About La Sal Mountains
 
 
 
- About La Sal Mountains -
 
If you are looking for a scenic and adventurous destination in Utah, you might want to consider the La Sal Mountains. These mountains are part of the Manti-La Sal National Forest and the southern Rocky Mountains, and they offer a variety of outdoor activities for all seasons and skill levels.

The La Sal Mountains are located in Grand and San Juan counties, along the border with Colorado. They rise above and southeast of Moab, a popular town for exploring the red rock landscape of Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. The La Sal Mountains are the second highest mountain range in Utah, with peaks reaching nearly 13,000 feet above sea level. The highest peak is Mount Peale, which has an elevation of 12,721 feet.

The La Sal Mountains were formed by igneous intrusions that pushed up the surrounding sedimentary rocks about 25 to 28 million years ago. The name of the range dates back to Spanish times, when they were called Sierra La Sal, meaning the "Salt Mountains". The range contains three clusters of peaks separated by passes, and spans a distance of about 10 miles.

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the La Sal Mountains is to drive along the La Sal Mountain Loop Road, a paved scenic backway that starts on US 191, six miles south of Moab, and winds north over the mountains through Castle Valley, ending at Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway U-128. The loop road offers spectacular views of the forested heights of the mountains and the contrasting red rock canyons below. The loop road is about 60 miles long and takes about three hours to complete. Note that some hairpin turns on the Castle Valley side of the route are unsuitable for very large RVs.

Another way to enjoy the La Sal Mountains is to hike or mountain bike on one of the many trails that crisscross the range. You can find trails for all levels of difficulty and length, from easy strolls to challenging climbs. Some of the popular trails include Burro Pass Trail, Gold Basin Trail, Geyser Pass Trail, and Moonlight Meadows Trail. You can also find great trout fishing in several lakes and streams throughout the mountains, such as Warner Lake, Oowah Lake, Dark Canyon Lake, and Beaver Creek.

If you are looking for a place to camp in the La Sal Mountains, you can choose from several campgrounds that offer toilets, picnic tables, and fire grills. Some of the campgrounds require reservations, while others are first-come, first-served. Some of the campgrounds include Warner Lake Campground, Oowah Lake Campground, Mason Draw Campground, and Buckeye Reservoir Campground.

The La Sal Mountains are a year-round destination, with different activities and scenery for each season. In spring and summer, you can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and wildlife watching. In fall, you can admire the changing colors of the aspens and other trees. In winter, you can try snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or snowmobiling.

The La Sal Mountains are a hidden gem in Utah that offer a diverse and stunning landscape for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you want to drive along the scenic loop road, hike or bike on one of the trails, fish in one of the lakes or streams, or camp under the stars, you will find something to suit your taste and ability in this mountain range. Don't miss this opportunity to explore one of Utah's most beautiful natural attractions.