Burlfriends Trail No 88 and South Mountains Loop

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

A beautiful 16-mile loop in beautiful aspen groves and wildflower-filled high mountain meadows.

Be prepared for changing weather conditions in the mountains. Sudden thunderstorms are common in the summer.

This hike begins at La Sal Pass parking area. Face the two mountains and head out to the right on the Burlfriends Trail #88. The Burlfriends Trail is a sweet singletrack trail that winds through thickly forested stands of aspens. The familiar "quaky" sounds of the aspens are unmistakable even in a light breeze. The trail ends back at La Sal Pass Road (FS #0073) where you cross the road to access the South Mountains Trail.

The South Mountain Trail skirts around the 11,000+ ft. South Mountain, again providing hikers with beautiful views of high mountain valleys and patches of snow that last all summer. The terrain is mostly high mountain meadow singletrack with some rocky technical sections above the tree line (10,500+ ft).

Stay on the South Mountain Trail until it intersects with La Sal Pass Road (FS #0073). Turn right on the road and climb back to where you began at La Sal Pass.

Large groves of aspen trees. Wildflowers abound in the summer, and fall colors are amazing. You might see mule deer, elk, or black bear as well as smaller game.

The La Sal mountains and surrounding areas are rich in historical significance. There are amazing geologic formations, dinosaur fossils, cave and rock drawings, and remnants of the American settlers to the region. Search Emery County, Utah for more information.