Where is La Sal Loop Road?

Where is La Sal Loop Road?

Usa, north-america

Length

90.44 km

Elevation

2,543 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: You're in Moab, Utah, right on the edge of Colorado, ready for an epic adventure. You're about to tackle the La Sal Mountain Loop Road, a local favorite snaking through the Manti-La Sal National Forest.

This isn't just a drive; it's a 56-mile journey begging for scenic overlooks and photo ops. Now, the road is paved, but hold on—it gets interesting. Think narrow, steep sections, hairpin turns that'll test your skills, and some drop-offs that are seriously breathtaking (and a little nerve-wracking, because...no guardrails).

Heads up: this is a remote route. There are zero services once you commit, so fuel up, pack snacks, and bring plenty of water before you go. You'll climb to a whopping 8,343 feet, so make sure your car is up for it. Passenger vehicles will be fine, but leave the RVs and trailers at home for this one.

But trust me, the views are worth it. You'll wind through cool, green forests with panoramic views of Moab Valley and Canyonlands National Park that will leave you speechless. If you're looking for an unforgettable drive, this is it!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
90.44 km
Max Elevation
2,543 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Antora Peak?easy

Where is Antora Peak?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna conquer some serious altitude in the heart of Colorado? Then you NEED to check out the road to Antora Peak, south of Poncha Springs. Fair warning: this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking a gnarly 7.33-mile climb best left to 4x4s only. You'll be gasping for air as you ascend to a breathtaking 12,542 feet above sea level. And hey, pro tip: Don't even THINK about trying this in the winter. This road is NOT maintained and becomes totally impassable when the snow flies. But if you hit it right, the views are gonna be epic!

The unpaved road to Palomar Mountain High Point Lookoutmoderate

The unpaved road to Palomar Mountain High Point Lookout

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're anywhere near northern San Diego County, you HAVE to check out Palomar Mountain. This peak hits an altitude of 6,148 feet, offering views that stretch all the way to the coast. Tucked away in the Cleveland National Forest, getting to the top is an adventure in itself. The road is unpaved, so you’ll definitely need a 4x4 to make it. Keep an eye out for the fire lookout at the summit, built back in 1935. Did you know it used to be called Smith Mountain? Glad they brought back the original Mexican name – Palomar, meaning "place of the pigeons." The climb starts near Oak Grove and covers about 7.9 miles, with a whopping 3,353 feet of elevation gain. That's an average gradient of over 8%, so get ready for a steady climb. Trust me, the panoramic views from the top are worth every bump and grind!

Road trip guide: Conquering Laurel Lake in Californiamoderate

Road trip guide: Conquering Laurel Lake in California

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains of California, near Mammoth Lakes, lies a hidden gem: Laurel Lake. Getting there is half the fun... and a bit of a challenge! We're talking about Laurel Lake Road (also known as Sherwin Creek Road), an 8.9-mile off-road adventure that climbs to a breathtaking 9,780 feet! This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive; this is a proper 4x4 trail that’ll test your skills and your vehicle's mettle. Starting just off Highway 395, be prepared for an unpaved, rocky climb. We're talking shelf roads, steep inclines, and potential washouts. The lower section is particularly gnarly, with mid-sized rocks demanding a slow and steady pace. Wheel slippage is a real possibility. But stick with it! As you enter Laurel Canyon, the path smooths out a bit, offering a welcome respite. The final descent to the lake involves some seriously tight switchbacks – long wheelbase vehicles might need to execute some multi-point turns. Speaking of the lake, it's perched at a lofty 10,058 feet, so this trek is typically only accessible from April to November, depending on the snow. Even in summer, snow can linger at the higher elevations. So, is it worth it? Absolutely! The scenery is epic, with stunning views of the Sierra Nevada. Fall colors are incredible, but spring with its snow-capped peaks is equally magical. The lake itself is gorgeous and home to rainbow trout and rare golden trout. Pack a picnic, bring your fishing rod, and soak in the high-country vibes. There are even some primitive campsites if you want to extend your stay. Just be sure to arrive early, as the lower section is slow-going. And remember, take your time to snap some photos; you'll want to remember this adventure!

Sunset Passhard

Sunset Pass

🇺🇸 Usa

Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Sunset Pass! This high-altitude beauty sits in south-central Utah's Garfield County, topping out at a cool 5,925 feet. Normally, it's a chill cruise, but pro tip: hit it up when it's dry. You'll be cruising along NP730, a gravel and rocky path that's as raw as it gets – think unmaintained and lightly traveled. But trust me, the views are absolutely worth it! Just remember, this is remote territory, so pack accordingly. No one wants to be stranded without supplies (and cell service is spotty). Get ready for a twisty ride along narrow cliffs as you climb! You probably won't need four-wheel drive, but those lower gears will be your best friend on the steeper bits and when navigating the rough stuff. Word to the wise: Mother Nature calls the shots up here. Expect strong winds and crazy-fast weather changes. Even in summer, snow isn't out of the question! And winter? Brutal. Watch out for washed-out areas – you don't want to get stuck. And seriously, avoid this road when it's wet. A little rain can turn the river into a force to be reckoned with.