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Picnic at the La Sal Mountain Loop

ScenicEasySummerFall

Escape the desert heat by driving into the high alpine forests for panoramic views of the red rocks from 10,000 feet.

Itinerary tips

  • 1Pack a cooler with plenty of water and hearty layers, as temperatures can be 20 degrees cooler than the Moab valley floor.
  • 2Allocate at least three to four hours for the full 60-mile loop to account for winding roads and frequent photo stops.
  • 3Stop at the Oowah Lake or Warner Lake turn-offs for the most secluded and scenic designated picnic sites under the aspens.
  • 4Ensure your vehicle has at least a half-tank of gas, as there are no refueling stations once you leave Highway 191.
  • 5Check local forest service alerts for road conditions if traveling in a low-clearance vehicle, though the main loop is paved.
  • 6Download offline maps or bring a physical atlas since cellular reception is virtually non-existent in the mountain canyons.

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