Top 5 Natural Monuments in Manti-La Sal National Forest

Beyond the popular Lake Oowah, the forest is home to several other significant natural monuments. These include the iconic Bears Ears National Monument with its distinctive buttes and rich archaeological sites, the dramatic La Sal Mountains offering alpine escapes, and the remote Dark Canyon Wilderness, known for its deep canyons and solitude. The Abajo Mountains (Elk Ridge) also provide scenic beauty and cultural history.

Yes, Lake Oowah is a great family-friendly option, offering camping, a day-use area, and fishing opportunities. Additionally, the Bull Canyon Overlook and Dinosaur Track Site provides an engaging short trail to real dinosaur tracks, which can be exciting for children.

The Manti-La Sal National Forest boasts diverse geological features. You can find towering mountain ranges like the La Sal Mountains, deep sculpted sandstone cliffs and arches in the Dark Canyon Wilderness, and distinctive buttes at Bears Ears. The Bull Canyon Overlook even features ancient dinosaur tracks.

Absolutely. Bears Ears National Monument holds immense sacred significance for many Native American tribes and features ancient cliff dwellings and rock art. The Abajo Mountains (Elk Ridge) also contain Ancestral Puebloan structures and petroglyphs. The Dark Canyon Wilderness is another sensitive cultural landscape with archaeological value.

The Manti-La Sal National Forest offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can find excellent opportunities for road cycling, touring bicycle routes, and running trails. For example, explore routes like the Moab Canyon Pathway or the La Sal Mountains Lookout Point loop. You can find more details on these activities in the Road Cycling Routes, Cycling, and Running Trails guides for the region.

The best time to visit often depends on the specific monument and desired activity. The La Sal Mountains offer a cool, high-altitude escape from desert heat during summer, with lush alpine forests. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures for exploring lower elevation areas and archaeological sites. Winter can offer opportunities for backcountry skiing in the Abajo Mountains, but some areas may be less accessible due to snow.

Yes, several scenic drives offer breathtaking views. The La Sal Loop Road winds through the high mountain passes of the La Sal Mountains. The Abajo Loop State Scenic Backway climbs from desert floors to over 11,000 feet in the Abajo Mountains. Additionally, Skyline Drive on the Wasatch Plateau provides a popular scenic route known for birdwatching and expansive views.

Difficulty varies significantly. Some summits like Gold Knob, Green Mountain, and Pilot Mountain are considered challenging due to their elevation and exposure. In contrast, the trail to the dinosaur tracks at Bull Canyon Overlook is short and relatively easy. The Dark Canyon Wilderness offers challenging multi-day backpacking experiences.

You can reach several high points offering expansive views. Gold Knob, at 10,961 feet, provides clear views of the entire Moab area, including Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Pilot Mountain, at 12,200 feet, offers excellent views of Manns Peak and Mount Waas. Mount Peale in the La Sal Mountains is the highest point in the range at 12,721 feet.

Yes, the remote nature of areas like the Dark Canyon Wilderness provides incredible opportunities for stargazing. With minimal light pollution, the Milky Way is often visible, offering a truly spectacular night sky experience.

Visitors frequently appreciate the stunning panoramic views from summits like Gold Knob, which rewards uphill efforts with vistas of Dead Horse Point State Park, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park. The serene setting of Lake Oowah for camping and fishing is also highly valued. Many are also captivated by the unique historical elements, such as the dinosaur tracks at Bull Canyon Overlook.

Generally, permits are not required for day-use access to most natural monuments within the Manti-La Sal National Forest. However, specific activities like camping in designated campgrounds or certain wilderness areas might require permits or fees. It's always advisable to check with the U.S. Forest Service or local ranger district for the most current regulations, especially for remote areas like the Dark Canyon Wilderness.