Manti La Sal National Forest
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Manti La Sal National Forest is located in the southeastern region of Utah and offers visitors a diverse range of outdoor recreational activities.
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Summary
The forest covers over 1.2 million acres and is home to the La Sal Mountains, which provide visitors with breathtaking views and hiking trails. The forest also boasts streams, lakes, and rivers that are perfect for fishing and water sports.
One of the main reasons to visit Manti La Sal National Forest is for its diverse wildlife. Visitors can spot a range of animals, including elk, deer, moose, black bears, and mountain lions. The forest is also home to over 200 species of birds, making it an ideal destination for birdwatchers.
There are several specific points of interest within the forest, including the La Sal Mountains Scenic Byway, which takes visitors on a picturesque drive through the mountains. Castle Valley, located in the eastern part of the forest, is a popular area for rock climbers due to its unique rock formations. Visitors can also explore the numerous hiking trails throughout the forest, including the popular Mount Peale Trail.
Interesting facts about Manti La Sal National Forest include that it was established in 1907 and was originally named the Manti Forest Reserve. Additionally, the forest is home to the largest aspen forest in the world, with over 200,000 acres of aspen trees.
The best time of year to visit Manti La Sal National Forest is during the summer months, between June and September, when the weather is warm and the roads and trails are open. However, visitors can also enjoy winter activities such as skiing and snowmobiling during the winter months.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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