The closest city to the La Sal mountain range is Moab, Utah, about 20 minutes to the north. Named after the Biblical kingdom of Moab, this small city is the seat of Grand County and the biggest population center in the area. Despite only having about 5,000 residents, Moab punches above its weight as a tourist destination, mostly due to the gorgeous scenery that surrounds it. Besides La Sal, Moab is also within easy driving distance of Arches National Park, Canyonland National Park, and Monument Valley, making it the perfect “base camp” for an exploration of some of Utah’s most beautiful natural sites.
Even before visiting, there’s a good chance that you’ve seen Moab or the surrounding area at least once before. Moab has long been a popular filming location for Hollywood movies, dating back to the late 1940s when legendary western director John Ford first scouted the town. In fact, the Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission is the oldest film commission in the world, having been founded in 1949. Some famous movies filmed completely or partially around Moab include Rio Grande, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and John Carter.
Besides the nearby scenery, Moab is also known for its extensive network of mountain biking trails, including the famous Slickrock Trail. It’s also a popular destination for off-road driving enthusiasts, who flock to the town every year for the annual Moab Jeep Safari.
Moab first experienced a boom in the 1950s after uranium was discovered just south of the city, earning it the nickname of “The Uranium Capital of the World.” Today, the city is experiencing a second boom as a resort town similar to Aspen in neighboring Colorado.
To make the most of your trip, check out our La Sal Mountains Self-Guided Driving Tour, or you can sign up for Action+ and gain access to over 100 tours for a single yearly price.
