The La Sals are one of the most under-visited mountain ranges in Utah. This is surprising considering their prominence and proximity to Moab. Plenty of people drive the scenic La Sal Loop Road, but few actually venture onto the slopes to experience this idyllic wilderness.
The Burlfriends Trail in La Sal Pass is one of the best ways to do this. Starting from La Sal Pass Road at the base of Mount Peale, the tallest mountain in the range, the trail wastes no time in getting good. It immediately takes you across a field exploding with wildflowers. Soon you dip into a cool, dense aspen forest and wind around the flanks of the mountain. After a while you will emerge into a clearing that is Beaver Lake, a calm, grassy pond filled by melt water. Then the forest darkens under a dense canopy of spruce and fir before opening up again in a series of aspen groves and small meadows over rolling terrain.
Summer is the season for wildflowers, but come back in the fall to see the aspen trees in full splendor or to spot mule deer during the rut. Winter would make for amazing cross-country skiing and snowboarding, but access is difficult because La Sal Pass Road is closed.
Burlfriends is a relatively new trail that was built primarily by and for mountain bikers, but it gets just as much foot traffic as wheels. Together with La Sal Pass Road, it makes a loop from the top of the pass, down to the South Mountain Trailhead and back up. Return the way you came or or loop back on the road.
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