La Sal Mountain Loop Road

Moab, UT
June 2,2013

Sunday morning Joe and I were up early. Morning is our favorite time of day...nothing quite like watching the sunrise, the feel of the cool morning air, that first sip of coffee and a few doggie kisses to get the day started!

We weren't sure what the plans for the day would be, then we heard it...the La Sal Mountains were calling us!

Scenic Byway 128

We headed north on Hwy 191 and turned right onto Scenic Byway 128. We followed the Colorado River...passed by Negro Bill Canyon, and Big Bend Recreation Site...before making a right turn on Castle Valley Road.

After about 4 miles we passed the Priest and Nuns and Castle Rock on our left. These famous landmarks have been in many western movies.

Priest and Nuns

                                   


 Castle Valley is a very small community of farms...population 319.









Castle Valley Road

We continued on for 7 or so miles and made a right turn on La Sal Mountain Loop Road.

La Sal Mountain Loop Road

There were several pull-outs to stop and enjoy spectacular views of Castle Valley.

As we entered the Manti-La Sal National Forest, the plants and trees began to change as we gained elevation. 

 The Pinyon pines and Junipers trees...





                      ...gave way to oaks...

...and then, those beautiful aspens among tall pines.

 The flowers were so pretty...a lot of stop and go...to take photographs.

Primrose

Paintbrush




                                                              

The most common wild iris is the blue flag. This wild iris is native to deciduous woodlands and has  thick, blade like foliage. Also, it reseeds itself if left undisturbed. 



Iris

 We made a left turn onto a dirt road that leads to Oowah Lake. High clearance, 4-wheel vehicles are advised. The road winds up for about 3 miles to the lake and campground.

It was 3 miles filled with absolute beauty! As Pam would say...the "green stuff" was thick and very green with wildflowers scattered throughout.





We drove right through a colony of aspens.

                                                                        


So many wonderful shades of green!

A stream led the way...as we wound our way up and around the switchbacks.

At the end of the road is Oowah Lake. This is one of two popular lakes with primitive camping sites off  the Loop Road. Oowah Lake elevation is 8,800 feet. Its a small lake...only 4 acres. If you look closely, you will see people fishing on the right shoreline.

 

 

 

The loop drive is a approximately 60 miles. Our guide said to plan on 3 hours. It took us a wee bit longer( 4 hours)...we really took our time and enjoyed every minute!

The La Sal Mountain range rises above and southeast of Moab. The range is part of the Manti-La Sal National Forest and the southern Rocky Mountains.

The maximum elevation is at Mt. Peale which reaches 12,721 feet. It is Utah's second highest mountain range.

 We think this is a must-do ride for anyone visiting the Moab area.




It is such a contrast to the beautiful red rocks and desert around Arches NP and the Moab area.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing our Sunday drive!

 

I can't believe it is already Wednesday...my how time flies! Hope you are having a great week.

 

Y'all come back!

Tower Arch Trail

Moab, UT

May 31,2013

Tower Arch is located in the Klondike Bluffs section of Arches NP. Salt Valley Road is the only way to reach the Bluffs.

The first section of the trail climbs a short, but steep ridge to a mesa top with panorama views of Salt Valley.

From there, the trail drops into a valley surrounded by deep-crimson walls.








We continued on, downhill, across the open desert floor and two wash beds.

The trail exits the valley through a steep, narrow corridor lined with spires and red sand...





...both caused by Entrada Sandstone erosion.

Sand gives way to slickrock as we neared the Arch Tower. The base of the arch is accessible by a short scramble.







Tower Arch is an old fin type natural arch.

It has a span of 92 feet, a height of 43 feet...

...a thickness of 50 feet, and a width of 29 feet.

 This was our lunch spot for the day...

...with entertainment!

Sandcastle

 Because this trail is in a remote section of the NP, the trail is not usually crowded.

D Q Swirl

There isn't much shade on this trail...so go early.





Mushrooms



Judy, Joe and I didn't find morels, but we did find these along the way!

It was a great hike...we had a great workout, saw lots of beautiful rocks, and just enjoyed the great outdoors!

 We had planned to move on last Saturday,June 1st, but we are having such a fun time in Moab, we decided to stay awhile longer.  

 

Thanks for stopping by...

Y'all come back!