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La Sal Mountain Loop Road, La Sal Mountains, Utah
Photo: Fredlyfish4 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped

Drives Utah Moab and Utah's Canyon Country

La Sal Mountain Loop Road

Spanish Valley Drive · Spanish Valley → Highway 128

Twisty36 mi1 hr 10 min4,300 ft climbHigh point ≈ 8,300 ftOne way
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The drive

The La Sal Mountain Loop climbs from Spanish Valley, off Old Airport Road south of Moab, up through pinyon, oak and aspen onto the flanks of the La Sal Mountains. The high section tops out near 8,300 feet. Then tight switchbacks bring the road down into Castle Valley, and the drive finishes at Highway 128 beside the Colorado River. It is 35.7 miles and about 1 hr 10 min, with two twisty stretches.

The Forest Service describes the whole loop as a paved scenic backway. It is a quiet road with views of mesas and sandstone pinnacles such as Castle Rock.

From Highway 128 you can follow the river back to Moab.

Along the way

  1. Spanish Valley (Old Airport Road)
  2. Loop road (high section)
  3. Upper Castle Valley
  4. Castle Valley
  5. Highway 128
Elevation
4,300 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 8,300 ft
Spanish ValleyHighway 128
Curves
Mostly moderate, with two twisty stretches
Spanish ValleyHighway 128
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The Forest Service says the road is not suitable for large RVs or trailers because of tight switchbacks, especially on the north side toward Castle Valley.
  • There are no services on the route, so bring fuel, food and water.
  • Snow can pack the high section in winter, and the Forest Service page does not list a gate, so check conditions before going.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Forest Service: La Sal Mountain Loop.

Questions about this drive

How long does the La Sal Mountain Loop take?

This drive from Spanish Valley to Highway 128 is 35.7 miles and takes about 1 hr 10 min.

Can you take an RV on the La Sal Mountain Loop?

The Forest Service says the road is not suitable for large RVs or trailers because of tight switchbacks.

Is the La Sal Mountain Loop paved?

Yes, the Forest Service describes it as a paved scenic backway.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
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Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of La Sal Mountain Loop Road, from Spanish Valley to Highway 128