Most visitors to Central Oregon blow right through Redmond on their way to Bend or Sunriver, and honestly, that is part of the charm. While the crowds flock to the bigger-name destinations, Redmond quietly keeps one of the region’s most surprising outdoor treasures all to itself: Dry Canyon. This 3.8-mile paved trail drops you into a genuine volcanic canyon right in the middle of town, weaving past lava formations, native wildflowers, and wildlife you would expect to see miles from civilization — not steps from a coffee shop.
If you have not walked the Dry Canyon trail yet, consider this your official nudge. It is free, it is gorgeous, and it is open year-round.
A Canyon Born from Fire
Dry Canyon is not your average city park. The canyon itself was carved by ancient lava flows from the massive Newberry volcano, with walls composed of volcanic material roughly 400,000 years old. Walking through it feels a bit like hiking on another planet — layers of rust-colored rock and basalt columns rise on either side while sagebrush and juniper cling to the slopes above. The geological story written in those walls is one of fire, eruption, and slow transformation, and it gives the trail a dramatic quality you simply will not find on typical urban walking paths.
The canyon runs roughly north-to-south through Redmond, cutting a rugged green seam through the neighborhoods on either side. Multiple access points let you hop on wherever is convenient, and the paved surface makes the trail accessible to strollers, wheelchairs, and cyclists alike.
What to Expect on the Trail
The Dry Canyon trail stretches 3.8 miles with a gentle elevation change of about 137 feet — manageable for just about anyone. The wide, paved surface maintains rolling grades between one and four percent, making it one of the most accessible trails in Central Oregon. Plan about 90 minutes for a leisurely end-to-end walk, or cut it shorter by entering at any of the numerous access points along the way.
Beyond the main paved path, several short singletrack mountain biking trails branch off into the canyon walls for riders and hikers looking for a little more ruggedness. These side trails offer a different perspective on the canyon geology, with up-close views of the lava formations and native plant communities that thrive in the high desert environment.
Wildlife Worth Watching
Dry Canyon punches well above its weight for urban wildlife viewing. Keep your eyes peeled for the colony of yellow-bellied marmots that has made the rocky canyon walls home — they are bold, curious, and make for excellent photo opportunities. Early mornings and late evenings bring out coyotes, mule deer, and cottontail rabbits, while red-tailed hawks and kestrels patrol the skies overhead. During spring, the canyon floor erupts with wildflowers — balsamroot, lupine, and desert paintbrush paint the volcanic rock in unexpected color.
Amenities and Access
The trail is well-equipped with restrooms, picnic areas, and water refill stations scattered throughout its length. The most accessible trailhead sits at Bowlby Park, about one mile from the trail’s southern tip, with ample parking and a clear trail map kiosk. Dogs are welcome but must stay on leash at all times.
The northern section of the trail connects to residential neighborhoods near Redmond High School, while the southern end tapers near the Deschutes County Fairgrounds. For the best experience, start at one of the central access points where the canyon walls are tallest and the geological features most impressive.
More Than Just a Trail
Dry Canyon is a perfect introduction to what makes Redmond special. This is a city where outdoor recreation is not something you drive an hour to find — it is literally in your backyard. The trail connects to a broader vision of Redmond as a community that values livability, access to nature, and the kind of high-desert beauty that first drew settlers to this part of Oregon generations ago.
Pair your canyon walk with a stop at one of Redmond’s growing number of restaurants and cafes along Sixth Street, and you have got yourself a perfect Central Oregon afternoon without ever getting on Highway 97.
Dry Canyon Trail: Common Questions
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About Chance & Tianna
Team Homeward Found · Realty One Group Discovery
Chance and Tianna Jackson are a husband-and-wife real estate team serving Bend, Sunriver, Three Rivers, La Pine, Redmond, Prineville, Tumalo, and Sisters. Between military roots, marketing expertise, and years of investing in Central Oregon, they guide retirees, families, Veterans, and investors through buying, selling, and relocating with a level of care that only locals can offer.
Chance Jackson
Oregon Realtor® · Top Producer
(503) 816-2780
Mr.ChanceJackson@gmail.com
MLS #201227270
Tianna Waite-Jackson
Oregon Realtor®
(503) 207-8636
Ms.TiannaJackson@gmail.com
MLS #2012482478