La Sal Mountain Loop Self-Guided Audio Tour

Exploring the La Sal Mountain Loop in Moab, Utah
The La Sal Mountain Loop Self-Guided Audio Tour offers an engaging way to explore one of Utah’s most scenic areas, all from the comfort of your vehicle. For $14.99 per group, up to 15 people, you gain access to a self-driving tour through the Manti-La Sal National Forest, covering highlights like Warner Lake, Fisher Towers, and panoramic vistas of the Colorado Plateau. The tour is designed to be flexible—lasting roughly 4 to 6 hours—with offline GPS and narration that play automatically as you drive.

What we love about this experience is its flexibility: you can explore at your own pace, skip stops if you’re pressed for time, or linger longer at sites you find particularly captivating. The turn-by-turn GPS directions mean you don’t need to worry about getting lost, and the lifetime access to the app ensures you can revisit the tour anytime. Another plus is the tons of informational narration, travel tips, and music, making the drive more than just scenery—it’s a mini-road trip filled with stories.

A potential consideration is the variable quality of the audio guide—some travelers, like Joanne, experienced issues with voice clarity or incorrect directions. Also, weather or road closures, such as the closure of La Sal Mountain Loop Road noted in a review, can affect plans. This tour is best suited for adventurers who enjoy self-guided exploration, are comfortable with driving, and appreciate a mix of natural beauty and insightful commentary. It appeals especially to those who like to set their own pace rather than join a guided bus or group tour.

Key Points

• Self-guided flexibility: Drive at your own pace, skip stops, and explore what interests you.
• Offline access: No Wi-Fi or data needed during the tour, perfect for remote areas.
• Value for money: Just $14.99 for a comprehensive, multi-hour experience that can be used repeatedly.
• Variety of stops: From lakes and arches to towering rock formations and dinosaur tracks, there’s a lot to see.
• Authentic experiences: Get stories, travel tips, and background as you go, making the drive both entertaining and educational.
• Good for groups: Up to 15 people can enjoy the tour together—ideal for families or small travel groups.

An In-Depth Look at the La Sal Mountain Loop Self-Guided Audio Tour

The Basics: What Does the Tour Cover?

This tour takes you through the breathtaking scenery of the Manti-La Sal National Forest with a carefully curated list of stops. It begins at North Highway 191 in Moab and loops through some of the most visually compelling sites in the area. The price of $14.99 covers the entire group—no per-person fee—making it a budget-friendly way to discover the region’s highlights.

The duration generally falls between 4 and 6 hours, depending on how long you linger at each stop. The self-guided aspect means you’re in control: you choose which sites to see, how long to stay, and when to move on. The app provides turn-by-turn directions and works offline, which is a big plus in remote spots where cell service can be patchy.

What Are the Highlights?

Stop 1: Ken’s Lake
Our journey begins at Ken’s Lake, a popular campsite with a lovely water backdrop against the La Sal Mountains. It’s a perfect spot for a quick stretch, a picnic, or a short hike to a waterfall. The backdrop alone makes it worth a pause.

Stop 2: Brumley Arch
Next, the Brumley Arch trail is a short but steep hike of about two miles round trip. It’s described as strenuous, but the payoff—a waterfall and spectacular rock formation—can make the effort worthwhile. The drive to the trailhead involves gravel roads, so a suitable vehicle is recommended.

Stop 3: Oowah Lake
This small, alpine Oowah Lake sits at over 8,800 feet, and many visitors enjoy fishing for rainbow trout here. Its reflective surface offers a perfect photo opportunity, especially with the towering La Sal Mountains in the background.

Stop 4: Warner Lake
Just a bit further, Warner Lake offers similar fishing opportunities and peace. A popular trail connects Warner Lake with Oowah Lake, providing a scenic 1.6-mile round-trip hike. Expect some days to be busy, especially during holidays or summer weekends, but generally, the area remains serene.

Stop 5: Castle Valley
A must-see viewpoint, Castle Valley provides sweeping vistas of the Colorado Plateau, including Porcupine Rim, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands. It’s a perfect spot for photos and appreciating the vastness of this landscape.

Stop 6: Dinosaur Track Site
For a quick detour, visit Bull Canyon Overlook and the dinosaur track site. The tracks date back about 200 million years, giving a tangible sense of the area’s ancient past—no hiking needed, just a short stop.

Stop 7: Castleton Tower
This dramatic sandstone spire is well-known among climbers and photographers. The towering formations, rising as high as 1,400 feet, make for stunning visuals and a sense of the area’s geological drama.

Stop 8: Parriott Mesa
A challenging hike to the top of Parriott Mesa rewards visitors with a viewpoint over 6,000 feet high. It’s a longer, more difficult trek, so it’s best suited for experienced hikers who want a more active experience.

Stop 9: Fisher Towers
The iconic Fisher Towers are a favorite for their dramatic spires and hoodoos—many movies have used this landscape as a backdrop. The famous hiking trail offers incredible scenery, and it’s a must-see for photography lovers.

Stop 10: Moab Giants
For those interested in the area’s prehistoric past, this free museum showcases fossils, pioneer artifacts, and Hollywood memorabilia. It’s a fun, educational stop, especially if you’re traveling with kids or history buffs.

Stop 11: Salt Wash & Colorado River
Here, the Salt Wash River joins the Colorado River. Kayakers might find this a fascinating area to explore further, with the possibility of paddling toward Delicate Arch inside Arches National Park.

Stop 12: Takeout Beach
This is a popular spot where many rafting and kayaking trips conclude. It’s a relaxing place to unwind after a day of exploring.

Stop 13: Courthouse Wash Pictographs
Finally, a short hike takes you to ancient Fremont pictographs—rock art dating back around 2,000 years, offering a glimpse into early inhabitants of the region.

How Does the Tour Work in Practice?

Based on reviews, many travelers find the app easy to set up once they follow initial instructions. The narration offers stories and travel tips, enhancing the experience. The GPS directions are generally reliable, but some users have encountered issues with voice clarity or misguidance, so it’s wise to stay alert.

The offline capability is particularly valuable—no worries about losing signal deep in canyons or mountain passes. The self-paced nature allows us to spend more time at favorite sites like Fisher Towers or Castle Valley, or skip stops that don’t interest us.

What Are the Downsides?

The main concern raised was technical issues, such as voice interruptions or wrong directions, as reported by some users. Plus, road closures, like the one Jessica experienced, can prevent access to certain stops, making it wise to verify conditions beforehand.

The price of $14.99 is quite reasonable for the amount of content and flexibility offered, but travelers should be prepared for a full day of driving and exploration—some stops require a short walk, and others involve hiking or gravel roads.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for independent travelers comfortable with driving and navigation. It’s particularly suited for those who want customized timing and the chance to explore less crowded spots without a large tour group. Families, small groups, and solo explorers who enjoy scenic drives with stories woven in will find this a good value.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Experience?

If you’re after a cost-effective, flexible way to see Moab’s highlights without the pressure of a guided tour, this self-guided audio experience fits the bill. The ability to explore at your own pace makes it ideal for those who want to linger at particularly striking sites like Fisher Towers or Castle Valley. It’s also great for travelers who prefer to avoid large groups and enjoy a more personalized adventure.

However, be prepared for potential technical hiccups, and keep an eye on weather or road conditions that could impact accessibility. Travelers with a sense of adventure, curiosity about geology, and a love for scenic drives should find this tour both enjoyable and enriching. Ultimately, the La Sal Mountain Loop offers a wonderful way to connect with the landscapes that make Moab famous, all at an accessible price point.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a GPS audio guide with narration, music, travel tips, and turn-by-turn directions. It also offers offline map access and never expires, making it easy to revisit.

How many stops are there?
There are 13 stops, including lakes, arches, rock formations, dinosaur tracks, and viewpoints, each offering unique scenery and photo opportunities.

Can I do this tour with a group?
Yes, up to 15 people can participate together, making it suitable for families or small groups.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and the stops are generally accessible. However, some stops involve walking or hiking, so consider your group’s mobility.

What if the Road is closed?
In the case of road closures like Jessica experienced, some stops may not be accessible. It’s wise to check local conditions before you go.

Do I need Wi-Fi or data to use the tour?
No, the tour works entirely offline after downloading, which is ideal in remote areas.

How long will the tour take?
Typically, plan for 4 to 6 hours, but this depends on how long you spend at each stop and whether you choose to hike or explore more deeply.

Is there a refund policy?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before your scheduled start time.

How do I start the tour?
After purchasing, you’ll receive instructions and a redeem code via email. Download the app, enter the code, and begin from the starting point in Moab.

In all, this self-guided audio tour offers an affordable, flexible, and scenic way to experience the true beauty of Moab’s iconic landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor, it provides a way to customize your adventure while soaking in some of Utah’s most stunning sights.