past by the time the northern sections opened in the Cascades after snowmelt, the southern three sections were too hot with temperatures over 100F and often closed for the remainder of the season, and deep sand was possible creating more difficult riding conditions. Given that the new sections start at a higher elevation, riders can expect to ride the entire updated route between mid-June and mid-October, depending on snowfall.
We as an organization love the original three sections, and our community can rest assured they will not go to waste. We are actively working on a brand new BDR-X in southeastern Oregon that will use the best parts of the original three sections combined with the best parts of the current Steens/Alvord BDR-X to create a brand-new longer and more comprehensive loop-style route in this region.
While we will no longer be advising on route conditions or publishing the original three sections as part of the ORBDR track file downloads, those roads and areas remain public and available to ride, and if you choose to venture into this area be mindful of the extreme summer heat and potential closures.
Creating the best routes for our community to ride while enabling a strong economic impact to small communities is our number one goal, and we’re delighted to release this significant change in an effort to do just that.
- See attached screenshots for reference.
- Visit the main ORBDR page HERE to read about each new section. More information, photos, and video coming soon…
- Purchase the official ORBDR map which now includes the addendum map for the new sections 1-3 HERE
- Always download the latest version of the GPS tracks just before you go HERE
OLD Sections 1-3: High Fire Danger – Travel Restrictions now Imposed
With extreme heat in southern Oregon, travel restrictions around Hart Mountain Refuge and Lakeview BLM may be imposed during the summer.
**This update applies to the previous version of the ORBDR route prior to the revised route tracks posted Nov2025 ***
Please do your part to keep wild landscapes and rural communities safe from fire!
Remember you can be held financially liable for wildfire ignition, even if accidental. Know the risks and act accordingly.
- Avoid Dry Grass: Never park, drive, or idle on dry grass or brush, especially during the hot, dry months.
- Carry a Fire Extinguisher in your vehicle and know how to use it.
- Stay on Established Routes & Roads: This is especially important in hot and dry conditions.
- Tow Responsibly: Prevent metal tow chains or car parts from dragging and throwing sparks.
- Mind Your Butts: Make sure to avoid smoking, dropping ash or butts in vegetated areas.
During periods of extreme fire risk, there are specific requirements you must follow.
- When In Place, Respect Fire Restrictions HERE
- Campfires: Campfires may be completely prohibited during the summer and fall.
- Route Choice: During periods of high fire danger, driving on roads with a vegetated center strip may be prohibited.
- Fire-prevention Supplies: Seasonal restrictions may require each vehicle to carry a shovel and gallon of water.
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All motorized vehicles – including vehicles and ORUVs and motorcycles – must comply with the attached Public Use Restriction regulations while operating on Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge in Oregon and Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge in Nevada. The restrictions apply to all Lakeview District Bureau of Land Management administered lands as well (Lakeview Interagency Fire Center (scofmp.org)). Failure to comply may result in civil or criminal penalties.
Conditions in this part of the state are Extreme and risk to wildfire is significant.
- Click HERE to learn more about current closures and restrictions/requirements.
- See attached Public Use Restrictions (PUR) sheet for rules and regulations.
- We realize it would be nearly impossible for a motorcycle to meet these requirements.
- As such, Sections 1-3 of the ORBDR may be considered CLOSED during periods of high fire danger to protect this fragile landscape in a critical time.
- Riders should consider starting in Sunriver.
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