Manti-La Sal National Forest

Recreational Activities

Skiing and snowmobiling are popular winter activities on the Forest. Be sure to check on avalanche conditions before venturing into the back country.

Winter Access Routes:
La Sal Mountains: the La Sal Mountain Loop Road is plowed regularly to the Geyser Pass road turn-off and somewhat less frequently to Castle Valley. The Geyser Pass road is kept open to the restrooms and parking area at 9,600 feet. The snow packed road to the pass and on to Dark Canyon Lake on the other side is a popular area for sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. The road also provides access to backcountry skiing and snow-boarding in the Mt. Tomasaki and Gold Basin areas.

Snowmobiles are not allowed to leave the road in Gold Basin. Please respect this closure of the most popular skiing area of the La Sals - the rest of the entire range is wide open to you!

From Old La Sal at the south end of the range, the road is plowed regularly to the stock pens near Dark Canyon Lake. The hut keepers snowcat the road above the parking area to Dark Canyon Lake and on up to Geyser Pass fairly frequently.

Abajo Mountains: the parking area and road to the old Blue Mountain ski resort is plowed in the winter. Several unplowed roads depart from the pavement near Natural Bridges National Monument.

Wasatch Plateau: the Huntington/Fairview Canyon Road across the Plateau is kept open all winter.

Utah State Parks and Recreation packs snowmobile trails into 12-mile and Ephraim Canyons and along "Skyline". There have been numerous avalanche and exposure fatalities in these canyons in recent years--never enter the winter backcountry without adequate knowledge and equipment !

USDA Forest Service - Manti-La Sal National Forest
Last Modified: Monday, 15 August 2005 at 11:23:05 EDT