La Sal Mountain Loop Road
A scenic mountain loop near Moab, Utah, offering alpine forests, wildflowers, and stunning vistas, a refreshing escape from the desert.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, wildflowers bloom
La Sal Mountain Loop Road
Best Time
Cooler temps, wildflowers bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic mountain loop near Moab, Utah, offering alpine forests, wildflowers, and stunning vistas, a refreshing escape from the desert.
"Awesome drive!! Some of the most beautiful scenery in Utah."
Check Road Conditions First
Roads can be unpaved and snowy. Always check conditions before heading out! :warning:
Pack Layers of Clothing
Temperatures vary greatly from Moab to the mountain peaks. Be prepared for anything! :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Alpine Vistas
Various pull-offs along the loop
Experience a dramatic shift from desert to alpine, with lush forests and cool mountain air.
Wildflower Displays
Higher elevations
In summer, meadows burst with colorful wildflowers, a beautiful contrast to the rugged peaks.
Castleton Tower Viewpoint
Southern section of the loop
A spectacular viewpoint offering a stunning look down at the iconic Castleton Tower.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Know Your Route
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Road Conditions First
Roads can be unpaved and snowy. Always check conditions before heading out! :warning:
Pack Layers of Clothing
Temperatures vary greatly from Moab to the mountain peaks. Be prepared for anything! :cloud:
Northern Entrance is Smoother
Hwy 128 entrance is generally paved and in better condition. :car:
Bring Your Camera!
Incredible views and photo ops abound. Capture the alpine beauty! :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Road Conditions First
Roads can be unpaved and snowy. Always check conditions before heading out! :warning:
Pack Layers of Clothing
Temperatures vary greatly from Moab to the mountain peaks. Be prepared for anything! :cloud:
Northern Entrance is Smoother
Hwy 128 entrance is generally paved and in better condition. :car:
Bring Your Camera!
Incredible views and photo ops abound. Capture the alpine beauty! :camerawithflash:
No Entrance Fee
Enjoy the scenic drive without needing tickets or passes. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the La Sal Mountain Loop Road for its breathtaking alpine scenery and dramatic contrast to the surrounding desert. Many highlight the stunning views, the refreshing mountain air, and the opportunity to see wildflowers. Some note that parts of the road can be unpaved or require caution, especially the southern entrance.
"Took a drive and drove the loop. Beautiful. Was raining and a bit cold but the clouds finally let some sun in and got some good pics. Very worth the drive."
Rodney Brasfield
"Nice place to visit when in Moab area. It is the high peaks east of Moab. Alpine scenery, still had snow. It was 98 degrees in Moab, so we went up to see the La Sal mountains. Temps in the mid 70's green with wildflowers everywhere. Great views of the canyonlands area."
Doug Rockey
"Awesome drive!! Some of the most beautiful scenery in Utah."
Judi Baeli
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The La Sal Mountain Loop Road begins just south of Moab, Utah. Travelers often recommend entering via Highway 128 (northern entrance) for a more paved and scenic route. Alternatively, the southern entrance can involve gravel and dirt roads, so check conditions beforehand.
Parts of the La Sal Mountain Loop Road are paved, particularly the northern section accessible from Highway 128. However, some sections, especially on the southern entrance, can be gravel or dirt roads.
While a standard car can manage the paved sections, an SUV or vehicle with higher clearance is recommended if you plan to explore unpaved portions or encounter rougher terrain.
Cell service is unreliable and often non-existent along much of the La Sal Mountain Loop Road. It's advisable to download offline maps and inform someone of your travel plans.
The full loop can take approximately 1 to 2 hours to drive, not including stops for photos or short hikes. Allow extra time to truly enjoy the scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets or entrance fees required to drive the La Sal Mountain Loop Road. It's a public road offering free access to its scenic beauty.
The La Sal Mountain Loop Road is generally open year-round, but access can be limited by snow and weather conditions, especially during winter and spring. Always check current road conditions before your visit.
Yes, there are numerous pull-offs and viewpoints where you can stop to take photos, enjoy the scenery, and even embark on short hikes into the surrounding mountains.
Dispersed camping is permitted in certain areas along the La Sal Mountain Loop Road, but be sure to follow all local regulations and practice Leave No Trace principles.
Facilities are very limited along the loop. It's best to use restrooms in Moab before you start your drive and be prepared to pack out all your trash.
📸 📸 Photography
Key photo spots include the viewpoint overlooking Castleton Tower, meadows with wildflowers in summer, and panoramic vistas of the desert landscape below. The changing light throughout the day offers unique photographic opportunities. 
Early morning and late afternoon (golden hours) offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the colors of the landscape.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or wildlife. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions. :camerawithflash:
Yes, due to its remote location and minimal light pollution, the La Sal Mountains can offer excellent conditions for astrophotography, especially on clear nights.
You can photograph alpine forests, mountain peaks, wildflowers, panoramic desert views, Castleton Tower, and potentially wildlife. The contrast between the mountains and the desert is a recurring theme.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for short, easy stops where kids can stretch their legs and explore safely. The wildflower meadows in summer can be particularly enchanting for younger children. Remember to bring layers of clothing, as mountain weather can change rapidly, and ensure your vehicle is in good condition for the drive.
🚗 Road Trippers & Scenic Drivers
+1Consider starting your drive from the Highway 128 entrance for a smoother, paved experience. Be prepared for varying road conditions, especially on the southern end, and always have a physical map or downloaded offline maps. This drive is perfect for those seeking a less crowded, yet equally spectacular, natural experience in the Moab region.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the La Sal Mountain Loop Road
It's crucial to check road conditions before embarking on this drive, as snow can linger at higher elevations well into summer, and unpaved sections can become muddy or impassable after rain. Cell service is extremely limited, so downloading offline maps and informing someone of your itinerary is highly recommended. The loop provides access to various trailheads and viewpoints, making it an excellent option for a day trip from Moab.
While the drive itself is the main attraction, the changing scenery is what truly captivates. You'll transition from arid desert landscapes to lush montane forests, complete with aspen groves and pine trees. This ecological diversity makes the La Sal Mountain Loop Road a unique experience for those exploring the Moab area, offering a refreshing escape from the desert heat and a different perspective on Utah's natural beauty.
Best Times to Experience the Scenery
Fall brings a spectacular display of autumn foliage, as the aspen and other deciduous trees turn brilliant shades of yellow and gold. The crisp air and clear skies make for excellent driving and photography conditions. However, be aware that early snowfalls can occur in the mountains during the fall, potentially impacting road accessibility.
Winter transforms the La Sal Mountains into a snowy wonderland, offering a starkly beautiful, albeit challenging, experience. While the loop may be partially or fully closed due to snow, the views can be breathtaking for those equipped to handle winter driving conditions. Spring can be unpredictable, with lingering snow at higher elevations and potential mud on unpaved sections, but it also signals the return of greenery and the start of the wildflower season.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit