Things to do nearLa Sal Mountains
The La Sal Mountains in southeastern Utah rise dramatically above canyon country, offering alpine meadows, dense forests, and sweeping views of red rock desert below.
The La Sal Mountains are a laccolith range, formed when magma pushed upward through sandstone layers millions of years ago. Their dramatic elevation, topping out near Mount Peale at over 12,700 feet, makes them visible from great distances across the Colorado Plateau.
Hikers and mountain bikers find well-worn trails through spruce and fir forest, opening onto ridgelines with unobstructed views of Arches National Park and the canyon maze of Canyonlands. In winter, backcountry skiers seek out the range's reliable snowpack.
The surrounding area carries a long human history, with Ancestral Puebloan and Ute peoples having used these mountains for hunting and seasonal shelter for centuries. Spanish explorers gave the range its name, meaning "the salt" in reference to nearby salt deposits.
Whether you arrive in the bloom of summer or the gold of autumn, the La Sal Mountains offer a rare combination of alpine solitude and desert panorama that makes them one of the most rewarding natural destinations in Utah.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting La Sal Mountains
Visit in late September to catch the aspen trees at peak golden color, one of the most vivid fall displays in Utah.
Bring layers even in summer, as temperatures at elevation can drop sharply in the afternoon and thunderstorms are common.
Take the La Sal Mountain Loop Road for accessible scenic driving that connects forested highlands with views of the canyon country below.
Watch for mule deer and elk in the early morning hours along meadow edges near the upper trailheads.
Start hikes early to avoid afternoon lightning, which builds quickly over the peaks during summer monsoon season.
Top tours & experiences near La Sal Mountains
Drive a UTV on Hell’s Revenge Trail in Moab
Drive a 4x4 UTV on Hell’s Revenge with a guide-led small group
Sunset Zip Line Tour in Moab
Ride a 4x4 UTV to sunset views, then zip line and cross a 100-foot bridge
Half-Day Fisher Towers Rafting Tour
Paddle splashy Colorado River rapids beneath the Fisher Towers
Fisher Towers Full-Day Rafting Tour From Moab
Paddle Colorado River rapids past canyon towers with a riverside lunch
Explore Moab on a 2-Hour Hummer Tour
Ride a Hummer across Moab’s redrock fins to Hell’s Revenge viewpoints
Guided 4x4 Trail Tour in Moab
Follow a pro guide on Moab 4x4 trails with half- or full-day options
Moab Canyoneering Tour to Long Bow Arch
Rappel through Bow and Arrow Canyon to dinosaur tracks and Long Bow Arch
Kokopelli Trail Bike Shuttle From Moab
Connect Moab with Fruita or Grand Junction for your Kokopelli Trail ride
Guided 9-14 Mile Mountain Bike Tour at Dead Horse Point
Ride red rock trails with a private guide and Canyonlands views
Moab Vanderhall Roadster Rental
Cruise Moab's canyon roads in a turbocharged Vanderhall
Moab Hell's Revenge 4x4 Tour With Hells Gate
Ride Hells Gate and take in red-rock views on Hell's Revenge
Hells Revenge Off-Road Tour in Moab
Tackle Hells Revenge's named obstacles with Colorado River views
16-Mile Guided Mountain Bike Tour in Moab
Technical slickrock, flowy singletrack, and guide-led line coaching
30-Mile Guided Mountain Bike Tour in Moab
Build confidence on Moab's beginner-friendly red rock trails
Private Raptor Route Mountain Bike Tour in Moab
Tackle four Moab trails with private line-choice coaching
Moab 4-Hour Beginner Canyoneering Tour
Rappel into a water-filled canyon on a beginner-friendly Moab adventure