Experience the Beautiful La Sal Mountain Loop | ESVRM

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La Sal Mountain Loop

20 miles south of Moab is a splendor to behold, as it is home to the La Sal Mountains located within the Manti-La Sal National Forest. With mountain peaks reaching as high as 13,000 feet, the La Sal Mountains are the second highest mountain range in Utah. These alpine beauties offer an abundance of opportunity ranging from hiking to mountain biking, camping, birdwatching, fishing, and breathtaking leaves changing in the fall. The La Sal Mountain Loop Road Scenic Byway is a paved loop that extends 60 miles from start to finish. It is a perfect way to experience the ranging beauty of the area, from the gigantic mountain peaks to the red rock canyons below. Plan for the drive to take about three hours from start to finish, which allows for a slow pace and stops at the viewpoints.

La Sal Mountain Loop Logistics

From Moab, head north on US Highway 191 before turning right on Scenic Byway 128, just before the bridge. About three miles in, you’ll enter Grandstaff Canyon, renowned for its hiking. However, if you’re just passing through, you’ll appreciate the view of the creek tying into the Colorado River. Another three miles ahead, you’ll encounter Big Bend Recreation Site. Unfortunately, swimming in the river is not recommended, but there’s still plenty do with river access, a nice beach, a picnic area, and disabled access facilities.

Next, you’ll want to turn right at Castle Valley Road. Continue the drive four miles up and keep your eyes peeled for Priest and Nuns rock formations, as well as Castle Rock – all of which are well known for their cameos in various John Wayne movies. Continue the drive another seven miles before turning right again, and as you enter the National Forest, notice the change in elevation as you cruise. High desert trees such as pinion and juniper start to give way to oak, larger pine, and eventually aspens (which are truly a sight to see when their leaves change in fall).

Your steady climb will eventually bring you to an array of spruce and fir which naturally has us recommending you drive with the windows down so the crisp alpine air can kiss your cheeks and you can breathe in the delicious scent of the thriving forest. There are plenty of outlook points to stop at along the way as you make your way through Mill Creek Canyon, and then one more ascent in elevation before you descend back into the red rock valley, tying back into US Highway 191 and heading north to get back to Moab.

Contact us today to learn more about La Sal Loop Road and to book your Moab rental!


Guest Reviews

Empty Spaces VRM

Guest Reviews

Cody 5/16/23

Airbnb
Great place for a group of friends, family and kids. Easy access to DT Moab, Nice Pool/Hot Tub, everything stocked from coffee to shower supplies. We will definitely be back in this house or one in the community. Owners were great and were very responsive. They were also very clear with directions on using their place. Highly recommend.
Entrada at Moab 598

Angie 5/18/23

Airbnb
We had a great stay in Moab for a group of young adults staying for the weekend. The property is very nice and includes lots of details, the kitchen is very well stocked - they even have multiple sizes of crock pot. It is bigger and more spacious than the photos can even capture. Empty Spaces Vacation Rental is very friendly and responsive and was helpful with any questions we had and I would definitely recommend using them and would use them again! Overall we had a great experience and felt very taken care of and would stay again. Thanks for everything!
Entrada at Moab 424

Nikole 5/23/23

Airbnb
This house exceeded our expectations by a landslide. The home itself is gorgeous and very easily accommodated our family of 24. The pictures do not do it justice at all.
Anchor Havasu

Cale 5/28/23

Airbnb
Scott and Sarah are excellent hosts, and helped salvage our trip after another business double-booked us on a long weekend. Their flexibility allowed us to enjoy our stay without worry.
Entrada at Moab 425

Andrea 5/29/23

Airbnb
We had such a great stay! The home was close to everything in town! The home was pristine and spacious. It was perfect for our large group.
Entrada at Moab 611

Cody 5/30/23

Airbnb
The place is in a great location and to top it off the place is beautiful plenty of room for your whole family and friends plenty of cook ware very clean environment the house was very clean and well kept.
Entrada at Moab 429

Stav 5/31/23

Airbnb
It was a wonderful staying at this place with a few friends and families.
Avalon Havasu

Shon 5/4/23

VRBO
Nice property, kitchen was more than adequately equipped, labels and instructions for everything It has been my favorite place at Entrada

Veronica 5/4/23

VRBO
Clean and absolutely amazing! The hospitality and communication was impeccable! Love love love the casita! Great time had by all! We cannot wait to go back! Thank you!!!
Anchor Havasu

Wendy and Ron 5/2/23

VRBO
This is our second time staying in this home. It is one of the BEST places we have ever rented. CLEAN, STOCKED, AND COMFORTABLE!! The owners have thought of everything you could possibly want to have in this home away from home. We will be back!
Cottonwoods 401
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