La Sal Mountain Loop Scenic Drive Self-Guided Audio Tour

Experience the Beauty of Moab with the La Sal Mountain Loop Scenic Drive Self-Guided Audio Tour

Taking a drive through Utah’s La Sal Mountains offers an incredible window into the rugged, red-rock landscapes that make Moab famous. This self-guided audio tour costs just $14.99 per car (up to 4 people) and takes about 2 to 3 hours to enjoy at your own pace. Starting from Lions Park in Moab, you’ll cruise past towering red sandstone formations, ancient dinosaur footprints, and scenic overlooks, all while getting fascinating stories and historical tidbits from a compelling narrator.

What we love about this tour is how it seamlessly combines breathtaking scenery with informative storytelling—making it perfect for those who prefer to explore independently but still want expert insights. The ability to pause and take side trips, like a quick hike or a swim at Warner Lake, adds flexibility that guided bus tours simply can’t match. Plus, with the offline map feature, you can enjoy the tour without worrying about cellular signal, which is a huge plus in remote areas.

One possible consideration is that this isn’t a guided tour with a physical guide — it’s entirely self-guided, so you’ll need to follow the route and manage your own timing. This means a bit of planning beforehand is helpful, especially if you want to catch the more popular stops or detours. Still, for those who enjoy independence and controlling their adventure, this is a terrific value.

This tour will suit adventurous travelers, families, or solo explorers who want a flexible way to discover Moab’s surroundings without the expense or scheduling constraints of guided tours. If you love scenic drives, learning local stories, and stopping at your leisure, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Affordable and flexible: One purchase covers your entire vehicle for a year, perfect for multiple visits.
• Rich storytelling: Engaging narration brings the landscape and history to life.
• Self-paced exploration: Pause, skip, or linger at stops as you wish.
• Offline maps: No cell signal required—ideal for remote areas.
• Multiple stops and detours: From dinosaur tracks to mountain overlooks to lakes.
• Ideal for independent travelers: No guide needed, just your own curiosity.

A Deep Dive into the La Sal Mountain Loop Scenic Drive

Exploring the La Sal Mountains and surrounding landscape with this self-guided audio tour turns what could be a straightforward drive into a layered and memorable experience. It’s a perfect way to see Moab’s scenic backdrops without the hassle of group tours or rigid schedules.

Starting Point and Initial Stop: Petrified Sand Dunes

The tour kicks off at Lions Park and Bike Path Trailhead in Moab. From there, you’ll head toward the Petrified Sand Dunes, where you’ll learn about Wingate Sandstone—the red rock that dominates the area’s scenery. The narration explains how these formations used to be sand, giving insight into their ancient origins dating back over 200 million years. It’s fascinating to think that what looks like an unchanging landscape was once soft, shifting sand.

This stop is perfect for a quick photo op or a brief stretch of the legs. It’s also admission-free, making it a great starting point to get familiar with the land before diving deeper into the drive.

Scenic Drive Along the Colorado River

As you continue, you’ll approach Take Out Beach, where you might see paddle rafts, tubes, and kayaks floating down the Colorado River—this stretch is known as Utah’s most floated section. Watching others enjoy the water reminds us how accessible and inviting this landscape is for outdoor recreation.

The route then leads to Grandstaff Canyon Trail, a moderate 5-mile hike that ends at an impressive overlook. If you’re a hiker, this detour offers a chance to stretch your legs and get closer to the canyon’s natural beauty. Even if you decide not to hike, hearing about this trail adds context to the area’s outdoor appeal.

A Detour to Hauer Ranch and Filming Sites

One highlight is the optional 15-minute detour to Hauer Ranch, where you can see filming locations from movies and TV, or even saddle up a horse. For fans of Westerns or film history, this adds a fun, tangible connection to the land’s cinematic past.

Parriott Mesa and Castle Valley

The next major stop is Parriott Mesa, a striking, mile-long sandstone formation that’s both imposing and fragile. We loved the way the narration details its narrow profile—imagine walking along the top and feeling the wind through the thin edges.

Ahead, you’ll see Castle Valley, a lush green patch fed by water flowing from surrounding rocks. The narrator explains that surprisingly, this valley’s green comes from salt, not soil. It’s a reminder of the surprising geology beneath the surface and how it shapes the landscape.

Iconic Landmarks: Castleton Tower and Round Mountain

Standing out to us was Castleton Tower, a massive spire with a “thumb-like” shape. It’s a favorite for climbers and offers a clear sense of the area’s rugged grandeur. Next, Round Mountain looks like a squat, gray cousin among the reds—its color difference intrigues visitors and hints at varied mineral composition.

La Sal Lookout and Nearby Lakes

The La Sal Lookout Point provides panoramic views of the mesas and buttes along the Colorado River—well worth the short stop for its sweeping vistas.

For those interested in water activities, options include detours to Warner Lake and Oowah Lake—both are perfect spots for a quick swim, fishing, or a peaceful break. The narration adds practical tips, such as the quick 20-minute drive to Warner Lake.

Mountains and Mountain Passes

The tour concludes with a drive along Geyser Pass Road, passing by some of Utah’s tallest peaks, like Mount Mellenthin, Mount Peale, and Mount Tukuhnikivatz. Knowing these peaks are over 12,000 feet makes the landscape even more impressive.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

For just $14.99, you gain access to a comprehensive, flexible way to explore one of Utah’s most scenic regions. The audio narration covers a wide array of sites, ensuring you don’t miss the stories behind the landscapes, whether it’s about geology, wildlife, or historic film shoots.

The fact that you can use this tour for a full year makes it especially appealing for visitors planning multiple trips or extended stays. The offline maps are a thoughtful feature, ensuring you won’t get lost or lose signal in the remote parts of the route.

Real Traveler Feedback

A recent reviewer from TripAdvisor summed it up nicely: “The tour provided a seamless blend of breathtaking landscapes and fascinating stories.” The narrator’s engaging voice and well-structured stops seem to enhance the experience, turning a simple drive into an educational adventure.

Who Should Take This Tour?

This self-guided tour is ideal for independent travelers who enjoy discovering places at their own pace. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo explorers who want a cost-effective way to see Moab’s diverse landscapes without being tied to a group.

If you’re someone who relishes scenic drives, hiking, or just learning about the land you’re exploring, this tour offers a balanced mix of both. It’s especially suitable for those with a curiosity about geology, history, and film.

The Sum Up

The La Sal Mountain Loop Scenic Drive Self-Guided Audio Tour offers a practical, engaging, and flexible way to explore some of Utah’s most iconic landscapes. Its affordable price, informative narration, and ability to customize your experience make it an excellent choice for visitors who want more than just pretty pictures—they want stories, context, and a genuine connection to the land.

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a leisurely explorer, you’ll find plenty to enjoy, from stunning mountain vistas to ancient rock formations, and even a touch of Hollywood history. If you appreciate well-organized, value-packed experiences, this tour is worth considering for your Moab itinerary.

FAQ

How do I access the audio tour?
Once you book, you’ll receive an email and text with setup instructions. You need to download the Actions Tour Guide App and enter the password provided. The app works offline after download, making it easy to follow the route in remote areas.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the tour is designed for flexible exploration, making it suitable for families with children who enjoy scenic drives and stopping for short hikes or water breaks.

How long does the tour take?
The estimated duration is 2 to 3 hours, but you can take longer if you choose to explore detours like the hikes or lakes.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Absolutely. The tour is self-guided, so you can start whenever it suits you, as long as it’s within the tour’s open hours (6:00 AM to 9:00 PM).

Are there any additional costs for stops or attractions?
The tour itself is a flat fee, but some stops like hiking trails or lakes may have their own parking and access fees. Many sites are free.

What should I bring?
Bring a car charger or power bank, comfortable shoes if you plan to hike, water, and a camera. For the best experience, using headphones for the narration is recommended.

Is there support if I encounter technical issues?
Yes, support is available if you face any audio issues. Contact information is provided with your booking details.

In short, this self-guided audio tour offers a combination of scenic beauty, engaging stories, and flexibility—all at a reasonable price. It’s a smart choice for travelers seeking a personalized adventure in Moab’s stunning landscape.