La Sal Mountain Loop State Scenic Backway
The Central Federal Lands Highway Division (CFLHD) of the Federal Highway Administration, in cooperation with the US Forest Service (FS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and San Juan County is proposing to rehabilitate and widen 2 segments of road, totaling 12.12 miles along La Sal Mountain Loop Road. This project is scheduled for construction beginning in the spring of 2024 to fall of 2025. Construction has started as of May 20, 2024, get the latest updates and access information here: https://highways.dot.gov/federal-lands/projects/ut/la-sal
From the alpine ridges of the La Sal mountains to the red rock desert and sandstone pinnacles of Castle Rock, this backway is an adventure! You will see mesas and buttes used in movies and drive past steep laccolithic peaks that often serve as the backdrop in photographs of the famed Delicate Arch. This 60 mile route is paved and starts about 8 miles south of Moab off US-191 and loops through the mountains down to Castle Valley and SR 128 where it follows the Colorado River back to Moab. It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to complete this drive. The narrow winding road, while suitable for passenger cars, is not suitable for large RVs or trailers. There are no services available along the route so make sure you have all the gas, food, water, and other supplies you may need for at least a few hours.
The La Sal Mountain Loop Road brochure is available for download.
General Information
Getting There
Directions
From Moab, head south on US 191 approximately 8 miles and turn left at the Ken's Lake/ La Sal Mountain Loop Road sign. Take a right at the T-intersection and follow the La Sal Mountain Loop Road up into the mountains. The road winds through the mountains and descends via switchbacks towards Castle Valley. At the intersection with Forest Road 207, take a left to get to Castle Valley and continue for about 10 miles. Take another left at the Hwy 128 intersection to return to Moab.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
