The La Sal mountain range is one of the most popular destinations in eastern Utah, thanks to its natural beauty and striking landscapes. Located about 20 miles south of Moab, this compact mountain range has a few unique features that make it stand out.

One of the most unique things about the La Sal mountains is their location in the middle of the desert. The range itself is fairly small, only covering about 10 miles, but the peaks are extremely high – the second tallest range in Utah, in fact. This makes for a unique environment with high-altitude peaks rising dramatically out of the surrounding red rock desert, creating sudden shifts between biomes. If you drive along the La Sal Mountains Loop Road, you’ll be surprised by how quickly the scenery transforms from desert to alpine forest, and eventually to stark granite peaks.

The La Sals are also known for their geological diversity, although that might not be as obvious to the average visitor. The mountains contain a wide variety of geological formations in a very small area, including old sedimentary layers, metamorphic rocks that have undergone significant heat or pressure changes, and even crystalline igneous rocks left over from a prehistoric injection of magma under the Earth’s surface. This blend is unique among other mountain ranges in the southwest and attracts geology enthusiasts from all over the country; keep an eye out during your trip!

Besides these unique features, the La Sal mountain range is notable for its truly gorgeous scenery. From its alpine forests and lakes to its snow-capped peaks, the vistas there are absolutely breathtaking and well worth seeing in person.

To make the most of your next trip, check out our La Sal Mountains Self-Guided Driving Tour, or you can sign up for Action+ and gain access to over 100 tours for a single yearly price.