The fault-block mountains and broad valleys that make up the Steens Mountain area were formed 18 million years ago when the earth's crust began stretching east to west. This fault movement, which continues to this day, was followed by large volcanic flows of basalt and intensive climate changes. The Steens Mountain fault block stretches 60 miles, rises to an elevation of 9,700 feet and dramatically drops 5,500 feet in three miles to the historic lakebed of the Alvord Desert. These dramatic changes in altitude and topography bring with them an equally dramatic diversity of flora and fauna. Wet meadows, alpine shrub communities, and grasslands dot the region, while much of the area is sagebrush steppe, interspersed with juniper woodlands, aspen groves, and relic fir stands.
Wildflowers come alive in the spring, painting entire hillsides in shades of purple, yellow and red.
Three active wild horse herds are in the area, including the unique and highly prized Kiger Mustangs descended from Spanish mounts. The fossilized remains of sabertooth cats, mastodons, and giant camels attest to the faunal diversity in the past as well. The lakes and over 145 miles of stream that cross the Steens Mountain area are home to an abundant variety of fish species including the endangered Borax Lake Chub and the Lahontan cutthroat trout. The more elusive Ferruginous hawk, burrowing owl, and northern goshawk can also be seen flying over this diverse terrain. A small but important sage grouse population also calls this area home, and with its historic habitat in rapid decline, this population is regionally significant.