The La Sal Mountains, east of Moab, are Utah's second highest mountain range. With a dozen peaks topping 12,000 feet, the snow-capped La Sals provide a beautiful backdrop for the Moab area's red rock dessert settings. A photographer's delight, the La Sal Mountains offer a marvelous contrast for surrounding desert icons such as Fisher Towers, Castle Valley, Delicate Arch and Onion Creek Towers. Topped off by the 12,700 foot Mount Peale, the La Sals can be seen from nearby Arches National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands' Island in the Sky.
   When summer temperatures in the lower elevations rise over 100 degrees, hiking in the cool La Sals is a very tempting outing. While not a technical climb, a trip up to the mountaintop can make a wonderful day hike. Although it's listed as a minor peak, Haystack Mountain reaches 11,642 feet in elevation. Rising up from the northern edge of Geyser Pass, the route from this point is fairly obvious. After enjoying the cooler temperatures among the aspen groves and admiring the carefree attitude of the area's wildlife, a challenging boulder field lies between you and the summit. From up on top, panoramic views of canyon country lie in nearly every direction.

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