La Sal Mountains Viewpoint Moab
A breathtaking viewpoint in Arches National Park offering stunning panoramas of the La Sal Mountains against the iconic red rock desert.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
La Sal Mountains Viewpoint Moab
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking viewpoint in Arches National Park offering stunning panoramas of the La Sal Mountains against the iconic red rock desert.
"The red and yellow sandstone contrasted perfectly against the backdrop of snow covered peaks and blue skies."
🚗 Easy Access Pull-off
Convenient one-way tear-drop parking area, usually with ample space. :car:
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Bring plenty of water and sunscreen; the desert sun is intense. :hot_face:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Mountain Vistas
East side of Arches Scenic Drive
Stunning panorama of the La Sal Mountains against desert landscapes. A true masterpiece of nature.
Sunrise & Sunset Spectacle
La Sal Mountains Viewpoint
Witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets painting the sky over the mountains and desert.
+1
Contrast of Red Rock and Snow
La Sal Mountains Viewpoint
The striking contrast of red and yellow sandstone against snow-capped peaks and blue skies is unforgettable.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Arches
Pack Smart for Desert Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Access Pull-off
Convenient one-way tear-drop parking area, usually with ample space. :car:
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Bring plenty of water and sunscreen; the desert sun is intense. :hot_face:
🌄 Golden Hour Magic
Ideal for sunrise and sunset photos, offering stunning light and fewer visitors.
🔭 Enhance Distant Views
Consider bringing binoculars to better appreciate distant rock formations and mountains. :binoculars:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Access Pull-off
Convenient one-way tear-drop parking area, usually with ample space. :car:
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Bring plenty of water and sunscreen; the desert sun is intense. :hot_face:
🌄 Golden Hour Magic
Ideal for sunrise and sunset photos, offering stunning light and fewer visitors.
🔭 Enhance Distant Views
Consider bringing binoculars to better appreciate distant rock formations and mountains. :binoculars:
⏱️ Beat the Timed Entry
Sunrise and sunset visits can fall outside Arches' timed entry requirements.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the La Sal Mountains Viewpoint for its breathtaking panoramic views, especially the striking contrast between the red desert rock and the distant, often snow-capped, mountains. Many highlight it as a perfect spot for sunrise and sunset photography, offering a serene experience away from the main park crowds. Some note the lack of facilities, but the visual spectacle is the main draw.
"This viewpoint is located approximately 3.5 – 4.0 miles from the main entrance to the park along the Arches Scenic Drive. Look for La Sal Mountains Viewpoint sign on the east side of the road. The road will take you up to a one-way tear-drop parking area with plenty of parking spaces most of the time. This scenic spot offers a stunning panorama of the surrounding landscape, with the Las Sal Mountains rising us in the distance. On a perfectly clear day, which it was, we could see the Teton Range in Wyoming. We would recommend this place as one of the last stops when leaving the park with other great times being, sunrise and sunset if you wish to be awestruck by Mother Nature’s masterpiece. Note, there are no other Park Services at this location"
Thomas B
"Very picturesque and looks like a painting.
The red and yellow sandstone contrasted perfectly against the backdrop of snow covered peaks and blue skies.
Stop here to get a feel of the beauty of the desert landscape that lies ahead."
Falak
"Another absolutely stunning place in Southeastern Utah for you to gays right into the heart of god. Truly, not a religious person but this thing is absolutely breathtaking.
The drive-thru here and the views are so beautiful you're in danger every 5 Seconds as you go over the center line. I wouldn't recommend a tour bus but ensure that you've got somebody trustworthy in the passenger seat helping you stay where you need to be. Bring plenty of water and get some sunblock on before you head out cuz it's very warm, if you're from New Mexico you'll be right in your natural habitat, minus Green Chile."
Jeremy “RED ZMAN” Zimmerman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The La Sal Mountains Viewpoint is located about 3.5 to 4 miles from the main entrance of Arches National Park, along the Arches Scenic Drive. Look for the sign on the east side of the road.
Yes, there is a convenient one-way tear-drop parking area that typically has plenty of spaces.
Visiting during sunrise or sunset might allow you to avoid the timed entry pass requirement, which is usually in effect between 7 am and 4 pm.
The drive is scenic, but be mindful of the road. It's recommended to have a trustworthy driver and passenger to help navigate.
The viewpoint itself is a pull-off with parking, offering immediate views. Further exploration would require walking. Specific accessibility details are not widely available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, the La Sal Mountains Viewpoint is located within Arches National Park, which requires an entrance fee and potentially a timed entry reservation depending on the time of year and day.
Arches National Park is generally open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, timed entry reservations are often required during peak seasons, typically from April to October, between 7 am and 4 pm.
The entrance fee for Arches National Park is typically around $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. Check the official NPS website for the most current pricing.
Timed entry permits are released in advance and can be highly competitive. It's recommended to book as soon as they become available on recreation.gov.
Yes, visiting before 7 am or after 4 pm can help you avoid the timed entry requirement, making sunrise and sunset ideal times.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, creating stunning contrasts and colors.
Any camera can capture the beauty, but a wide-angle lens is great for panoramas. Many visitors use smartphones like Google Pixel for great shots.
The entire area offers panoramic views. The pull-off itself provides immediate access to the stunning landscape.
Focus on the contrast between the red desert rock, the distant snow-capped La Sal Mountains, and the expansive blue sky.
Drone usage is restricted in Arches National Park. Always check the latest NPS regulations before flying a drone.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The primary activity is enjoying the breathtaking panoramic views of the La Sal Mountains and the surrounding desert landscape. It's a perfect spot for photos and soaking in the scenery.
While it's a scenic pull-off, there aren't typically marked hiking trails directly from this viewpoint. The main attractions are the views.
There are no park services or facilities directly at this viewpoint. It's a scenic overlook with parking.
Most visitors spend 15-30 minutes here to take photos and admire the scenery. It's often a quick but impactful stop.
Yes, it's a designated viewpoint with a parking area. However, always be aware of your surroundings and traffic when exiting your vehicle.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities here. Visiting during sunrise or sunset can be magical for kids, offering a chance to see the sky light up. It's also a good spot for a quick photo opportunity that captures the unique Utah scenery.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Bring your wide-angle lens to capture the full panorama and consider a tripod for low-light conditions. Don't forget your binoculars to capture details of the distant mountains or unique rock formations. The contrast between the desert and alpine environments offers a unique photographic challenge and reward.
🚗 Day-Trippers from Moab
Visiting at sunrise or sunset can also help you avoid the park's timed entry requirements, maximizing your day. It's a great place to get a feel for the park's grandeur without committing to a long hike, offering a beautiful vista that complements the iconic arches.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of the La Sal Mountains
These peaks are not just visually stunning; they also play a crucial role in the region's ecosystem, providing water sources and influencing local weather patterns. For photographers and nature enthusiasts, the juxtaposition of the rugged desert terrain with the alpine environment of the La Sal Mountains is a dream come true.
Many visitors find the presence of these majestic mountains to be an unexpected but welcome addition to their Moab adventure, adding another layer of natural wonder to an already spectacular region.
Capturing the Perfect Shot: Photography at La Sal Mountains Viewpoint
Consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive panorama, encompassing both the foreground desert and the towering La Sal peaks. The contrast between the vibrant red and yellow sandstone against the often snow-capped mountains and deep blue sky is a recurring theme in popular images.
Remember to bring binoculars to get a closer look at the distant geological features and the mountain range itself. This viewpoint is often cited as a must-stop for its picturesque qualities, making it a memorable spot for any photography enthusiast.
Navigating Arches National Park: Timed Entry and Best Times to Visit
For the La Sal Mountains Viewpoint specifically, visiting during sunrise or sunset is highly recommended. Not only do these times offer the most dramatic lighting for photos, but they can also fall outside the park's timed entry hours (usually 7 am to 4 pm), potentially allowing you to visit without a reservation.
This strategy is a popular tip among travelers looking to maximize their experience and avoid the busiest parts of the day. Even outside of timed entry, early mornings and late evenings generally see fewer crowds than the midday rush, allowing for a more peaceful and immersive experience at this beautiful overlook.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit