Hiking the Peaks in the La Sal Mountains

There are no constructed trails to the peaks with the exception of Manns Peak. Another route, the Tuk Trail, is a spur off the Burlfriends trail starting about a half mile in from the La Sal Pass parking area. This is a short constructed spur that will take you to the ridge below Mount Tukuhnikivatz. At the end of the trail you would make your own way up to the peak.

There may be social trails in place to the peaks. The hike to the top normally requires some scrambling over loose scree slopes. There may be route finding involved so make sure you have the proper gear and knowledge to find the way. Cell coverage is spotty at best in this rugged environment. Be prepared for all weather conditions, even in summer. Also, let someone know where you are headed and when you should be back.

Mt. Peale (12,721 ft), Mt. Tukuhnikivatz (12,489 ft) and South Mountain (11,817 ft) are accessed most easily by the La Sal Pass Rd (FS Road # 073) off the Upper Two Mile Road near the town of La Sal on Hwy 46. The La Sal Pass Road does have a creek crossing that requires a higher clearance vehicle.

Mount Tomasaki (12,230 ft), Manns Peak (12,273 ft), Mount Mellenthin (12,646 ft), and Haystack Mountain (11,642 ft) are accessible from the Geyser Pass Rd (FS Road #071) which is off the La Sal Mountain Loop Road. Most passenger cars can access the Geyser Pass Road when conditions are good.

Mount Waas (12,391 ft) is accessed by either Beaver Basin or Miner’s Basin. It is the most inaccessible of the peaks. Both the Beaver Basin Road and the Miner's Basin Road require a high clearance 4 wheel drive vehicle.

Please Note: To reduce damage to alpine plants and their habitat, please do not urinate on plants or soils above the treeline. Mountain goats crave salts and will dig up plants and soil where humans have urinated. When above treeline, it is a good practice to only urinate on areas of rocky talus or on snow.