Things to Do in the Abajo Mountains

The Abajo Mountains offer a range of outdoor activities including hiking, touring cycling, and jogging. The region features diverse landscapes from desert to alpine forests, providing varied environments for exploration.

Popular hiking routes include the Robertson Pasture Trail to Spring Creek Trail loop, a difficult 14.7-mile (23.7 km) route, and the Shay Ridge Trail to Red Ledges Trail loop, a challenging 13.1-mile (21.1 km) path. These trails offer views of the surrounding desert and mountain ranges. For more options, explore Hiking in the Abajo Mountains.

Yes, the Abajo Mountains offer trails suitable for families. The Loyd's Lake Loop is a 2.5-mile (4 km) walking trail that is generally flat and suitable for an easy outing. More family-friendly options can be found in the Family-friendly hikes in the Abajo Mountains guide.

Abajo Peak is the highest point in the range, standing at 11,368 feet (3,465 meters). A road accessible seasonally by high-clearance vehicles leads to the top, offering expansive views of the surrounding desert and distant mountain ranges.

Scenic drives like the Abajo Loop and Elk Ridge Road Scenic Backway provide opportunities for touring cyclists. These routes offer views of Canyonlands National Park and southeastern Utah. Discover more in the Traffic-free bike rides in the Abajo Mountains guide.

Many hiking trails and forest roads within the Manti-La Sal National Forest are suitable for jogging. The Loyd's Lake Loop, a 2.3-mile (3.7 km) dirt walking trail, is ideal for a jog. For more options, refer to the Running Trails in the Abajo Mountains guide.

The Abajo Mountains feature diverse ecosystems, from high desert to alpine forests with aspen, fir, and ponderosa pine. Notable features include small alpine lakes like Loyd's Lake, and unique laccolithic mountain formations. The area is also home to diverse plant and animal life.

The Abajo Mountains are part of the Manti-La Sal National Forest. Generally, dogs are allowed on trails within the National Forest, but it is always recommended to check specific trail regulations and keep dogs leashed.

Day hiking in the Abajo Mountains, which are within the Manti-La Sal National Forest, typically does not require specific permits. However, regulations can change, so it is advisable to check with the Forest Service for the latest information.

The Abajo Mountains region features more than 30 routes across various sports. Over 11,000 visitors have shared their experiences, resulting in an average rating of 4.84 out of 5 stars for the routes in this area.

Komoot offers several guides for the Abajo Mountains, including Hiking in the Abajo Mountains, Family-friendly hikes in the Abajo Mountains, and Running Trails in the Abajo Mountains.

As the Abajo Mountains are largely managed within the Manti-La Sal National Forest, official information can be found on the Forest Service website: fs.usda.gov/mantilasal. The Monticello Office of the Manti-La Sal National Forest can be reached at 435-587-2041.