La Sal Mountain Loop Road
Category 138 km
Distance
1830 m
Elevation Gain
4.8%
Average Gradient
9%
Max Gradient
The defining road cycling climb of the Moab area and one of the most scenically extraordinary ascents in the American West. The La Sal Mountain Loop Road leaves the Colorado River corridor at Castle Valley junction (1,340m) and spirals up through aspen and pine forest to approximately 3,000m on the flanks of the La Sal Mountains — a volcanic laccolith massif that rises incongruously from the desert plateau to 3,877m. The climbing itself is sustained and demanding: 38km of consistent 4-8% gradient through terrain that transitions from red rock desert to alpine forest over 1,800m of vertical gain. The contrast is jarring in the best possible sense — riding out of 40°C desert into 15°C mountain air within a single climb. The road descends back to Moab through the Spanish Valley, making a complete loop of approximately 85km accessible from town. In October, the aspen groves on the upper slopes turn brilliant gold against the red sandstone backdrop in a colour combination unique to Utah.
Pro Tip
The full La Sal loop is 85km from Moab with 1,900m of climbing and no services between Moab and the Spanish Valley descent — carry two large bidons and 3-4 hours of nutrition. The road is paved throughout but the descent from the high point to the Spanish Valley has significant chip seal sections that reward relaxed grip. In late October, the aspen colour peaks at 2,500-2,800m — time the climb for 10:00-14:00 when the light angles into the east-facing slopes.