Overview
Mount Peale is the highest summit in the La Sal Mountains and the second-highest point in Utah at 12,721 feet. It rises from the surrounding canyon country in a way that few mountains in the American West can match: the view from the summit includes Arches National Park, Canyonlands, the Colorado River drainage, and on clear days, the San Juan Mountains across the state line in Colorado.
The summit route begins at high elevation via the Geyser Pass Road, already above 10,000 feet, which reduces total driving-to-trailhead time. From the trailhead, the trail climbs through alpine terrain to the summit ridge of Manti-La Sal National Forest's most celebrated peak. The route is not technical, but the sustained elevation gain and altitude demand good fitness and acclimatization.
The Route
Trailhead to Geyser Pass (Miles 0-2.0) The trail departs from the end of the upper Geyser Pass Road and climbs immediately into alpine terrain. The first 2 miles pass through tundra and scattered krummholz (wind-stunted) spruce before reaching Geyser Pass at roughly 11,600 feet. The pass is a broad saddle with views opening east toward the Colorado border and south toward the Abajo Mountains.
Geyser Pass to South Ridge (Miles 2.0-3.2) From the pass, the trail turns north along the La Sal ridge, climbing steadily on loose shale and tundra. The views of the canyon country below begin opening immediately. The south ridge of Mount Peale comes into view at around mile 3, and the route curves northwest toward the summit cone.
Summit Approach (Miles 3.2-3.9) The final 0.7 miles to the summit are the steepest, with a rocky scramble over loose talus on the summit cone. The route is marked by cairns but requires attention in poor visibility. The summit is marked by a USGS benchmark. On a clear day, the panorama extends more than 100 miles in multiple directions, with the distinctive white-and-red canyon country of Moab far below.
When to Hike
July opens the summit after snowmelt on the approach road, which typically clears in late June or early July. Wildflowers on the summit tundra peak in mid-July.
August brings reliable afternoon thunderstorms. The summit is extremely exposed; descend immediately if storms are building. A 5 a.m. start is not excessive for this month.
September is the preferred month for experienced hikers: stable weather, clear views, and the beginning of fall color on the lower aspen slopes. The approach road typically stays open through October.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 3 liters of water for this route since there are no water sources above the trailhead. A windproof shell, gloves, and a hat are essential even in summer: summit temperatures can be 30 degrees colder than Moab below, and wind is constant above the ridge. Trekking poles ease the loose talus on the summit cone. Bring a map and know how to use it; the ridge route is clear in good weather but disorienting in clouds. Check conditions at /learn/checking-conditions-before-you-go.
Trailhead Access
The trailhead is reached via the Geyser Pass Road, a rough 4WD track above the La Sal Loop Road. A high-clearance vehicle is required for the upper approach; a 4WD vehicle with good clearance handles it in dry conditions. No permit or fee is required as of 2026. Dogs are welcome on leash. No restroom or water is available at the trailhead. The nearest services are in Moab, approximately 25 miles via the La Sal Loop Road.
Nearby
The Warner Lake Loop offers a more moderate alternative in the La Sal Mountains with similar alpine scenery at lower elevation. The Geyser Pass Trail starts from the same general area and visits the pass without the full summit push. Follow Leave No Trace on the fragile summit tundra: /learn/leave-no-trace-7-principles.