The Bandit Springs Ski Trails originate from the Bandit Springs Rest Area on Highway 26 about 30 miles east of Prineville. Winter Sno-Park Permits are required.

These trails are located on the Lookout Ranger District of the Ochoco National Forest and are maintained by the Ochoco Chapter of the Oregon Nordic Club. The trails are designed for beginners to advanced skiers. If you have any comments or suggestions, please contact the Big Summit Ranger District at (541) 416-6645.

The Nordic Club offers frequent tours for this and other Nordic ski areas in the Ochoco Mountains. To join one of these tours or for current ski trail information contact the club at: (541) 447-5505, or e-mail at skiandsew@coinet.com.

A map of the trail system is in Bandit Map. Trail junctions are labeled with a letter starting with "M" on the north through "Z' on the south. Nearly all trail junctions are marked with a map board showing the letter designation for that junction.

Several trails and route to the shelter are described below.

PONDEROSA LOOP

1.7 miles EASY The loop starts and ends at the rest area so go in either direction. It goes through open pine stands and is mostly flat with a few short easy hills.

McGINIS CREEK LOOP

4.2 miles MORE DIFFICULT The trail leaves the Ponderosa Loop at junction 'V' about 0.1 miles north of the Rest Area and goes south to McGinnis Creek. The more challenging part is from junction "S" to "N'. This can be bypassed by taking the Easy Trail east from junction 'S".

OCHOCO WAY

3.5 miles MOST DIFFICULT

The trail takes off the Ponderosa Loop at junction "P" and goes north crossing Forest Road 27 and a foot bridge. Terrain is variable with several steep hills. Traveling in this direction the trail goes by the shelter before connecting with the rest of the trail system.

SHELTER

The shelter is about 1.8 miles from the rest area and can best be reached by following the Ponderosa Loop north to the Easy Trail, at junction "U', then west to next junction "T" then north by "Q", "0", "N". and "M'. Many junctions have signs as well as map boards. This route is suitable for intermediate skiers. The shelter has three sides with one side open and is usually stocked with wood for the wood stove.

NOTE: The Rest Area is at 4500 feet with a south exposure and will sometimes not have snow during the winter even when there is snow on many of the trails. When this happens, drive northeast on Highway 26 toward the summit, about I/2 mile to the 27 road. There is often snow here, or you can drive up this road until you reach snow {if you are equipped for winter driving) . The 27 road goes up to over 6,000 feet elevation.

OTHER. The View Point, at 6181 feet, off the 27 road is another ski destination for experienced skiers. It is about 6 miles each way and requires backcountry skiing experience. Local maps are available from the Forest Service or local sporting goods stores.

ALWAYS CARRY WINTER SURVIVAL GEAR AND BE SURE SOMEONE KNOWS WHERE YOU ARE GOING AND WHEN YOU PLAN TO RETURN.

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