Pilot Butte summit road closes to vehicles for winter starting Nov. 2

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will close the Pilot Butte summit road to motorized vehicles for the winter season beginning at 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2.

The seasonal closure happens each year as winter weather creates unsafe driving conditions. The gate will remain closed through the winter and is expected to reopen in mid-April 2026, weather permitting.

While the summit road will be off-limits to vehicles, it will remain open year-round for pedestrians and non-motorized use, such as walking and cycling.

“We encourage pedestrians and those using non-motorized vehicles to use caution when accessing the road during winter because conditions can quickly become slick,” Park Manager Brian Vaughan said.