Mount Peale

Mount Peale ranks No. 23 among the 57 ultra-prominent peaks in the contiguous United States, rising 12,727 feet in the La Sal Mountains of eastern Utah, with 6,180 feet of clean prominence. It is the highest summit in the La Sal Mountains and San Juan County. Most hikers use the Burlfriends Trail from La Sal Pass for 5 to 6 miles round-trip with about 2,600 feet of gain on Class 2 terrain with off-trail navigation above treeline.

The La Sals contain Utah's highest summits outside the Uinta Mountains, and on ListsOfJohn, Peale ranks second behind Kings Peak among Utah peaks by prominence. The range rises sharply above the canyon country around Moab, creating a direct transition from the red-rock Colorado Plateau to alpine terrain within a few vertical miles. From Moab, Mount Tukuhnikivatz often appears higher on the skyline than Peale, though it stands roughly 250 feet lower, a reliable source of confusion for observers approaching from the west.

The La Sal Mountains are a classic laccolithic range, formed when igneous intrusions pushed overlying sedimentary rock upward without reaching the surface as lava. Above treeline, the terrain gives way to loose talus fields with minimal vegetation and a high-alpine character that can feel remote despite the range's proximity to Moab. On clear days the summit provides views extending to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and ranges more than 100 miles distant.

Burlfriends Trail from La Sal Pass

The standard approach begins at La Sal Pass Trailhead at approximately 10,125 feet, following the Burlfriends Trail south through grassy meadows and open conifer forest. The maintained trail gives way to an off-trail route at the base of the upper gully; above that point there is no constructed summit trail, and parties follow use paths and boot tracks through loose talus toward the ridge. The round trip from the pass trailhead is 5 to 6 miles with approximately 2,600 feet of gain, typically requiring 5 to 7 hours. Navigation requires attention on the upper mountain, especially in poor visibility.

In favorable conditions, high-clearance 4x4 vehicles may be able to continue farther along the approach road, shortening the hike; road conditions vary significantly with snow, mud, runoff damage, and seasonal closures, and the La Sal Pass Road includes a creek crossing that requires higher clearance.

Key Landmarks

• La Sal Pass Trailhead (approximately 10,125 ft)
• Upper gully entry / off-trail transition point
• Summit ridge (12,727 ft)

The standard route is Class 2, with off-trail navigation required above the lower trail and occasional Class 2+ movement on loose talus near the upper gully and summit ridge. No rope or harness is needed under summer conditions. Acclimatization is a real factor: the trailhead sits above 10,000 feet and the summit above 12,700 feet, with the full elevation gain compressed into 2.5 to 3 miles. For early-season ascents, crampons and an ice axe may be required if firm snow remains in shaded gully sections or on north-facing slopes. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible July through August. Wind exposure on the summit ridge is significant, and the range sees low enough visitation that self-rescue planning is appropriate.