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Home  >  Hiking   >  Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains
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Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

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Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

Hiking Haystack Mountain (11,641 ft) in the La Sal Mountains, Utah

Haystack Mountain (11,641 ft) is a striking summit located in the La Sal Mountains, just outside Moab, Utah. As the second-highest mountain range in Utah—after the Uinta Mountains—the La Sals offer a scenic, high-alpine escape from the desert heat below.

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1 Share the love!
2 Hiking Haystack Mountain (11,641 ft) in the La Sal Mountains, Utah
2.1 Trail Overview
2.2 Route Options to the Summit
2.2.1 1. Geyser Pass Trailhead
2.2.2 2. Warner Lake Trailhead
2.2.3 3. Oowah Lake & Clark Lake Trailhead (Recommended Route)
2.3 Directions
2.4 Trail Info
2.5 Oowah Lake Campground and Rec Area
2.6 Start of the Hike
2.7 Clark Lake
2.8 Trail Split for Moonlight Meadows
2.9 Off Trail Hike Begins
2.10 En Route to the Summit
2.11 summit of Haystack Mountain
2.12 Descent
2.12.1 Watch the video of our hike!
2.13 Trail Map
2.13.1 Don’t forget to clean your camelbak bladder when you get home!
2.14 Nearby Hike
2.15 Save me on Pinterest!
2.15.1 Share the love!

Trail Overview

The trail begins with plenty of shade and year-round water access thanks to a flowing creek, making it especially great for dogs. As you climb, the terrain transitions from pine forest to open alpine slopes. Once you reach the saddle, you’ll emerge above tree line, where the final push to the summit is fully exposed and off-trail.

⚡ Important: The La Sals frequently experience afternoon thunderstorms, especially in summer. Start your hike early to ensure you’re below tree line by noon.

This moderately challenging hike features forested trails, alpine meadows, and panoramic views. While the trail is established for much of the route, the final 1.5 miles requires off-trail navigation to reach the summit. It’s an ideal adventure for hikers looking to experience the less-traveled alpine terrain near Moab.

 

Route Options to the Summit

There are three main trailheads for accessing Haystack Mountain. Each offers a unique experience depending on road conditions and your previous hiking history.

1. Geyser Pass Trailhead

Shortest route to the summit

Check conditions before heading out—the pass may be closed or impassable due to snow or rough road conditions

This was our original plan, but we skipped it due to pass closure

2. Warner Lake Trailhead

Similar in mileage and elevation gain to our chosen route

We opted out of this route because we had already used it for hiking Mann’s Peak the previous year

3. Oowah Lake & Clark Lake Trailhead (Recommended Route)

Our chosen route

Distance: ~10 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: ~2,800 ft

Offers beautiful scenery, creek crossings, and forested sections

Less traffic than other trailheads

Directions

To reach Oohwah Lake, drive south from Moab, and turn left at the signed LaSal Scenic Loop Road. Follow all signs for this, and near Horse Canyon there is a tight bend in the road and the signed Oohwah Lake is on the right. Drive to the very end of the road where the lake, campground, and Clark Lake TH is.

Here is a driving map.

 

Trail Info

Distance: 9.6 miles RT

Elevation gain: 2,800 ft

Time: 5-7 hours RT

Dog friendly? Yes, off leash

Kid friendly? No

Fees/Permits? None

 

Oowah Lake Campground and Rec Area

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

Entering the Rec Area. There is a sign that no RVs are allowed to camp up here because the road has one tight turn, and there is not a big enough turn around for RVs in the campground – it’s best for tent campers or rooftop-style tents only. Camping is only $5/night and there are 11 first-serve, first-come sites. Call the Moab Ranger District for current conditions and if they are open at 435-259-7155. This is a popular lake so arrive early or even mid-week to snag a spot.

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

Official TH.

 

Start of the Hike

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

Now we begin! Woot woot!

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

You’ll hike up a series of small switchbacks and go through a cattle gate.

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

Around 0.75 miles the view opens up and you’ll have your first good look at Haystack from the SW side.

 

Clark Lake

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

At 1.2 miles reach Clark Lake. It was so brown because of the rain storm the day prior.

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

At 1.8 miles cross the stream, and then shortly after a small bridge.

 

Trail Split for Moonlight Meadows

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

At 2.2 miles reach this trail sign, and stay straight for Moonlight Meadows.

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

Moonlight Meadows is a prime spot for nice photos with Mt.Mellenthin in the background.

Loving my Duluth Trading Women Pier Genius Hooded Pullover! UPF 50 sun protections, odor-fighting, and dries 6x faster than normal material.

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

Wow, we will be up there soon!

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

Beautiful trail!

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

One last look at the meadow and Mt.Mellethin.

 

Off Trail Hike Begins

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

At 3.4 miles the trail takes a sharp right turn and this is where you’ll want to leave the trail and start aiming for the saddle straight ahead.

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

You will now be hiking off trail – find what seems like the best route to get past the trees.

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

Looking back at where we’ve hiked up from.

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

Still aiming for that saddle – from the trail turn off to the saddle is about 1 mile.

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

No bones about it!

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

Finally at the saddle. From here, just aim straight up the ridge to reach the summit.

 

En Route to the Summit

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

Whoohoo! One of my favorites – scrambling.

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

Looking back.

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

I was really happy to see the ridge level out with a big snow patch. Much easier to hike across. The wind was really strong through here.

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

The peak above Dan’s head is Manns Peak – the one we did in 2019!

 

summit of Haystack Mountain

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

Great view of Mt.Tukuhnikivatz to the south.

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

Summit snuggles are our thing!

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

The pups take a little nap before heading down. They did such a good job!

 

Descent

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

Time to head down – only half way done!

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

Back at the car we sat by Oohwah Lake and drank out ice cold beer – so refreshing!

Watch the video of our hike!

Trail Map

My track via Gaia GPS – the best tracking app! Get your app here for a discount.

Don’t forget to clean your camelbak bladder when you get home!

9 Ways to Clean your Camelbak Bladder

Nearby Hike

Hiking to Mann’s Peak

Hiking to Manns Peak, LaSal Mountains

Hiking to Mt.Tomasaki, LaSal Mountains

Hiking to Mt.Tomasaki, LaSal Mountains

Save me on Pinterest!

Hiking to Haystack Mountain, LaSal Mountains

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