We were heading for Colorado, to do a couple of hikes, and thought we'd break up the long drive with a climb in one of our favorite Utah mountain ranges - the La Sal's (just outside of Moab). There are a couple of peaks, on Kent's list, that we haven't done yet and South Mountain happened to be one of them. So we made plans to drive up to La Sal Pass and camp at beautiful Medicine Lake. From there, in the morning, we could walk to our trailhead, complete the hike, and then head for Colorado in the afternoon. It was a good plan and came together nicely!
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| If all goes as planned we will be on top of South Mountain tomorrow |
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| Pink Yarrow was blooming near our camp site |
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In the evening, the sky opened up after the storm clouds moved on
(At least we thought they moved on . . . it drizzled for about three hours later that night) |
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| At breakfast, we were treated to an alpenglow while a little mist formed on the lake |
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Our trail began on the south side of Medicine Lake . . .
We will take a spur trail from Medicine Lake to the South Mountain Trail . . .
Time to get going, the mountain is waiting for us! |
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| The trail weaves through the beautiful Manti-La Sal forest |
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| We don't see moss very often . . . it almost felt like we were in the Pacific Northwest |
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| Toadstools and other fungi sprout up after the monsoon rains |
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The trees are so tall and haven't been devastated by the bark beetles . . .
It's refreshing to see a healthy forest |
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| We have reached the South Mountain Trail and it's time to begin our ascent to the saddle |
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We had a great view of Mt. Tuk (on the left 12,482) and Mt. Peale (on the right 12,721) from this talus slope . . .
We previously hiked these peaks in 2017 & 2014, respectively |
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Look at the angle of this slope . . . so glad there is a trail
(You can barely see the saddle we are heading towards . . . Once we reach it, we will begin our final ascent) |
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| Splendid Daisy or Fleabane |
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We have made it to the saddle and are now leaving the trail to begin our final approach . . .
This is looking back towards the Needles District of Canyonlands . . .
In the center of the picture, you can see our trail continuing on around the mountain . . .
(You'd think with a name of South Mountain it would make it's way to the top!) |
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| Lanceleaf Stonecrop |
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Yep, Kent is way up there . . . it was steep!
(Intimidatingly steep!) |
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Made it! Thankfully those are clouds and not a volcano erupting!
(Click on the picture for a panoramic view) |
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| Ah . . . Kent is a happy man . . . this peak (11,798 ft) has been on his list for a while |
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| Time for quick picture . . . the clouds are building and we need to get off the mountain |
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Heading back for the saddle and the trail . . .
Going down is faster, although not necessarily easier, especially on the knees |
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| Back at the trail and enjoying the leisurely walk to Medicine Lake |
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| A simple fungi |
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| An old arborglyph from 1947 |
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| Looking back at South Mountain (and the saddle, on the left) from the La Sal Pass Road |
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Crossing La Sal Creek . . . did we mention it rained last night??
(Seriously, this is a normal flow for La Sal Creek and hadn't changed from the day before!) |
If you're looking for a hike, in the La Sal's, that gives you a unique perspective on some of the highest peaks in the range, then you should enjoy this hike! It certainly is less traveled (hiked) than many of the others, but we're not sure why. It is challenging, and gives you a real sense of accomplishment once you're standing on top taking in those amazing views. Total distance round-trip was about 6.5 miles. You might want to add this one to your list, as well!
