Things to Do in the La Sal Mountains
The La Sal Mountains, a region in southeastern Utah, offers a striking contrast to the surrounding desert landscape. Located approximately 20 miles south of Moab, this mountain range rises dramatically from the arid floor to alpine forests and granite peaks. This unique geography provides a diverse environment for outdoor activities, with cooler temperatures at higher elevations compared to the desert. The La Sal Mountains are a destination for several sports like hiking, jogging, mountain biking, touring cycling, and more.
Things…
114
Routes
4.7
(253)
Average rating
7118
People visited
5.0
(5)
395
riders
57.0km
04:10
620m
2,630m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
5.0
(2)
145
riders
29.9km
02:01
230m
1,210m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
5.0
(1)
100
riders
19.5km
01:27
150m
820m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(3)
233
riders
44.4km
03:23
440m
2,430m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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4.9
(43)
470
hikers
3.24km
00:57
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.9
(42)
439
hikers
3.18km
00:52
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
4.50km
01:28
190m
190m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
8.78km
02:23
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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247
runners
5.34km
00:50
160m
160m
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(1)
58
runners
7.69km
00:57
110m
110m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
runners
6.87km
00:56
220m
230m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
runners
12.2km
01:31
160m
160m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1
riders
30.4km
01:44
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.60km
00:32
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
24.9km
01:33
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.54km
00:19
60m
60m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
172
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
143
riders
103km
05:45
1,810m
1,810m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.0
(1)
74
riders
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5.0
(2)
51
riders
39.0km
02:00
230m
230m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(2)
17
riders
51.1km
03:20
640m
640m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
78.2km
05:43
1,490m
1,490m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
70.0km
05:17
1,010m
1,010m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in the La Sal Mountains?
The La Sal Mountains offer a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, jogging, mountain biking, touring cycling, road cycling, and gravel biking. The region features diverse landscapes, from arid desert to alpine forests and granite peaks. More than 70 routes are available across these sports.
What are the best hiking trails in the La Sal Mountains?
Popular hiking trails include South Mountain, Pole Canyon, and Burlfriends, which offer shaded paths through aspens and pines. More challenging routes lead to peaks like Mount Peale and Mount Tukuhnikivatz. For more information, explore the Hiking in the La Sal Mountains guide.
Are there mountain biking trails in the La Sal Mountains?
Yes, the La Sal Mountains are known for mountain biking, including the world-famous 'The Whole Enchilada' trail. This route descends over 7,000 feet (2,130 m) from alpine forest to red rock desert. Find more options in the MTB Trails in the La Sal Mountains guide.
What cycling routes are available in the La Sal Mountains?
Road cyclists can experience the challenging La Sal Mountains Loop Road, a 60-mile (97 km) scenic byway offering panoramic views and diverse landscapes. The region also has routes for touring cycling and gravel biking. Consult the Cycling in the La Sal Mountains guide for details.
Are there easy or family-friendly hikes in the La Sal Mountains?
The La Sal Mountains offer easy walks and family-friendly options suitable for various skill levels. These trails often provide shaded paths through forests. Specific routes can be found in the Easy hikes in the La Sal Mountains and Family-friendly hikes in the La Sal Mountains guides.
What unique geological features can be found in the La Sal Mountains?
The La Sal Mountains exhibit varied geological formations, including old sedimentary layers, metamorphic rocks, and crystalline igneous rocks. The range's distinct rounded peaks and domes are a result of laccolithic formations, where magma pushed up sedimentary layers without reaching the surface.
What are some scenic highlights or viewpoints in the La Sal Mountains?
The La Sal Mountains Loop Road offers panoramic views of canyons, cliffs, and peaks. Mount Peale, the highest point at 12,721 feet (3,877 m), provides extensive views of the surrounding Utah landscape, including Canyonlands National Park. Alpine lakes like Warner Lake and Oowah Lake are also popular scenic spots.
What is the best time to visit the La Sal Mountains?
The higher elevations of the La Sal Mountains provide cooler temperatures, often 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit (5-11 degrees Celsius) lower than Moab. This makes the area a popular retreat during warmer months. Fall foliage also offers a scenic experience.
Are permits required for hiking in the La Sal Mountains?
The La Sal Mountains are part of the Manti-La Sal National Forest. Generally, permits are not required for day hiking. However, it is advisable to check the official Manti-La Sal National Forest website for current regulations regarding specific activities or overnight stays.
How popular are the La Sal Mountains on komoot?
The La Sal Mountains are a popular destination on komoot, with more than 49,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The routes in the region have an average rating of 4.82 out of 5 stars from over 2,600 ratings.
Where can I find official information for the La Sal Mountains?
The La Sal Mountains are part of the Manti-La Sal National Forest. Official information can be found on the USDA Forest Service website at fs.usda.gov/mantilasal. For current conditions, contact the Moab Ranger District at (435) 259-7155.
Are there any guides available for running trails in the La Sal Mountains?
Yes, komoot offers a dedicated guide for running enthusiasts. The Running Trails in the La Sal Mountains guide provides information on suitable routes for jogging and trail running.
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