Stay Cool With High Alpine Hikes Near ULUM Moab
After immersing yourself in Moab’s stunning desert landscapes, venture to the nearby La Sal Mountain Range for a refreshing change of pace. Just a short drive from town, the La Sal Mountains offer a cooler retreat with temperatures significantly lower than in the valley. These high-altitude hikes are perfect for experiencing Utah’s diverse beauty, from serene alpine lakes to lush forests. Head to the La Sals for hiking trails, wild swimming, and fresh mountain air—a welcome break from the desert heat, especially in the summertime. Stay healthy and comfortable at altitude with our adjusting to Moab’s altitude guide. After your adventures, unwind at ULUM Moab, where luxury meets nature for the perfect retreat.
Explore the Beauty of La Sal Hikes
The La Sal Mountains, visible from many spots in western Colorado and eastern Utah, offer over 300 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks. These trails wind through pines and aspens, surrounded by the refreshing embrace of snow-capped peaks. In the summer, the lush trees provide ample shade, making the hikes even more enjoyable. The hikes are even more breathtaking in the fall when the foliage transforms into fiery shades of red and orange. Embark on refreshing alpine hikes. Discover our adventure packages and reserve your experience.
Here are five spectacular La Sal hikes that promise a rejuvenating retreat into nature:
OOWAH LAKE TRAIL
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Average Time: 1 hour
Start your alpine adventure with the Oowah Lake Trail, a serene and relatively easy hike. The trail winds through dense aspen forests and leads to the picturesque Oowah Lake. Perfect for families and beginners, this trail offers a gentle introduction to the beauty of the La Sals. The lush greenery and the tranquil lake make for a refreshing escape from the desert heat and provide plenty of shade. This multi-use trail is popular among hikers, bikers, and horseback riders.
WARNER LAKE TRAIL
Distance: 0.6 miles out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Average Time: 15 minutes
For an easy and refreshing hike, head to the Warner Lake Trail. This trail takes you through vibrant wildflower meadows and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. The short trail leading to Warner Lake is perfect for birding, fishing, swimming, and paddling. For a longer hike, you can loop around Warner Lake, which provides numerous opportunities for scenic photo stops and peaceful moments by the water. This easy hike is ideal for those looking to relax and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the La Sals.
BURRO PASS TRAIL
Distance: 7 miles out-and-back
Difficulty: Strenuous
Average Time: 3-4 hours
Adventure seekers will find the Burro Pass Trail both challenging and rewarding. Beginning at the Warner Lake Trailhead at 10,000 feet, this trail winds through dense forests and opens to spectacular alpine meadows. As you reach Burro Pass, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the La Sal Mountains and Moab’s distant red rock formations. This hike is perfect for those looking to test their endurance and experience the high-altitude beauty of the region. It’s a popular area for hiking, mountain biking, and running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. Most hikers will only trek 2.5 miles of the Burro Pass Trail to reach Manns Peak, with several creek crossings along the way. Trekking poles can be handy for maintaining balance on the rocks and handling the ascents and descents on this pleasant but challenging trail.
MAPLE CANYON ARCH TRAIL
Distance: 1.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Average Time: 1 hour
Venture down the Maple Canyon Arch Trail, a short La Sal hike that takes about an hour to complete. This trail leads to a natural archway over an alcove on the south side of the Middle Fork of Maple Canyon, an area featuring rock climbing routes, slot canyons, and pristine forests. Along the way, you’ll encounter a rocky, uphill path that’s entirely shaded. Once you reach the arch, there are bouldering opportunities for closer views. Maple Canyon is popular for hiking and rock climbing, so you will likely see other adventurers. Parking is limited and requires a small day-use fee, with restrooms available at the trailhead. This hike is family-friendly and offers a refreshing escape into nature.
CLARK LAKE LOOP TRAIL
Distance: 2.8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Average Time: 1.5 hours
The Clark Lake Loop offers a delightful mix of forested trails and open meadows. This moderate hike circles Clark Lake, providing serene lakeside views, opportunities to spot local wildlife, and wildflower-covered meadows in the spring and early summer. The trail’s varied terrain and scenic beauty make it a favorite among hikers seeking a peaceful yet challenging trek in the La Sals. Popular for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, this trail still offers solitude during quieter times of the day. On a warm day, Clark Lake is ideal for a refreshing dip.
Discover a Refreshing Retreat at ULUM Moab
Nestled near the La Sal Mountains, ULUM Moab provides a refreshing retreat, with temperatures typically 10 degrees lower than in Moab. Just a short drive from Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, ULUM Moab offers access to these iconic desert landscapes with the comfort of lower temperatures. After a day of exploration, unwind in luxurious comfort and enjoy our hot and cold dipping pools. ULUM Moab is the ideal base for your Moab adventure, offering a refreshing escape from the desert heat while being close to world-class national parks.
