The best cycling routes in the La Sal Mountains

The La Sal Mountains offer a diverse range of terrain for touring cyclists. You'll encounter routes that contrast alpine forests and aspen groves with the surrounding red rock desert. Many paths feature significant elevation changes, ascending into cooler, lush environments and descending towards the Colorado River and Castle Valley. While the famous La Sal Mountain Loop Road is paved, some routes may include unpaved segments, providing varied challenges.

Yes, the La Sal Mountains offer routes for various ability levels. While many routes involve significant climbs, there are easier options. For instance, the Highway 141 via Gateway is an easy route, as is the Runway Trail. These routes typically have less elevation gain, making them more accessible.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, the La Sal Mountains provide several difficult routes with substantial elevation gains. The La Sal Mountains Lookout Point loop from Castle Valley is a difficult 27.9-mile route with over 1,100 meters of ascent. Another demanding option is the Courthouse Wash – Moab Canyon Pathway loop from Holiday Inn, which spans over 58 miles and features significant climbing.

The La Sal Mountains offer a refreshing escape from the desert heat, making spring, summer, and fall ideal for touring cycling. The alpine forests and aspen groves provide vibrant displays, especially in autumn. However, due to the high elevation, some routes may be inaccessible in winter. Always check local weather conditions before heading out, as temperatures can vary significantly between the mountain peaks and the lower desert areas.

Touring cycling in the La Sal Mountains offers panoramic views of red rock canyons, distant mesas, Castle Valley, Moab, and the winding Colorado River. You'll ride through alpine forests, extensive aspen groves, and meadows. Notable rock formations like the Priest and Nuns and Castle Rock are visible along routes such as the La Sal Mountain Loop Road. Additionally, you can find cooling pools and quiet waterfalls in canyons like Mill Creek, Negro Bill Canyon, and Professor Creek.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in the La Sal Mountains are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular example is the La Sal Mountains Lookout Point loop from Castle Valley. Another option is the Moab Brands Parking – Moab Canyon Pathway loop from Lions Park, which offers a moderate ride along the Moab Canyon Pathway.

The La Sal Mountains are close to several significant attractions. You can combine your cycling trip with visits to nearby Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Within these parks, you can explore stunning rock features such as North Window Arch, Turret Arch, and Double Arch. The area also features the Fisher Towers Trailhead and the impressive Ancient Art Tower.

While many routes in the La Sal Mountains involve significant elevation, some sections and pathways are more suitable for families. The Moab Brands Parking – Moab Canyon Pathway loop from Lions Park follows the Moab Canyon Pathway, offering a moderate ride with views of the red rock landscape and proximity to the Colorado River, which can be a good option for families.

Parking is generally available at various trailheads and access points around the La Sal Mountains and nearby Moab. For routes like the Moab Brands Parking – Moab Canyon Pathway loop from Lions Park, parking is often available near Lions Park or other designated areas in Moab. For routes ascending into the mountains, look for parking at specific lookout points or trail access areas.

The touring cycling routes in the La Sal Mountains are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 16 reviews. Cyclists often praise the dramatic landscapes, the striking contrast between alpine and desert environments, and the challenging yet rewarding climbs that offer breathtaking panoramic views.

While the La Sal Mountains themselves are more remote, the nearby town of Moab serves as an excellent base for cyclists. Moab offers a wide range of cafes, pubs, restaurants, and accommodation options, from hotels to campgrounds. It's advisable to plan your rides to start or end near Moab for convenient access to amenities.

Policies regarding dogs can vary depending on the specific trail or area. While some natural areas and national forests may allow dogs on leash, national parks like Arches and Canyonlands generally have restrictions on pets on trails. Always check the specific regulations for each route or area you plan to visit to ensure it is dog-friendly.