La Sal: Hiking in the La Sal Mountains

La Sal and the La Sal Mountains

If you’re considering La Sal as a destination for a hiking trip, the La Sal Mountains offer a specific focus. Several peaks in the range are over 12,000 feet, and the La Sal Mountains have more than 300 miles of hiking trails. Mount Peale reaches 12,721 feet. The easiest access is via La Sal Pass Road (FS Road #073), from Upper Two Mile Road near the town of La Sal. The elevation and access route provide two different points of reference: the first describes the mountain, and the second the road leading to it.

Trails and Their Different Destinations

The Burlfriends Trail is described by its length, endpoints, and scenery: it is four miles long, begins at La Sal Pass, and ends at La Sal Pass Road. Along the way, it passes through aspen and pine forests and goes by Beaver Lake. The Tuk Trail branches off from the Burlfriends Trail; its starting point is about half a mile from the parking area at La Sal Pass. It leads to a ridge below Mount Tukuhnikivatz. When comparing the two, it’s important to note that four miles is the length of the Burlfriends Trail, while half a mile is the distance from the parking area to the start of the Tuk Trail. This helps put the two measurements in context: the Burlfriends Trail is defined by the route between the pass and the road, as well as the forest and lake, while the Tuk Trail offers a branch leading to the ridge.

Another point of comparison is the Medicine Lake Trail, which is about one mile long. The South Mountain Trail loops around South Mountain and is therefore characterized by its route. The stated lengths of the Medicine Lake Trail and the four-mile Burlfriends Trail can be compared. For the South Mountain Trail, however, the defining feature is its loop around the mountain. If you’d like to choose based on a stated distance or the described route, these details offer different ways to make your selection.

Directions and Route Information

The best way to reach La Sal Pass Road (FS #0073) is via UT 46 and Two Mile Road. For the La Sal Pass/Geyser Pass Trails loop, there is a staging area beyond La Sal, at the intersection of Highway 46 and County Road 154; access is northeastbound. When planning, distinguish between the stated access route to La Sal Pass Road and the access route to the staging area for the loop. Check current road and access conditions before departure so you can plan your drive accordingly.

The Region’s Historical Connections

In addition to its hiking trails, the mountain region also has historical and film-related connections. The Old Spanish Trail passes by the La Sal Mountains. The opening credits of Thelma & Louise were filmed near the La Sal Mountains in the U.S. state of Utah. The Utah Film Commission published this historical filming-location information on May 22, 2021. As well as specific hiking destinations, regional history and a connection to a well-known film offer additional topics to consider when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Mexican Hat, Monticello, Blanding, Oljato-Monument Valley, Spanish Valley

Go to the main travel overview: San Juan County.