Most travelers headed to Moab have their sights set on Arches or Canyonlands, and understandably so. But just northeast of town, tucked between the Colorado River and the La Sal Mountains, sits one of the most photogenic valleys in the American Southwest. Castle Valley, Utah is the kind of place that makes you pull over and get out of the car. If you are staying anywhere near Moab, including Whispering Oaks Ranch, this detour deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Where Is Castle Valley?
Castle Valley sits about 16 miles northeast of Moab. The most popular way to reach it is along Highway 128, often called the River Road, which winds beside the Colorado River beneath towering red rock cliffs. Many visitors consider this stretch of highway one of the most scenic drives in Utah, and the valley itself is the payoff at the end.
The town of Castle Valley is tiny, home to only a few hundred residents spread across ranch properties and quiet lanes. There are no gas stations, restaurants, or shops here, and that is exactly the point. Step back in time, slow down and take in the landscape.
The Landmarks You Cannot Miss
The valley’s most famous feature is Castleton Tower, a 400 foot sandstone spire rising from a cone shaped talus base. It is one of the most recognized rock climbing destinations in the world, and even if you never touch the rock, it is a stunning sight at sunrise or sunset when the stone glows deep orange.
Nearby stand the Priest and Nuns, a jagged formation whose silhouette resembles a robed figure leading a procession. Together with Castleton Tower, these formations have appeared in countless films, commercials, and photographs over the decades. Hollywood discovered this valley long ago, and once you see it in person, you will understand why.
A short drive farther up Highway 128 brings you to the Fisher Towers, another cluster of otherworldly spires with a well maintained hiking trail at their base.
Drive the La Sal Mountain Loop
Here is the best part for anyone staying in the mountains above Moab. Castle Valley is one end of the La Sal Mountain Loop, a roughly 60 mile scenic byway that climbs from the red rock desert into cool alpine forests of aspen and pine. The loop connects Castle Valley to Moab through the high country, which means you can turn your detour into a full circle drive.
The contrast is unforgettable. In a single afternoon you pass from river canyons to sandstone towers to mountain meadows sitting thousands of feet higher. In autumn, the aspens turn gold against the red rock below, creating one of Utah’s most underrated fall color drives.
Tips for Your Visit
Plan for two to three hours if you are simply driving and stopping for photos, or a full day if you add the Fisher Towers hike or the complete mountain loop. Mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography. Bring water and snacks, since there are no services in the valley, and check road conditions in winter, when the upper sections of the loop can close due to snow.
Stay Close to the Scenery
One of the joys of staying at Whispering Oaks Ranch in the La Sal Mountains is that Castle Valley is practically in the neighborhood. The loop road puts this remarkable valley, the Colorado River corridor, and Moab’s national parks all within easy reach of your cabin door. Take the detour. It is worth every mile.