Little Brother

Development Route / ~ Bend, Oregon / Published: Jun 2025 / Directions

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Leading out!

The parking area

Route:

Loop | 37 mi

Gain:

1,700 ft

Surface:

100% gravel

Technical Difficulty:

Moderate

Max Gradient:

+5% / -5%

Sustained Gradient:

5% over 0.8 miles

Climb Ratio:

0.5

Effort:

2 (out of 5)

Navigation:

Straightforward

Locale:

Remote

Tire Suggestion:

45 mm+

Options:

Longer

This route is part of the Brother series – Little Brother, Half Brother, Big Brother. All starting near the ghost town of Brothers, Oregon and looping into the Maury Mountains or in the case of this route, skirting the southern boundary of the Maury Mountains (part of the Ochoco National Forest).

You will experience rolling farmlands, desert sage, colorful rhyolite and basalt cliffs, and flowing creeks.

—

We’ve ridden this entire route, and it’s fantastic—definitely 5 stars! However, we have yet to secure the funding and resources needed to fully document it. That’s why it carries the Development Route tag. Some key elements may be missing or limited, such as ride photos, videos and podcasts, the “Love Where You Ride” and “Keep it Local” features, and detailed points of interest.

If you’ve already donated to Dirty Freehub, thank you! Your support makes this work possible. If not, we invite you to support our mission. Your contribution helps us continue providing high-quality, free route guides for the gravel cycling community.

Tried the route? Share your experience in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!

Map

Brown = gravel / dirt road

Blue = single track

Red = paved road

Purple = paved bike path

GPX Download

(Version 0.1)

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Ride Details

When We Like to Ride This

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Not Rideable

Possibly Rideable

Rideable

We like this route in late spring and early summer when the creeks are running full, the sage is intense green, the grasses are tall and the flowers are in bloom. The route rides well for the most part from mid-April to early November. If you go early or late in the riding window, check snow levels as the route peaks out at 5000 feet.

During the months of July and August, go early. The heat can be intense and there is little to no tree cover, you are exposed.

Avoid during windy days.

The Start

Lat / Long: 43.872560, -120.487960

At the intersection of Camp Creek Road, where the pavement ends, and Merrill Road, approximately 12 miles northeast of Brothers, Oregon.

Notes & Options

Route Notes

You may come across cattle grazing freely along the route. Before you ride into the herd like a gravel cowboy, take a moment to check out our resource page on Cows—it’s full of tips for passing safely.

A few things to consider before approaching: Is there a bull in the bunch? Any protective mommas with young calves? These factors matter.

The worst approach? Charging through the herd while whooping and hollering like it’s a rodeo. That only stresses the animals and can lead to unpredictable (and unsafe) behavior. A calm, measured approach is best. Sometimes you may even need to stop, remove your helmet and sunglasses so you look more human, and walk your bike past the herd.

Think about it: If a pack of six strange creatures with giant heads, bug eyes, and four spinning limbs (two wheels + two legs) came speeding toward you… wouldn’t you be tempted to run—or fight?

Route Options

Longer Options
Half Brother and Big Brother. Yet to be published.

Comments

Have you ridden this route? Got a question? Join the discussion!

Help Make this Guide Better!

At Dirty Freehub, we believe the best routes are organic and driven by the riding community. This route and guide are still a work in progress, and we need your help to make them great!

Provide us with route feedback, both good and bad.

Let us know about points of interest and viewpoints,
Submit pictures and videos,
Suggest a best time to ride,
Let us know about a better or alternative option,
And tell us about your favorite place to go after the ride for a burger and beer.

Submit your feedback via the comments block (tab just above map).

Thanks!
Team Dirty Freehub

Be Informed!

Cows!

This route crosses through open grazing lands where you may encounter cows and cattle. Learn how to handle this situation the right way. Whooping and hollering are not it!!