Conditions/Tips for La Sal Traverse

Colorado peak questions, condition requests and other info.
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Gritz3000
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Conditions/Tips for La Sal Traverse

Post by Gritz3000 »

Hi!

A friend and I are planning a north to south traverse of the La Sal range outside Moab, UT next week. We will largely be hiking on the summit ridge lines, with some trail mixed in there.

I’m curious if anyone has updates on snow in the La Sals as of mid-June. Also, any other tips on the route would be appreciated.

Thanks!!
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oldschool
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Re: Conditions/Tips for La Sal Traverse

Post by oldschool »

I work and live in the area and was up in the La Sal's yesterday. All the snow is gone. A few small patches are still hanging out in shady areas. No snow left on the ridges or high peaks.

Mike
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Tweedie
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Re: Conditions/Tips for La Sal Traverse

Post by Tweedie »

Interesting topic. The la platas are mostly melted out and much of the San Juan’s are well on the way with the recent heat. I expect based on elevation the La Sals would be dry, but may some stray snow on north faces.

I am more replying to find out more about this “route”. Where do you plan to start and finish and will you camp along the way. I’m not far from the La Sals, but I have not climbed them, so this is interesting for an early season climb.
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oldschool
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Re: Conditions/Tips for La Sal Traverse

Post by oldschool »

Here is a gpx track of the route.

Mike
La_Sal_Traverse.gpx
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Scott P
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Re: Conditions/Tips for La Sal Traverse

Post by Scott P »

My wife and I recently climbed Tomasaki and South Mountain (Sunday and Friday). There's a little snow and we had to walk through some, but it wasn't much of a hindrance.

I prefer doing the La Sals as snow climbs since its prettier and more pleasant than the talus.

The area around Medicine Lake had a lot of mosquitoes.

Anyway, north facing slopes of the three highest peaks as of last week:
FB_IMG_1750003477488.jpg
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Re: Conditions/Tips for La Sal Traverse

Post by Gritz3000 »

Thanks everyone! Can any of you confirm if there is water at Geyser Pass and Miners Basin?
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Re: Conditions/Tips for La Sal Traverse

Post by Scott P »

I don't think Geyser Pass has water, but there are Creeks and a spring not that far not that far to the east.

Miners Basin usually has water this time of year, but I haven't been this year yet.
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