Mount Peale, Mountain summit in San Juan County, United States.
Mount Peale is the highest peak in the La Sal Mountains of southeastern Utah, rising to about 12,700 feet above sea level. The mountain features steep rocky terrain with alpine vegetation that contrasts sharply with the desert landscape below.
The peak was named in 1875 after Albert Peale, a mineralogist with the Hayden Survey expedition that studied the region's geology. The naming recognized his contributions to scientific exploration of the area.
Spanish missionaries gave the range its name in 1776, mistaking the white peaks for salt deposits rather than snow. This historical misunderstanding remains embedded in the mountain's identity today.
The hike from La Sal Pass is steep and partly off-trail through alpine terrain to reach the summit. You will need good fitness and should attempt it in fair weather conditions.
From the summit on clear days, you can see both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park in the distance. This view offers a rare vantage point to observe multiple major parks from a single location.
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