If you’re visiting Moab for the red rock landscapes and national parks, the nearby La Sal Mountains might just be the surprise highlight of your trip. Rising dramatically above the desert floor, this alpine mountain range offers cooler temperatures, lush forests, scenic drives, and a totally different side of southeastern Utah. For guests staying at Whispering Oaks Lodging, the La Sals are an easy, rewarding day trip that pairs perfectly with time spent in Arches or Canyonlands.
What Are the La Sal Mountains?
The La Sal Mountains are part of the Manti–La Sal National Forest and sit just southeast of Moab. Unlike the surrounding desert, these mountains are volcanic in origin and reach elevations of nearly 13,000 feet, with Mount Peale being the tallest peak. Because of the elevation, the La Sals are typically 10–20 degrees cooler than Moab, making them a favorite escape during warmer months.
Visitors can expect a mix of pine and aspen forests, alpine lakes, meadows filled with wildflowers in summer, and expansive views that stretch from red rock canyons to distant mesas. It’s one of the most dramatic landscape contrasts in the region.
How Close Are the La Sals to Moab and the National Parks?
One of the best things about the La Sal Mountains is how accessible they are. From downtown Moab, most access points are only 20–30 minutes by car, depending on where you’re headed. The most popular way to explore is via the La Sal Mountain Loop Road, a paved scenic route that begins just south of town and loops through the mountains before descending into Castle Valley.
If you’re already visiting nearby parks, the La Sals fit easily into your itinerary. After exploring Arches National Park, you can be climbing into cooler mountain air within the hour. From Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky), the drive is similarly straightforward, making the La Sals a great same-day contrast to desert hiking and overlooks.
There are no entrance fees for the La Sal Mountains, and most roads are well-maintained during late spring through fall. Services are limited once you’re in the mountains, so plan ahead with water, snacks, and fuel.
What to Do in the La Sal Mountains
The most relaxed way to experience the area is simply by driving the La Sal Mountain Loop Road. This roughly 60-mile loop winds through forests, passes alpine lakes, and opens up to sweeping views of Castle Valley and the surrounding desert. Many visitors plan half a day so they can stop for photos, short walks, or a picnic along the way.
For those who want to stretch their legs, hiking opportunities range from easy forest strolls to challenging peak ascents. Trails like South Mountain, Pole Canyon, and Burlfriends Trail offer shaded hiking through aspens and pines, while more experienced hikers may seek routes toward Mount Peale or Mount Tukuhnikivatz. Because elevation gain can be significant, it’s important to pace yourself and bring layers, even in summer.
The La Sals are also a peaceful place to slow down. Alpine lakes such as Warner Lake and Oowah Lake are popular for picnicking and fishing, with some stocked seasonally with trout. Wildlife sightings are common, especially early in the morning or near dusk, and photographers love the way the mountains frame the desert below.
Picnics, and Quiet Corners
Warner Lake and Oowah Lake campgrounds are popular for their accessibility and scenic settings, while picnic areas like Pack Creek provide an easy stop without committing to an overnight stay.
Because weather can change quickly at higher elevations, always check conditions before heading up, especially in early spring or late fall. Snow can linger into early summer on shaded roads and trails.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
Late spring through early fall is ideal for most visitors, when roads are open and temperatures are comfortable. Summer is especially popular for escaping the heat of Moab. Winter visits are possible but more limited, with snow restricting access unless you’re prepared for winter travel.
Why Add the La Sals to Your Trip?
The La Sal Mountains offer balance. After hiking among arches and canyons, they provide shade, quiet, and a refreshing change of scenery, all without a long drive or complicated planning. Whether you’re looking for a scenic afternoon, a picnic in the pines, or a full day of hiking, the La Sals are an easy decision and a memorable addition to your Moab stay.