Guides/Overland routes/Utah
Overland route60 mi5,000 ft gaindifficulty: easy

La Sal Mountain Loop Scenic Backway

RegionUtahAgencyU.S. Forest Service, Grand CountyLast verified—
La Sal Mountain Loop Scenic Backway — overland route near Moab, Utah, Utah
BLM Utah
Trail vitals7 facts
Length
60mi
Elev gain
5,000ft
Technical difficulty
Easy
Direction
Loop
Vehicle
Paved throughout. Any passenger vehicle handles it; trailers manage the climbs in dry conditions.
Best months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Cell coverage
Spotty in the high country; service returns at the lower ends.
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The La Sal Mountain Loop is a 60-mile paved scenic backway that climbs from the desert floor near Moab into the alpine La Sal Mountains and back out via Castle Valley along SR-128 (the Colorado Riverway). The high segment crosses Manti-La Sal National Forest at over 8,000 feet, with views back to Arches National Park, Castle Valley's red-rock spires, and the Colorado River corridor.

The route is fully paved and any passenger vehicle handles it. Snow can close the upper segments from late November through April, but the rest of the year it's one of the most accessible alpine drives in southeastern Utah.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Winter snow. Upper segments close from late November to April most years. Carry chains in shoulder season.
  • Steep paved grades. Use lower gears on descent. Brake fade is the most common incident on the loop.
  • Wildlife on the road. Slow down at dawn and dusk through the forest segments.
  • Sudden weather. Summer thunderstorms hit the high country fast; descend if lightning approaches.
  • Heavy bike and motorcycle traffic. Share the road, especially on tight curves.

Location

60 mi · Overland route

Approx. location 38.525, -109.276

Trail facts

5 fields
AgencyU.S. Forest Service, Grand County
Nearest townMoab, Utah
Websitewww.fs.usda.gov/r04/manti-lasal/recreation/la-sal-mountain-loop-state-scenic-backway
ClosedDec, Jan, Feb
Approx. location38.525, -109.276

Getting there

Directions

From Moab. Head south on US-191 for about 8 miles. Turn east onto the La Sal Mountain Loop Road (signed). The road climbs steadily into the forest; descend via Castle Valley back to SR-128 and the Colorado River, then return to Moab.

From Castle Valley (clockwise). Take SR-128 east from Moab to Castle Valley, then turn south onto the loop. This direction runs the descent into Moab in the late afternoon light.

Photos

9 photos

Photos · 9

Field notes

Getting Oriented

The loop is the standard alpine escape from Moab. From town, head south on US-191, turn east on the La Sal Mountain Loop Road, climb into the forest, and exit via Castle Valley to the Colorado Riverway (SR-128) along the river back to Moab. Manti-La Sal NF's Moab/Monticello Ranger District manages the forest segments; Grand County maintains the lower roads.

Trail Overview

Sixty miles, loop, fully paved. Total elevation gain is around 5,000 feet, climbing from roughly 4,000 ft in Moab to over 8,000 ft on the loop's high point near Geyser Pass Road. The middle segment crosses aspen, ponderosa, and Engelmann spruce forests, with multiple pullouts looking back at Arches and the desert. The Castle Valley descent is some of the most striking red-rock driving in Utah, with sandstone towers like Castleton and the Priest and Nuns visible from the road.

Points of Interest

  • Warner Lake. USFS developed campground at the loop's high point.
  • Oowah Lake. Smaller alpine lake on a spur off the main loop.
  • Geyser Pass Road junction. Turnoff for the high-clearance jeep route to the La Sals' upper basins; access to the Whole Enchilada mountain bike trail.
  • Castle Valley. The east descent runs through Castle Valley with views of Castleton Tower, the Priest and Nuns, and the Fisher Towers in the distance.
  • Colorado Riverway (SR-128). Closes the loop along the Colorado River, with multiple river-access points and BLM campgrounds.

Where to Camp

USFS campgrounds on the loop include Warner Lake (developed, fees), Oowah Lake (developed, fees), and several smaller forest sites. The BLM manages developed campgrounds along SR-128 (Big Bend, Hal Canyon, Hittle Bottom, and others). Dispersed camping is allowed on USFS land off the main loop; the Colorado River corridor below requires permits in some segments.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Plan for shoulder-season closures on the high segment. The Manti-La Sal NF Moab Ranger District (435-259-7155) holds road status.
  • Watch for wildlife. The forest segments see frequent deer and elk crossings.
  • Cell service drops out in the high country. Download maps in Moab.
  • The loop is a popular bike route; share the road and pass with care.
  • Combine with Geyser Pass Road for a high-clearance side trip into the alpine basins.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is La Sal Mountain Loop Scenic Backway?
La Sal Mountain Loop Scenic Backway is rated easy. The route runs 60 miles with 5,000 feet of elevation gain.
What kind of vehicle do you need for La Sal Mountain Loop Scenic Backway?
Paved throughout. Any passenger vehicle handles it; trailers manage the climbs in dry conditions.
When is the best time to visit La Sal Mountain Loop Scenic Backway?
The best months are May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Avoid Dec, Jan, Feb.
Is there cell service at La Sal Mountain Loop Scenic Backway?
Spotty in the high country; service returns at the lower ends.