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- Mount Peale
12,726 ft · La Sal Mountains, Utah
Mount Peale
Mount Peale is a 12,726 ft peak in the La Sal Mountains, Utah. The standard route is the Southwest Slopes: 5 mi, 2,644 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Peale at a glance
- Elevation12,726 ft3,878 m
- RouteSouthwest SlopesClass 2
- Distance5 mi2,644 ft gain
- Time4 – 6. hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeLa Sal MountainsUtah
Climbing the Southwest Slopes
From Moab, Utah, take the La Sal Loop Road to the Geyser Pass area to approach Mount Peale, the highpoint of the La Sal Mountains. The Southwest Slopes route is a short but steep Class 2 climb on talus to the summit, with big views over the red rock desert. Expect loose rock, lingering snow in early summer, and fast-moving storms with strong wind on the exposed top. Afternoon lightning is a real hazard on this high, isolated massif, so start early and summit before clouds build. Carry layers, sun protection, and plenty of water, since the upper slopes are dry and shadeless.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Hiking Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
Headlamp
GPS Device
Satellite Communicator
Power Bank
Offline Maps
Water
First-Aid Kit
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
What to watch for
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Storms
- High winds
- Rapid weather shifts
- Altitude sickness
- Steep exposure
- Remote location
Quests with Mount Peale
Lower 48 UltrasFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Peale?
Mount Peale is 12,726 feet (3,878 m) tall. It is in the La Sal Mountains, Utah.
How hard is it to hike Mount Peale?
The Southwest Slopes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 5 miles with 2,644 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Peale?
Most people take 4 – 6. hours round trip on the Southwest Slopes, covering 5 miles with 2,644 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Mount Peale?
The Southwest Slopes needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 5 miles with 2,644 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Mount Peale?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Peale reaches 12,726 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking Mount Peale?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.
When is the best time to hike Mount Peale?
The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Mount Peale?
The Southwest Slopes starts at about 10,130 feet, roughly 2,596 feet below the summit.
Climb Mount Peale with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list