La Sal MountainsAbout La Sal Mountains
The La Sal Mountains are a compact, rugged mountain range in eastern Utah near the town of Moab; the range rises abruptly from the Colorado Plateau and is the highest range in the region.
Visitors encounter alpine scenery, forests and summer wildflowers above the desert lowlands; the range provides recreational opportunities including hiking, climbing and scenic driving within the Manti-La Sal National Forest. The mountains are also valued as a scenic backdrop to Moab and the surrounding canyon country, visible from many viewpoints in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
Geologically the La Sal Mountains are laccolithic igneous intrusions that uplifted the overlying sedimentary layers; they are distinct from the surrounding plateau due to their igneous origins and relief. Over time the range has been used for grazing, recreation and forest management within the national forest framework.
The range rises southeast of Moab in eastern Utah and extends north-south for several tens of kilometres; Mount Peale, the highest peak, crowns the central massif and dominates local skyline views.
- Forest and visibility: The range is located inside the Manti-La Sal National Forest and forms a conspicuous, snow-capped contrast to the surrounding redrock country near Moab; it is visible from Arches and Canyonlands National Parks on clear days.
What to See#
- Mount Peale: Mount Peale is the highest summit in the La Sal Mountains at about 12,721 feet (3,876 metres), and it is the range’s primary landmark for high-country recreation and views.
- Mount Tukuhnikivatz: Mount Tukuhnikivatz reaches roughly 12,482 feet and is one of several prominent peaks in the southern part of the range used by backcountry visitors and climbers.
Best Time to Visit La Sal Mountains
Best in spring and autumn for comfortable temperatures and clear vistas; summer afternoons can be stormy at elevation.
Weather & Climate near La Sal Mountains
La Sal Mountains's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -13°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (672 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -12° - -1° | -13° | 53 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -13° - 0° | -12° | 50 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -12° - 1° | -12° | 61 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -9° - 3° | -8° | 50 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -4° - 9° | -2° | 41 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 1° - 14° | 5° | 34 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 6° - 20° | 13° | 72 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 6° - 18° | 12° | 76 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 3° - 15° | 7° | 63 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -2° - 9° | 0° | 57 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -8° - 4° | -7° | 56 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -11° - 1° | -11° | 59 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to La Sal Mountains
From Moab: drive ~30-45 minutes east on US‑191 then follow state/Forest Service routes toward La Sal Pass or the Beaver/La Sal loop roads. From Monticello head west toward La Sal via local county roads.
Tips for Visiting La Sal Mountains
- Use the La Sal Pass or the Beaver/La Sal Mountain loops for the best views with minimal road time.
- Roads are often unpaved; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for accessing higher trailheads.
- The range rises abruptly from desert - plan for rapid weather change and bring layers even on hot days.