The 270,600-acre Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, established in 1936, was created to conserve remnant herds of pronghorn antelope. The pronghorn, the fastest land animal in North America, can reach speeds of over 60 miles per hour (96 km/h). Interestingly, the African cheetah, the fastest mammal in the world, can achieve speeds up to 61 miles per hour (98 km/h), just slightly faster than the pronghorn.

In addition to pronghorn, the refuge protects 69 species of mammals and 246 species of birds, including California bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes, and sage-grouse.

The Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge offers breathtaking scenery and a wide range of activities, including wildlife observation, hiking, camping, rockhounding, and soaking in the geothermal springs.

Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge Adventures

Hiking

The open terrain of the refuge provides a great opportunity for hiking but trails are not maintained. However, two-track and dirt roads can be used instead of established trails.

Popular hikes include those to DeGarmo Canyon, Barnhardi Cabin, and Warner Peak, which start from the south end of the Hot Springs Campground.

For a unique experience, hike to Petroglyph Lake, one of Oregon’s most significant petroglyph sites. The lake features about 65 petroglyph panels along its western rim, depicting animals, people, and abstract figures such as circles, lines, and waves.

The Petroglyph Lake Trailhead is located on Hart Mountain Road, 1 mile northeast of the Refuge Visitor Center. From the trailhead marked "Petroglyph Lake," it’s a 1.6-mile hike to the lake.

GPS (Petroglyph Lake Trailhead): N 42°33.371' W 119°40.316' | 42.556182, -119.671925

GPS (Petroglyph Lake): N 42°34.677' W 119°40.452' | 42.577949, -119.6742

Soaking in Hart Mountain Hot Springs

Accessible all year round, Hart Mountain Hot Springs are are a collection of hot mineral springs offering excellent soaking opportunities at an elevation of 6,000 feet. The main hot spring is surrounded by rustic stone walls protecting those within from the chills of the cold winds. Another smaller undeveloped pool is located 100 yards away.

Hart Mountain Hot Springs: High Desert Adventure

Fishing

The offers excellent opportunities for trout fishing at Rock Creek, Guano Creek, and Warner Pond. Warner Pond is wheelchair accessible, allows non-motorized boats, and features a floating dock.

Wildlife Viewing & Photography

As primarily an animal refuge, Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is ideal for wildlife observation. Popular species include pronghorn antelope, California bighorn sheep, and sage-grouse.

For photographing near sage-grouse leks between March 1 and June 1, a special use permit is required. Additionally, permits are necessary for any commercial photography or video productions. Visit the Refuge website to apply for these permits.

Camping

Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is an excellent location for camping, with options available year-round for up to 14 days at designated campgrounds:

Camp Hart Mountain:  Offers 8 campsites suitable for trailers, with vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, generators, and wheelchair accessibility.

Hot Springs Campground: Features 25 campsites for trailers up to 24 feet, with vault toilets, fire rings, generators, and wheelchair accessibility.

Post Meadows: Includes 4 campsites suitable for trailers, with vault toilets. Activities such as fishing and horseback riding are available.

Guano Creek: Open for camping from August 1 to December 1, with 10 campsites, vault toilets, and wheelchair accessibility. Fishing is also available.

Backcountry Camping: Requires a self-issued permit, which can be obtained at the Refuge Headquarters or online.

Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge Map

Open: Year-round
Managed by: US Fish & Wildlife Service
Acreage: 278, 600 acres

Amenities: Visitor center, pit toilets at campgrounds
Activities: Camping, hiking, soaking, rockhounding, fishing, and wildlife observing
Accommodations: Campground sites

Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any vehicle
Day-use fees: None

Lowest elevation: 4,470 ft (1,362 m) at Base of Poker Jim Ridge
Highest elevation: 8,017 ft (2,244 m)  at Warner Peak

Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge is located:

• 67 miles northeast of Lakeview
• 112 miles southwest of Burns
• 386 miles northeast of Portland.