Picnic at the La Sal Mountain Loop
ScenicEasySummerFall
Escape the red rock for an hour to see golden quaking aspens and alpine lakes with panoramic views of the desert floor below.
Itinerary tips
- 1Pack an extra layer of clothing as temperatures at the 9,000-foot summit are often 20 degrees cooler than downtown Moab.
- 2Allocate at least three to four hours for the full 60-mile drive to allow for frequent photo stops and a relaxed meal.
- 3Stock up on all food and water in Moab before heading out, as there are no services or convenience stores once you begin the ascent.
- 4Navigate the loop in a clockwise direction to save the dramatic, sweeping views of Castle Valley for the final leg of your journey.
- 5Stop at the Oowah Lake turnoff for a more secluded, waterfront picnic experience away from the main road pullouts.
- 6Ensure your vehicle has plenty of fuel and reliable brakes for the steep, winding descents back toward the desert floor.
More in Moab
Drive the Shafer Trail Switchbacks
Navigate a white-knuckle descent on a dirt road that drops 1,500 feet from the Island in the Sky mesa to the canyon floor.
ScenicStargaze at Dead Horse Point
Visit this International Dark Sky Park after hours to see the Milky Way arching over the gooseneck curves of the Colorado River far below.
ScenicWatch the Sunrise at Mesa Arch
Peer through the 'eye' of the arch as it frames the vast canyon system of Canyonlands, illuminated by the first light of day.
ScenicDrive the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway (U-128)
Wind through a massive red rock corridor flanked by 1,000-foot cliffs, stopping at the iconic Fisher Towers for a photo op.
Scenic