Bend, Oregon: Biking, Climbing, and Beer

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If you aren't a die-hard cyclist, you will most likely enjoy the comparatively easy pace of the route where the antelope roam—not to mention the deer and the bison (a.k.a. "buffalo"). It's good to keep in mind that this wildlife is indeed "wild"—as wild as the landscape surrounding them on this loop north of Jackson—so you should keep your distance (official word is 300 feet or more).

You can make this circuit in at least two ways: by heading out of town on your own (or with your own group), or by hiring a local shuttle and guide. As far as a shuttle drop-off point, Mailbox Corner is considered the beginning of the loop, about 12 miles north on Highways 26-89-191 (also known as the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Highway).

Whichever way you choose, turn east at the Gros Ventre Junction, five miles south of the Moose Junction on Highway 26-89-121. You will be in the small community of Kelly before you know it, because the scenery of Sheep Mountain in the east will lure you in.

If you have time, take the road to Gros Ventre Slide where the sign indicates"national forest access" to see where, in 1925, a section of Sheep Mountain slid off into the river and formed Lower Slide Lake.

Back on Antelope Flats Road, head north and rejoin Highway 26-89-191. A left at this point takes you back to Jackson (about 20 miles away), where you can rest up for your next tour on two wheels.