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Manti-La
Sal National Forest
The
Manti-La Sal National Forest punctuates the scenic wonders of southeastern
Utah. The Forest consists of three mountain blocks located in central and
southeastern Utah that rise above the surrounding desert as islands of
green. The forest's La Sal and Abajo Mountain Ranges provide excellent
opportunities for hiking and mountain climbing and serve as scenic
backdrops to state and national parks in the desert lands of southeastern
Utah.
The
Abajo Mountains, rising 11,360 feet above sea level, and their associated red rock
plateaus just west of the town of Monticello, Utah.
Along
the eastern Utah border near Moab, the La Sal Mountains rise 12,721 feet
above sea level. This part of the Forest provides climatic relief to the
desert of the Colorado River Plateau. Narrow forest roads lead travelers
to the high mountain passes, and into narrow canyons like Dark Canyon
where the crystalline rock structure of the peaks is exposed for all to
see.
Expect a variety
of weather conditions over the year, varying widely with elevation. Plan
your outing and clothing accordingly! You can calculate roughly -5 degrees
F for each 1000 feet of elevation gain. This translates to a potential
temperature decrease of over 40 degrees from the Moab valley floor to the
summits of the La Sal Mountains. From the Sanpete and Castle Valleys to
the top of the Wasatch Plateau, temperatures in August will decrease by
about 20 degrees F.
On
the northern division of the forest offers two scenic byways, the
Huntington Canyon Scenic Byway and Eccles Canyon Scenic Byway. The Utah
adventure Highway across the Manti-La Sal National Forest is also known as
Skyline Drive. The La Sal Scenic back way can be found in the southern
division of the forest, beginning at US Highway 191 six miles south of
Moab. Beginning 25 miles west of Blanding at the junction of U-95 and
U-275 is the Elk Ridge Scenic back way. The Abajo Loop runs north from
Blanding around Abajo Peak in the Manti-La Sal National Forest and east to
Monticello.
The
Forest also offers two National Recreation Trails: The Left Fork of
Huntington Canyon Trail and Fish Creek Trail. The Left Fork Trail is 6
miles long and open to foot and horse travel only and provides access to
some quality fly fishing opportunities. The 10-mile Fish Creek Trail is
open to foot, horse and mountain bikes.
The
Dark Canyon Wilderness Area is open to foot and horse travel only. The
Dark Canyon Primitive Area is administered by the Bureau of Land
Management and are a unique and colorful canyon system in Southeastern
Utah.
Visiting
the Manti-La Sal National Forest you can expect to find hundred of miles
of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and OHV'S. Camping
is available in more the 25 developed campgrounds as well in primitive
areas. Beautiful mountain lakes, reservoirs, and mountain stream offer
trout fishing. Huntington Creek is noted as one of the premiere fly
fishing streams in the state. Joe's Valley reservoir offers fishing for
splake as well as motor boating opportunities. Winter provides snow for
cross country skiing and snowmobiling.
For
more info on the Manti-La Sal National Forest you can contact:
Supervisor's
Office
599
West Price River Drive
Price,
Utah 84501
435-637-2817
Click
Here For Camping Information And Reservations
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