Look to the La Sals

The La Sal Mountains on the eastern skyline, with treeless 12,721ft summits that collect snow from fall through spring, provide a surprising backdrop to Moab.

Manti-La Sal National Forest
www.fs.fed.us/r4/mantilasal
Moab Ranger District: (435) 259-7155

Summer and Fall Adventures

The snow is usually visible on the higher summits of the mountains into July. Legend has it that the La Sal Mountains were named by Silvestre Vélez de Escalante, the Spanish missionary and explorer who saw them during his expedition through Utah in the summer of 1776. He called them Sierra La Sal, “Salt Mountains,” because he thought it unlikely they could be covered with snow in the summer.

An Incredible Road

The La Sal range provides a perfect place to escape the summer heat. Take La Sal Mountain Loop Road Scenic Byway that leaves US Hwy 191 six miles south and east of Moab and climbs the west side of the La Sals. The road descends through Castle Valley where it meets Utah Hwy 128, which you can take back to Moab.

The loop is 64 miles and the climb is steep with narrow switchbacks, but the views are spectacular. The road winds its way through thick aspen and fir forests upward to above 10,000ft from where you can look down on Moab and the Spanish Valley.

Exciting Trail Adventures

Numerous trails provide good hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding from late spring to mid-autumn. Always check for fire bans in the mountains, which can change frequently with weather and drought conditions.

Winter Adventures

In winter, the same trails are used by cross-country skiers and snowmobilers. Geyser Pass Winter Trailhead is the highest-elevation, winter-sport starting point for snowshoeing, skate skiing and classic cross-country skiing.

Hut Trips

Consider an overnight stay in a winter hut. Contact Tag-A-Long, 800-453-3292, www.tagalong.com.

Winter Road and Snow Conditions

Grand County Road Department does an excellent job of keeping the road open to Geyser Pass Trailhead. However, before heading into the La Sals, especially if you are venturing into steep backcountry terrain, take a moment to contact the Manti-La Sal Avalanche Center, www.avalanche.org (click on Moab on the map) or call (435) 259-SNOW (7669). The Avalanche Center puts out avalanche and mountain weather advisories. Be forewarned: avalanches in the La Sal Mountains can be deadly.

Note: You can calculate a decrease of about five degrees Fahrenheit for each 1,000ft elevation gain. This means a potential temperature drop of about 40 degrees as you climb from Moab up the La Sal Mountains. Plan what you wear and carry it accordingly!