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MOAB, UTAH

Scenic Drive: The La Sal Mountains Loop

Mountain reflecting in still lake with colorful foliage and a pink sunset.

Overview

This beautiful scenic drive that climbs in elevation, has incredible views over the Moab Valley and Canyonlands National Park. Touring up through the alpine evergreens and aspens, various trailheads can be accessed. While driving, visitors will find routes to La Sal Mountain Pass, Geyser Pass, Oowah Lake, Warner Lake and down to Castle Valley. Moab and the surrounding area can get unbearably hot during the peak of summer; so many locals and visitors like to head up to the mountains to cool off.

Quick Drive Summary

Distance: 60-mile loop (begins and ends in Moab)
Drive Time: 2.5–4 hours round trip with stops
Road Type: Fully paved mountain road with some dirt roads to lakes and campgrounds
Highlights: Ken’s Lake, Oowah Lake, Warner Lake, Castle Valley, Colorado River Byway 128
Best Time: Late spring through fall; early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and dramatic light.

Road Closures: Check for seasonal road closures or construction with the Forest Service.

Getting There

Begin south on Highway 191 and look for signs to Ken's Lake 

  1. Head south from Moab on U.S. 191
  2. Turn left on "Ken's Lake Cutoff"
  3. Take a right on La Sal Loop Road and climb toward higher elevations
  4. If you take the route clockwise, you will head to the township of Castle Valley via Hwy 128
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Top Stops on the La Sal Loop Road

View of a desert landscape with rock formations in the foreground and mountains in the distance under a blue sky.

Ken’s Lake

Heading south of Moab on Highway 191, take a left turn towards Ken’s Lake and the La Sal Mountain Loop Road. Take a stop at the Lake or continue past the Ken’s Lake turnoff and forward to the La Sal Loop Road.

A serene lake surrounded by evergreen trees under a clear blue sky.

Oowah Lake

Once finished at Mill Creek, continue a half mile down the road to the Oowah Lake turnoff. A washboard dirt road will take you up to the majestic mountain lake and campgrounds. Take some time to have a picnic and fish or hike around the lake; surrounded by thick woodland areas.

Sunlight filters through yellow aspen and green fir trees on a dirt road under a blue sky.

Warner Lake

Approximately two miles beyond the Oowah Lake turnoff, you'll find the Warner Campground turnoff. A moderate drive on a dirt road past beautiful meadows and aspen groves will lead you to the Warner Lake Campground. A short walk on a dirt path will take you to the small and charming Warner Lake. Take a chair and book and read lakeside while enjoying the sounds of nature around you. Return down the same dirt road you came on to get back to the La Sal Loop.

A winding asphalt road through a desert landscape with red rock formations and a clear blue sky.

LaSal Lookout Point

Continuing down the loop road, you will start to notice the desert plants and wildlife returning as you slowly make your way back down to the sandy desert floor; but before making the full descent down the switchbacks, take the opportunity to pull over at one of the large shoulders on the road to enjoy the incredible view over the Moab area. Views reach out into Canyonlands and the outlines of the different mesas carved into the landscape paint a panoramic view like you’ve never seen before.

Red rock formation and vibrant yellow foliage under a clear blue sky.

Castle Valley & Highway 128

After a swirling descent down the switchbacks, you will find yourself in the delicate yet powerful Castle Valley. Continue on through the valley on the loop road. Eventually, you will come to the junction of Highway 128. Turning left, make your way down past Red Cliffs Lodge (a great spot for dinner if the timing is right), riverside campgrounds, and matrimony springs; back into the beautiful town of Moab.

A Scenic Loop Above the Rest

The La Sal Scenic Loop offers a striking contrast to Moab’s desert landscape, winding from red rock canyons into cool alpine forests. Starting near Spanish Valley, the road climbs past views of Castle Valley and the towering sandstone of Castleton Tower. Higher up, you’ll pass through groves of aspen and pine near Oowah Lake, Warner Lake, and Geyser Pass. In fall, the foliage is spectacular. Descending toward the Colorado River, the loop reconnects with Scenic Byway 128, completing one of the region’s most diverse and rewarding drives.

Map of the Moab region, featuring roads and mountains.
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See More with a Guided Tour

Driving the La Sal Mountain Loop is a stunning way to experience Moab’s landscape from desert floor to alpine forest—but it’s just the beginning. To see even more of what makes this region unforgettable, join one of our expert-led adventures. From Arches National Park Tours that reveal the area’s most iconic formations to Hummer Safaris that climb the famous red rock fins, and Colorado River Rafting Trips that wind through towering sandstone canyons, each tour offers a unique perspective on Moab’s incredible terrain.

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Arches National Park Guided Morning Tour

VIP access to Arches National Park: Expert guides, iconic sights, & mantle-worthy family photos without the hassle of parking or missing key sights.

  • Duration: ~4 hrs
  • Departures: Morning
  • Season: Year Round

ADULTS 13+

$114

YOUTH 5-12

$93
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A group of people are rafting down a river in a red raft.

Full-Day Moab Rafting Adventure with BBQ Lunch

Colorado River adventure for all ages: Stunning canyons, famous Castle Valley, easygoing rapids, delicious riverside BBQ, and stories you’ll tell long after you dry off.

  • Duration: ~7 hours
  • Departures: 9:00 am Mon-Sat
  • Season: Mar – Oct

ADULTS 13+

$143

YOUTH 5-12

$117
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A Hummer vehicle drives across a sandstone fin with the La Sal Mountains in the background.

Hell's Revenge Sunset Hummer Tour

Moab’s wildest sunset: Steep climbs, unreal views, and golden-hour thrills on our most popular off-road adventure at the perfect time of day.

  • Duration: ~3 hours
  • Departures: Evening
  • Season: Feb – Nov

ADULTS 13+

 $132

YOUTH 5-12

 $108
VIEW DETAILS
CHECK AVAILABILITY
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