The peaks in the La Sal Mountains are often viewed, but realitively few people climb them. They form the famous backdrop behind such famous areas as Arches National Park, Canyonlands, and Moab. Less famous, but just as spectacular it the view from the east and near Gateway Colorado. The La Sal means "The Salt" in Spanish and the mountains were named by the Dominguez/Escalante Expedition in 1776. There are two stories about the naming of the La Sals. The first is that they were named because the soils and valleys surrounding the mountains contain salt. The second is that since the Dominguez/Escalante party passed through the area in August, they just couldn't believe the mountains were covered with snow, so they assumed they were covered with salt as are some of the surrounding valleys. Since summer temperatures often soar to 110F or higher in the valleys, the story isn't as far-fetched as it may seem.

As Grand County's high point, Mount Waas is the fourth tallest of Utah's county peaks. It is also the fourth highest peak in the LaSals, and the highest in the north half of the LaSals. It is sometimes known on older maps as Mount Nas or Mount Nass. Really old maps simply label the peak as La Sal.

Mount Watson was used as a survey station as early as 1882 the peak had a "heliograph station" on the summit during the 1880's. The station was run by the Coat Gurad and Geodetic Survey to determine altitudes and locations.

Mount Wass is probably the most difficult to climb of any of the higher La Sal peaks. There are no technical routes, but there are many large boulders and loose talus to deal with.

Note on the name of the peak: I believe the mountian was probably named for WAAS. WAAS is an extremely accurate navigation system developed for civil aviation. Before WAAS, the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS) did not have the ability to provide horizontal and vertical navigation for precision approach operations for all users at all locations. Nas or Nass is the name on older maps of the peak.

It is also possible that the name stems from Ute origin. Waas also apparently means "man" in the ute language.

Utah's 12,000+ Foot Peaks With 200+ Feet Prominence

Utah's 12,000+ Foot Peaks With 300+ Feet Prominence

Looking south from the summit of Mt. Waas in July.

Getting There

The easiest route goes north from Beaver Basin (Beaver Basin is located on the east side of the LaSals). A 4WD high-clearance vehicle is required. Alternate routes from Miner's Basin are longer and more strenuous due to their distance from Mt Waas; the road to Miner's Basin is also 4WD.

Beaver Basin:

Drive north out of Moab on U.S. Highway 191 for 2.3 miles. Just before crossing the Colorado River, turn right (east) on Utah Highway 128, which runs right next to the Colorado, with beautiful views of the river as well as the redrock canyon walls. In about 15 1/2 miles, turn right at the signs to Castle Valley and LaSal Loop Road. At 10.7 miles you'll reach a junction. Go straight (east) for another 5 or 6 miles. Turn south onto Castleton-Gateway road (sign). Soon afterward, it starts downhill, and a signed road on the right leads into Beaver Basin. Turn right and stay on the main dirt road. A creek will always be below you to the left.

Miners Basin:

Drive north out of Moab on U.S. Highway 191 for 2.3 miles. Just before crossing the Colorado River, turn right (east) on Utah Highway 128, which runs right next to the Colorado, with beautiful views of the river as well as the redrock canyon walls. In about 15 1/2 miles, turn right at the signs to Castle Valley and LaSal Loop Road. At 10.7 miles you'll reach a junction, turn right or south onto LaSal Loop road. Follow the LaSal loop road south for 4.5 miles to the Miner's Basin road, turn left. A 4WD high-clearance vehicle is required, but this area is moderately popular and the road is used often. It is 3 miles to the road's end. There is a pond, parking lot, and outhouse in Miner's Basin.

Beaver Basin.

Routes Overview

The Beaver Basin Route is on the east side of the mountain and is said to be the easiest, or at least normal route to the summit of Mount Waas.

The Miners Basin Route is a viable alternative and is probably the best trailhead in the winter or spring, though you must walk from the LaSal Loop road outside the summer season.

Warner Lake is another route that is sometimes used.

below the saddle SW of Waas, looking SE in September.

When to Climb

Mid-June through Spetember and early October is the normal summer climbing season, but the mountain can be climbed year round with the right skills. If you get an early start, May can be a great time to climb when the snow is frozen. Snow can eliminate some of the boulder-hopping, but once the snow softens, be prepared for post-holing.

Looking down Mt Waas into Beaver Basin in September.

Red Tape

No permits are required. There was a time a few years ago when the road to Miners Basin was barricaded due to mining interest, but it is currently open.

Camping

There are plenty of campsites in the Beaver Basin and Miners Basin areas.

Maps

USGS Quad 24k, mount Waas, Quad # = o38109-e2
USGS Quad 100k, Moab, Quad # = f38109-e1
USGS Quad 250k, Moab, Quad # c38108-a1

Mountain Conditions

LA SAL MOUNTAINS WEATHER FORECAST

Below is the climate summary for nearby Blue Mountain Ski Resort (no longer operating) at 9175 feet elevation, and in the nearby Abajo Mountains. These are all averages, so expect more variation, but this will give you a good idea about the climate at higher elevations in the area. The La Sals are typicially colder (due to higher elevations), wetter, and recieve quite a bit more snow than the Abajo Mountains, but this is the closest data available. *National Weather Service Data.

MONTH	HIGH	LOW	PRECIP (in)	SNOWFALL (in)
JAN	25	3	2.52	32.9
FEB	29	7	1.83	24.6
MAR	36	12	1.81	18.3
APR	47	19	1.51	5.5
MAY	57	27	1.86	1.0
JUN	68	34	.91	0
JUL	74	42	3.08	0
AUG	70	40	3.51	0
SEP	63	32	2.14	.5
OCT	52	23	3.00	2.1
NOV	37	12	1.98	11.5
DEC	28	5	2.60	27.4

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