Shafer Trail
Shafer Trail
4.5
About
Cattle trail which can be used by sport vehicles.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- hellomoto88Ipswich, Massachusetts79 contributionsHighly recommend!!Start at the Canyonland end of the trail for the best views going down the switchbacks. Highly recommend a 4WD with high clearance. The beginning of the trail is both terrifying and fun at the same time. Spectacular views.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten November 20, 2023
- Jeff LPalm Springs, California7 contributionsThe most terrifying, yet rewarding experience of my life!Well, we took the Shafer Trail from the Mesa in Canyonlands NP down to Moab. We were in our Land Rover Discovery which thank God had Hill Descent Control. And it was ON all the way thru the switchbacks. We were both terrified out of our minds in the switchbacks. Having said that, I would not take a million dollars for the experience! While we didn't really get to enjoy the views driving thru the switchbacks because we would not look out or down, once we reached the bottom, what we saw can only be described as majestic, inspiring, and even emotional. Would I do it again? NOPE! But I will drive the other way from Moab again to enjoy the canyons. You aren't risking death that way. If you have the right vehicle (4WD, high clearance, and hill descent control) and you have a sense of adventure, then DO IT! Go slow and be careful!Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten April 22, 2024
- Dave BSan Diego, California4 contributionsRugged Fun Spectacular ViewsIncredible views of deadhorse point, far better than the state park. also amazing views of canyon walls and other rock formations. We did it in a jeep wrangler. it was a very rough ride in that vehicle. real jeeps passed us frequently. There are many other vehicles on this route so you won’t be alone. Potash road is rougher than Schafer.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten June 6, 2024
- travel-from-NY-79New York City, New York49 contributionsExcellent, do not miss this off-roading trailExcellent! We had an amazing time. We did not deflate our tires as we were in a jeep wrangler 4x4 stock. We also started from potash rd as that is the best way since you will be going up hill and out from the canyon lands park. This way you will not burn out your brakes going down hill if you start from the other end, and there is a possibility to burn them as the switchbacks are tight, very steep and curvy. We did see lots of people pulled over. Also the priority is for the people going uphill so if you are going downhill and a car comes up, you will have to stop or even reverse to let the uphill car pass. Be sure to stop at the Louise and Thelma view point. There is no sign but you will come to a huge opening with great views 360 and that is the place to stop. We did see lots of guided tours so that is how we came to find that was the spot otherwise we would have missed it! The views are magnificent so don’t miss this opportunity if you are in the area!Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten June 9, 2024
- World TravelerNew York City, New York29 contributionsDon't Leave Canyonlands National Park without having driven Shafer Trail RoadI did some research before going on this trip in June of 2024. I had a rental SUV, which did the job of taking us down from the level of the Island in the Sky down to the bottom of the canyon. The drive down was completed before I realized it. The best part of it? To me, it was when I knew I had completed this driving experience without incident. Or, rather, when our vehicle finally hit the paved Utah Route 279, which stretches all the way, along the Colorado River, to Moab ...... I encourage anyone who decides to visit Canyonlands National Park to drive the Shafer Trail Road. Looking back at your experience, you'd regret not having driven that trail ......Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten July 7, 2024
- Graham G16 contributionsThe Shafer trail bottom to topWell this was a fabulous off road drive, spectacular views and some challenging driving. We went from Potash Road toward Canyonlands NP in an AWD in dry conditions.....its about 17 miles and took us 2 hours. The road surface was rocky, sandy and with many deep ruts. The last half hour is the switchbacks others have talked about rising from the canyon floor to the national park on the top. They zig zag up the sheer rock face and go on and on! This part is not for the faint hearted! The sheer drops alongside are very scary and there are few turn back opportunities. Think I held my breath for the full half hour 😬 It was wonderful but I won't be doing it again!Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten September 7, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Crystal
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Friends
You know that stomach dropping, regret-filled feeling you get when you’re strapped into a roller coaster, wondering why you decided to do this and there’s no turning back, but you know it’s going to be fine and over before you know it? Well this is like that except you don’t know it’s going to be ok when you feel like any plethora of rocks could slide onto you, out from under you, or somehow end up off the narrow ledge/road, and it lasts an hour!!! Every muscle in my body was sore afterwards from clenching my muscles and I literally cried. All 3 of us were very scared. Then it started raining which made things even scarier. I wouldn’t do it again, nor recommend, but if you’re a thrill seeker who likes living on the edge (literally) then you’ll love it!
Written August 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AJC_travlers
Idaho Falls, ID274 contributions
Feb 2022
This is a must drive if you have a high clearance, 4 wheel drive vehicle. We descended the trail in our Yukon XL. The trail had recently opened and still had snow in some locations which made for some scary hair pin turns. However, the views are amazing. We continued down the trail to the Potash road and on to highway 239. The road was pretty rough near the ponds.
Written February 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hjt113
Boca Raton, FL107 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
We took the Shafer trail from Canyonlands all the way back to Moab. The scenery is absolutely beautiful. We took it with a FWD Kia SUV, and we had no problem whatsoever. I personally do not think a 4WD is necessary, but high clearance is definitely a must to avoid damaging your vehicle. The switchback is the easiest part of the road as it is in very good condition, the rest of the road is trickier but nothing impassable. Took us 1h45 from Canyonlands back to Moab with a couple of stops for pictures. Definitely recommend it, as long as you are not afraid of heights and your vehicle has a high clearance.
Written July 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travel-from-NY-79
New York City, NY49 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Excellent! We had an amazing time. We did not deflate our tires as we were in a jeep wrangler 4x4 stock. We also started from potash rd as that is the best way since you will be going up hill and out from the canyon lands park. This way you will not burn out your brakes going down hill if you start from the other end, and there is a possibility to burn them as the switchbacks are tight, very steep and curvy. We did see lots of people pulled over. Also the priority is for the people going uphill so if you are going downhill and a car comes up, you will have to stop or even reverse to let the uphill car pass. Be sure to stop at the Louise and Thelma view point. There is no sign but you will come to a huge opening with great views 360 and that is the place to stop. We did see lots of guided tours so that is how we came to find that was the spot otherwise we would have missed it! The views are magnificent so don’t miss this opportunity if you are in the area!
Written June 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary W S
Colorado Springs, CO220 contributions
May 2023
Shafer Trail—About 18 miles from town of Moab to Canyon Lands Visitor Center. Great trip, classic Moab “canyon country”. Shafer Trail is easy road, any SUV, truck, stock jeep can handle with ease. Recommend starting in town, so that you are climbing out of the canyon at the end (rather than starting from Canyon Lands turnoff immediately going down hill. Very good, easy, intro to Moab “experience”.
Written June 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jordan P
3 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
Full sized F350 with dually went from top to bottom
Of trail. Tight turns totally to able! Hadn’t read any reviews so wanted to post to let you know it’s possible. It’s steep but we did not feel unsafe.
Of trail. Tight turns totally to able! Hadn’t read any reviews so wanted to post to let you know it’s possible. It’s steep but we did not feel unsafe.
Written April 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanna D
Navarre, FL3 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
Went in 2020 and this has become a near death story telling experience we share with friends lol. Make sure you have enough gas, probably a good idea to have some food and water (just in case) and prepare for no cell service. We were definitely unprepared and did not know what we were getting into. By the time we realized it there was no turning back (literally). We were overcome with fear for the entire two hours it took (13 miles, sharp switchbacks, going 8/9 mph) and our mortality became real. Pretty sure we suffered with acute stress for a few days when trying to go to bed having flashbacks. We can laugh about it now but I don’t think I would ever do that again.
Written November 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craig G
New Orleans, LA3 contributions
Aug 2020
It's way less scary than it's made out to be. Even in the narrowest part, you've got about 2 feet of space to the ledge. The "fear" factor is all mental. If you go slow, drive carefully and don't do anything dumb, there's virtually no risk of going over. Scary? Perhaps. Dangerous? No. I was in a 4Runner but could see some long wheelbase vehicles having trouble on the switchbacks. Even at that it's still probably not a big deal. You can see far ahead if someone is coming up then wait by a turn to squeeze through...On the other hand, Potash Road was no joke. The "challenge" in this road really starts when you get past the switchbacks. I suppose you can get through in low clearance and 2WD but there's a risk you're going to bottom out. There are a couple of rough sections and maneuvers. Took us about 2.5 hours from the top to get back to Moab.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mncatkim
Mesa, AZ52 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
This is the best road I have ever been on for a heart pounding rush ! I would compare it to the same height anxiety you may have on Gemini bridges road when you overlook Moab! This was phenomenal and the best time of year for weather. It reminds me of skydiving... but really really slowly, so it’s crazy feeling! I was nervous, my hubby was not - if you are like me and heights are kinda freaky don’t drive it have someone else drive. This is not for the faint of heart once you start descending you can’t turn back, you would have a heck of a time. We had our Jeep in 4 wheel drive - hubby put the Jeep in 4low so we didn’t ride the breaks! it’s a step road and can get bumpy. Don’t be mistaken this is a crazy road! The views are amazing and worth the adrenaline rush for sure!!! Loved it! Thank you UTAH!!!
Written May 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Saguaroflower
Phoenix, AZ208 contributions
May 2021
This was really fun!! Don't go beyond Shafer without a 4 wheel drive/high clearance vehicle. Potash Road, which is what you will drive if you don't turn around at the bottom, is true off-roading. We did continue with a 4-runner and it was great, but the wrong vehicle will leave you with car damage and regret. It is also a terrible place to break down. If you have the right vehicle, do Potash. The views are spectacular and it takes about 3 hours. Don't forget to stop at Thelma and Louis Point!
Written May 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can any length of this trail be safely driven out and back on a regular clearance 2WD?
Written November 25, 2020
LEH2015ed
New Jersey
Planning on driving Shafer Road summer 2019. We have 4X4 truck camper, 12'6" tall,22ft long, 15,000lbs. Looks like some of the rock overhangs are low...will we have enough clearance? Thank you.
Written April 26, 2019
In talking with my husband he said he wouldn't do it and we were driving a full size Yukon Denali. There is one low overhang that could be a problem as well as one tight turn. I had to hang out of the window and guide him through the turn. We recommend if you do it to start at the top and go down but it would be best to check at the Canyonland Visitor center with one of the rangers and get their input. At 22 feet long it would be difficult to find a place to turn around if needed,
Written April 30, 2019
Hi, I am returning to Canyonlands in September 2018. I am dying to take the Shafer Canyon drive. My question is how far does it go? Can I drive from Canyonlands all the way back to Moab? Or Dead Horse State Park? Or is it a road that goes to Potash and then back to Canyonlands? Thank you!
Written July 28, 2018
You can drive all the way to Moab!!
A bit before the White Rim Rd you take the left into the Potash Rd. Follow this road all the way till you drive on the 279.
In the corner of the 279 is a parking spot, you can hike to the Corona Arch Trailhead!! After that continue to Moab.
A gem of day is ahead !!!
Written August 13, 2018
Can I drive my Dodge Caravan at Shafer Road. How rough is the road?
Written October 23, 2017
I would not attempt it as it is quite a dangerous road and quite challenging especially with a caravan I would only attempt it with a good 4 wheel drive, and it would be a challenge even for a 4WD especially in bad weather at night etc. I personally would not, but it all depends on you of course. Do your research well!!
Written October 24, 2017
Could we take the Gemini Bridge trail, explore Canyonlands N.P. and return to Moab via Shafer Trail/Potash Rd. in one day? How long could be explore in Canyonlands? Thanks
Written January 23, 2015
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