South Mountain Loop

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Features Birding · Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is a really nice run at high elevation (+/- 10k feet) that circles South Mountain in the La Sals. You could begin at either Medicine Lake or La Sal Pass and run either direction. There is a nice view all around and a few minor hills. The Terraces Trail #080 is not on most (any?) maps now but it connects La Sal Pass with "South Mountain Trail" making this a nice loop just over 9 miles. Singletrack nearly the whole way except for about 1 mile around La Sal Pass, and for the most part in great condition thanks to the USFS. Definitely a nice tour of the western-most group in the La Sals.

Toilet at Medicine Lake Trailhead.

I ran clockwise, but either direction would be good. Could also easily park right at La Sal Pass and begin/finish run there.

Nice half day run around South Mountain, a little over 9 miles. A couple of big hills but nothing that lasts too long. Awesome view in all directions -- would be especially nice with late September fall colors or during peak wildflower season. The cut off to the Terraces Trailhead makes this a very nice loop from a car park at Medicine Lake.

I started at Medicine Lake, run the Medicine Lakes Trail south to the South Mountain Trail and took a right (west) and followed that around South Mountain. When I got to the shoulder (NW side of S Mt group on top of the hill above Pack Creek and at the junction with Terraces Trail #080) I took a right (east) there and it was a nice quick traverse over to La Sal pass and back down the hill to the car park at Medicine Lake.

Car park at Medicine Lake: 38°24'57.58"N, 109°14'50.75"W

Lots of wildflowers in July and into August. Spectacular fall colors wit the Aspens in late September/early October. Birds, deer and probably some elk up there.

Not sure but would love to know what all the terraces are about near the Terraces Trail TH.