La Sal Mountain Loop Road
A breathtaking 44-mile scenic loop offering dramatic mountain vistas and alpine forests, a stunning contrast to Moab's red rock desert.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
La Sal Mountain Loop Road
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking 44-mile scenic loop offering dramatic mountain vistas and alpine forests, a stunning contrast to Moab's red rock desert.
"Experience the majestic La Sal Mountains and a refreshing escape from the desert heat on this incredible scenic drive."
🚗 Check Road Conditions
Roads can be rough, especially after rain or snow. Always check before you go!
☀️ Pack for All Weather
Temperatures vary greatly with elevation. Bring layers!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Mountain Vistas
Various overlooks along the loop
Experience breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and sweeping desert landscapes. A true contrast to Moab's red rocks.
Colorado River Drive
Section of Highway 128
Wind along the majestic Colorado River, with towering red rock cliffs on one side and the flowing water on the other.
Alpine Forest Scenery
Higher elevations of the loop
Ascend into cooler, forested areas offering a refreshing change of scenery and unique flora.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
+1Road Conditions & Access
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Check Road Conditions
Roads can be rough, especially after rain or snow. Always check before you go!
☀️ Pack for All Weather
Temperatures vary greatly with elevation. Bring layers!
⛽ Fuel Up Beforehand
Services are limited. Ensure your tank is full before starting the loop.
📸 Capture the Views
Numerous pull-offs offer incredible photo opportunities. Don't miss them!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Check Road Conditions
Roads can be rough, especially after rain or snow. Always check before you go!
☀️ Pack for All Weather
Temperatures vary greatly with elevation. Bring layers!
⛽ Fuel Up Beforehand
Services are limited. Ensure your tank is full before starting the loop.
📸 Capture the Views
Numerous pull-offs offer incredible photo opportunities. Don't miss them!
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Download maps for navigation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers rave about the La Sal Mountain Loop Road for its stunning, diverse scenery that offers a refreshing contrast to Moab's desert. The drive is praised for its accessibility and the breathtaking panoramic views, especially from higher elevations. Some visitors note that road conditions can vary, and checking them beforehand is advised.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To start the loop, head south on US Highway 191 from Moab. Turn left onto Old Airport Road, which leads to the start of the La Sal Mountain Loop Road (marked as La Sal Loop Rd 127 on Google Maps). You can also access parts of the scenic drive via Highway 128 along the Colorado River.
No, it's a loop road, meaning you can drive it in either direction. Many travelers enjoy starting on the paved section and ending with the scenic drive along the Colorado River.
The full loop is approximately 44 miles and can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to complete, depending on how often you stop for photos and exploration.
The main paved section is suitable for most vehicles. However, some unpaved or rougher sections may require a high-clearance vehicle or 4WD, especially after bad weather.
While not directly within a national park, the loop offers stunning views and access to areas near Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Dead Horse Point State Park is also a popular nearby attraction. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the La Sal Mountain Loop Road itself is a public scenic byway and does not require an entrance fee or pass. However, if you plan to visit nearby state or national parks, separate entrance fees will apply.
The road is generally open year-round, but access can be restricted due to weather conditions, especially snow and ice in winter and spring. Always check local conditions before your visit.
There are no specific fees for stopping at the designated viewpoints along the La Sal Mountain Loop Road. These are public access points for enjoying the scenery.
Yes, there are opportunities for hiking and exploring off the main road. Be sure to stay on marked trails and be aware of your surroundings, especially in remote areas.
Dispersed camping may be available in certain areas managed by the Forest Service, but always check regulations and obtain permits if required. Developed campgrounds are limited.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for capturing the mountain vistas and desert landscapes. Midday can be harsh, but still offers unique perspectives. +1
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating mountain peaks or wildlife. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
Look for pull-offs that offer unobstructed views of the La Sal Mountains and the Colorado River. The higher elevations provide excellent vantage points.
Beyond the grand vistas, look for alpine wildflowers in spring, colorful autumn foliage, unique rock formations, and the contrast between the desert floor and the mountain peaks.
Always use designated pull-offs and be aware of traffic. Some areas may have uneven terrain, so wear appropriate footwear.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for easy-to-access viewpoints where kids can stretch their legs and marvel at the vastness. Short, flat walks at higher elevations can be enjoyable. Remember to dress everyone in layers, as mountain weather can be unpredictable.
+1🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Consider combining this drive with a trip along Highway 128 for a comprehensive Moab scenic tour. The contrast between the river canyon and the mountain peaks is truly remarkable. Don't forget your camera and plenty of memory space!
📸 Photographers
Bring a variety of lenses to capture both grand panoramas and intricate details. Be prepared for changing light conditions and potential weather shifts. Remember to scout locations during daylight to plan your shots for sunrise or sunset.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the La Sal Mountain Loop Road
As you climb, the scenery transforms from arid desert to lush alpine forests. The higher elevations offer cooler temperatures and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and the vast desert below. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as snow can linger into late spring and early autumn snows are possible.
+1For a different perspective, consider driving Highway 128 out of Moab, which follows the Colorado River. This route eventually connects to the La Sal Mountain Loop Road, offering stunning views of red rock canyons and the river itself before you ascend into the mountains.
Best Times for Scenic Drives and Photography
Summer mornings provide cooler temperatures for a comfortable drive and a chance to capture clear, crisp mountain air. In the fall, the loop becomes a spectacle of color as the aspen and other deciduous trees turn vibrant shades of yellow and orange. This is a particularly popular time for photographers seeking autumnal beauty.
+1Even in winter, the snow-dusted peaks offer a unique and serene beauty, though road conditions must be carefully monitored. Regardless of the season, remember to download offline maps as cell service can be unreliable, and always check the weather forecast before you embark on this scenic adventure.
Exploring Beyond the Paved Path
Be aware that some of these trails can be rugged and may require appropriate hiking gear, including sturdy footwear. Always inform someone of your hiking plans and carry essential supplies like water, snacks, and a first-aid kit. The higher elevations can be strenuous, so pace yourself and be mindful of altitude.
For the adventurous, sections of the road, particularly those closer to Moab like Potash Road (which can be accessed from the general Moab area and offers a similar scenic drive experience), are known for their challenging off-road opportunities. However, the La Sal Mountain Loop Road itself is generally more about the scenic drive and accessible exploration.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit