Guides/Overland routes/Utah
Overland route12 midifficulty: moderate

Geyser Pass

RegionUtahAgencyU.S. Forest ServiceLast verified—
Geyser Pass — overland route near Moab, Utah, Utah
Photo by Greg Gebhardt via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Trail vitals6 facts
Length
12mi
Technical difficulty
Moderate
Direction
Out and back
Vehicle
High-clearance vehicle. The western approach is wide gravel suitable for most passenger cars; the eastern half is rougher and benefits from 4WD.
Best months
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Cell coverage
None on the pass
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Geyser Pass is a 12-mile USFS road climbing from Moab's La Sal Mountain Loop to a 10,600-foot pass at the base of Haystack Mountain in the La Sal Range, the second-highest range in Utah. The road (Forest Road 071) is one of the more accessible high-altitude USFS routes near Moab — the western half is wide smooth gravel suitable for most passenger cars, while the eastern half is rougher and benefits from 4WD.

The pass closes to wheeled vehicles December 15 through May 20 every year as a designated winter recreation area for skiers and snowmobilers. Snow can block the road into early June. The pass is a popular trailhead for hiking and mountain biking access into the La Sals.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Winter closure. December 15 through May 20.
  • Lightning. Summit hit by summer thunderstorms.
  • Altitude. Pass at 10,600 feet.
  • Cell coverage. None.
  • Wildlife. Mule deer, elk, mountain lions.
  • Loose gravel on switchbacks. Drive cautiously.

Location

12 mi · Overland route

Approx. location 38.490, -109.220

Trail facts

5 fields
AgencyU.S. Forest Service
Nearest townMoab, Utah
Websitewww.fs.usda.gov/r04/manti-lasal/recreation/geyser-pass-trailhead
ClosedDec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Approx. location38.490, -109.220

Getting there

Directions

From Moab on US-191, drive south 6 miles. Turn east on La Sal Mountain Loop Road. After 12 miles, turn east on Geyser Pass Road (Forest Road 071). The road runs 12 miles to and from the pass.

Approximate pass coordinates: 38.490° N, -109.220° W.

Photos

2 photos

Photos · 2

Field notes

Getting Oriented

Geyser Pass sits in San Juan County in the La Sal Mountains, the high range east of Moab. The La Sals are an isolated laccolithic range rising from the Colorado Plateau, with multiple 12,000+ foot peaks. The pass road branches off the La Sal Mountain Loop (a paved scenic byway) at the western edge of the range. The Manti-La Sal National Forest manages the road and the surrounding alpine area.

Trail Overview

From Moab, drive south on US-191 about 6 miles, then turn east on the La Sal Loop Road. After 12 miles on the Loop, turn east on Geyser Pass Road (FS-071). The first 4 miles run as wide smooth gravel — most passenger cars handle it. The road climbs steadily through aspen and spruce forest to a winter recreation parking area at the boundary of the closure zone.

Past the winter parking, the road continues climbing to the 10,600-foot pass. The eastern descent drops toward Castle Valley as rougher native dirt requiring 4WD with low range in the steepest sections. Driving the round trip from the La Sal Loop to the pass and back takes 2 to 3 hours.

Points of Interest

  • The pass at 10,600 feet. Panoramic views of the La Sal high country and Castle Valley below.
  • Haystack Mountain. Visible from the pass at the base of which the road runs.
  • Geyser Pass Yurt. A backcountry yurt available for rental, accessible from the pass.
  • La Sal Mountain Loop connection. The pass connects to the broader Loop scenic byway.
  • Hiking trailheads. Multiple trails into the La Sal alpine country leave from the pass area.
  • Mountain biking. The Whole Enchilada mountain bike trail begins from the pass area.
  • Mt. Tukuhnikivatz. A 12,482-foot peak visible from the road.

Where to Camp

Dispersed camping is allowed in the surrounding national forest with the standard 14-day stay limit. Oowah Lake Campground and Warner Lake Campground are nearby developed Forest Service campgrounds with fees. The La Sal Mountain Loop accesses several other developed campgrounds.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Travel late June through October. The road closes December 15 through May 20 to wheeled vehicles.
  • Check road status before driving. Snow can block the pass into early June.
  • Carry water and food.
  • Cell coverage is absent at higher elevations.
  • Watch for mountain bikers and hikers at the pass.
  • Lightning hits the high country in summer afternoons.
  • Stay on designated routes; the alpine ecosystem damages easily.
  • Acclimate to altitude.
  • Top off fuel in Moab.
  • Contact the Manti-La Sal National Forest's Moab Ranger District at 435-636-3300 for current conditions.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Geyser Pass?
Geyser Pass is rated moderate. The route runs 12 miles.
What kind of vehicle do you need for Geyser Pass?
High-clearance vehicle. The western approach is wide gravel suitable for most passenger cars; the eastern half is rougher and benefits from 4WD.
When is the best time to visit Geyser Pass?
The best months are Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Avoid Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Is there cell service at Geyser Pass?
None on the pass