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MOAB, UTAH

La Sal Mountains: Manti-La Sal National Forest Guide

Mountain reflected in Warner lake at sunset; trees in fall colors frame the scene.

A Cool Mountain Contrast to the Desert Landscape Below

The Manti-La Sal National Forest, a 1.4 million acre mountain range, occupies parts of central and southeastern Utah, as well as parts of Colorado. The La Sal Mountains are lush with lakes, pine, aspen and evergreen trees, wildlife, and recreation. An easy drive from Moab, the La Sal Mountains not only provide a stunning visual contrast to the red rock town, but also a climactic, and recreational contrast as well.

Explore the La Sal Mountains on the La Sal Loop Road

The La Sal Loop Road offers a stunning scenic drive just outside Moab, Utah, climbing from red rock canyons into cool alpine forests.


This 60-mile loop winds through Castle Valley, past towering sandstone spires, then ascends into the La Sal Mountains with panoramic views of canyons, cliffs, and snow-capped peaks.


It’s a perfect half-day adventure with picnic spots, photo ops, and changing landscapes around every bend.

Map of the La Sal Loop road with labeled landmarks.
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Tips for Visiting the La Sal Mountains

Mountains reflected in calm lake, framed by green and orange trees, under a pink and purple sunset sky.

Our Favorite Picnic Spots

An afternoon outing near a mountain lake, under a shady grove of Aspen trees, is an ideal way to beat the desert heat of Moab. Just a short drive away is an alpine paradise and a picnic table with your name on it.


Yellow aspen trees in a forest, autumn colors.

Camping in Manti-La Sal National Forest

Cool temperatures, mountain lakes, meadows, fresh woodsy smells, aspen and pine trees, fantastic peaks above, and Moab below. What other reasons do you need to spend a night or two camping in the Manti-La Sal National Forest?

Red rock formation with yellow autumn trees under a blue sky.

Weather and Best Times to Visit

The La Sal Scenic Loop is best driven from late spring through fall, when the route is clear of snow and the mountain roads are open. Summer offers a cool escape from Moab’s desert heat, while fall brings brilliant foliage in the higher elevations. Spring provides lush scenery and wildflowers. Winter travel is not advised due to snow and ice. Always check road conditions before heading out, as weather can change quickly in the mountains.

A mountain range reflected in a lake at sunset; green and gold trees flank the lake.

Best Hikes in the Manti-La Sal National Forest Area

Seven counties in Utah and two in Colorado claim parts of the Manti-La Sal Mountains, making the hiking opportunity boundless. With so many options, choosing a trail can be daunting. Here are a few of our favorite hikes near the Moab area to help make your decision a little easier.

Mountain biker rides a muddy trail through a lush green alpine meadow, trees on either side, overcast sky.

Biking in the La Sal Mountains

Biking in the La Sal Mountains is a diverse and rewarding experience. The combination of thick forest, tall aspens and open meadows please all the senses, but the trails challenge the body and mind and rejuvenate the spirit.

A topographic map with green and tan areas, showing trails, bodies of water, and elevation contours.

Manti-La Sal National Forest Map

Spanning over a million acres, laced with miles and miles of intertwining roads and trails, the Manti-La Sal Mountains are absolutely worth exploring. The experience is only enhanced when you know where you are and where you are heading.

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What Else is on Your Moab Play List?

After some exploring on your own, you may want to explore even further. Guided tours make it possible (and easy) to get soaked on the river, rappel down a rope to a hidden slot canyon, or climb to the "top of the world" on a Hell's Revenge Hummer Tour.

Red rock arch with two small figures silhouetted in the opening, at sunset.

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

See the park without the parking hassle.

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People white-water rafting in a red raft, paddling through rough water.

MOAB RAFTING

Half-day & full-day trips with BBQ lunch included.

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Red Hummer off-roading on a desert slope with snow-capped mountains in the background.

HUMMER SAFARIS

Ride over slickrock on Moab's most famous trail.

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Aerial view of a canyon with a river winding through it at sunset, bathed in orange light.

SCENIC FLIGHTS

Get a birds-eye view of Arches & Canyonlands.

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CANYONEERING

Explore hidden canyons with a rush of adrenaline.

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ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

See the park without the parking hassle.

VIEW TRIPS

MOAB RAFTING

Half-day & full-day trips with BBQ lunch included.

VIEW TRIPS

HUMMER SAFARIS

Ride over slickrock on Moab's most famous trail.

VIEW TRIPS
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