The elevation ranges from 2,850 to 6,483 feet (869 to 1,976 m). There are about 17 miles (27 km) of developed trail; 80 percent of the wilderness has a grade exceeding 30 percent, typically steep canyons and sharp ridges.[2] Three sides of the canyon reach elevations to 6,000 feet (1,829 m), while waters in the gorge have downcut through basalt lava, emptying into the South Fork John Day at 2,800 feet (853 m).[1][3]