Conquering the Edge: Driving the "Dangerous" Shafer Trail Switchbacks

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Conquering the Edge: Driving and Hiking the Shafer Canyon Area

Shafer Canyon Trail

There's a certain thrill that comes with a road labeled "dangerous." For a while, the Shafer Trail in Canyonlands National Park was on our "maybe one day" list. So when we heard it had been newly graded, we dropped everything. This post is the ultimate guide to the Shafer Canyon area, covering both the thrilling drive down the infamous switchbacks and the beautiful, short hike to the overlook that offers its own incredible views.

The Golden Nugget 🌟

Don't Miss This: The Potash Ponds. After the dramatic descent and desert landscapes, the sudden appearance of vibrant, electric-blue evaporation ponds against the red rock is a stunning and surreal sight you have to see to believe.

Adventure at a Glance

• 🏞️ Park: Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky district), Utah
• 🚶‍♀️ Activity: 4x4 Driving & Easy Hiking
• ⭐ Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 Diamonds)
• ☀️ Best For: Thrilling drives, epic canyon views, accessible overlooks.
• ⏳ Recommended Time: 3-4 hours to do both the drive and the hike.
• 🧭 Can't-Miss Sights: The Shafer Trail switchbacks, Shafer Canyon Overlook, the Colorado River, the Potash Ponds.

My Shafer Trail Story

This adventure started out like many of ours do... with a totally different plan. Yet when a great opportunity presents itself, we are flexible enough to jump on it! Finding out the Shafer Trail had just been graded was a huge find, and it didn't take much to convince Todd to brave the journey.

Looking down on the road from the overlook, it's truly an experience where you say, "Are we *really* going to conquer that road? Look how tight those switchbacks are!" There are times when I was looking out my passenger window at the cliffs—right there, just inches away—feeling anxious and hoping Todd could stay on the narrow road. The most anxious moments happen when someone is coming the other direction. There's only room for one car, so trying to find a place to pass or having to back up around those tight turns requires some expert driving skills. Luckily, Todd is an amazing back-road driver, but I'd never attempt this road when it's wet and muddy!

As you reach the bottom, it feels like you've entered another world. The air is calmer, and the towering cliffs feel like you're in a place similar to Petra in Jordan. Once we were down, we were constantly looking for a balanced rock Todd remembered from a previous trip. He told me how amazing it was and how I wouldn't believe just how enormous this rock was, balanced on such a small base. As we kept driving, his tone got worried... "Maybe it's not longer around. Maybe it rolled away..." And then, we found it. He had built up the anticipation so much that we were both so excited to find it still standing! It was WAY bigger than I expected and incredibly impressive. It's a marvel it hasn't tipped off yet.

We were there during the Jeep Safari, and watching that amazing train of jeeps come by was really fun. The air changes with excitement, and the rumble of dozens of jeeps making a long train into the canyon is quite the sight. We sat and visited with the crowd, feeling the camaraderie of conquering the Shafer Trail together... even if we didn't quite fit in. Our vehicle is definitely not a jeep, and we once again got funny looks of, "You got *that beast* down here?"

The final, stunning surprise is the potash farms. The incredibly bright, electric-blue of the water contrasting with the red landscape is stunningly beautiful. It's a memory that has stayed vividly in my head because it was so shockingly unique. It feels picture-perfect, and once you discover it's man-made, the almost-too-bright color makes sense. Still, it's an incredible thing to see.

The scale of the cliffs is amazing. Having started at Island in the Sky looking *down* those steep cliffs, and then being at the bottom looking *up* at them, is quite the contrast. It really hits you when you stop, look around, and just marvel.

VR Video Treasure Hunt!

• 🔎 Jeep Safari: Can you spot some of the cool, modified Jeeps navigating the trail alongside us?
• 🔎 The Edge of the Road: Find the shot that best captures just how narrow the road is and how steep the drop-off is!
• 🔎 The Balanced Rock: Look for the massive balanced rock formation that stands guard along the lower part of the trail.
• 🔎 Blue Pools: Can you see the incredible, vibrant blue of the Potash Ponds near the end of our drive?

Don't Forget the Overlook Hike!

Before or after your drive, don't miss the second draw to this area: the sweet and simple hike to the Shafer Canyon Overlook. This is one of the first viewpoints in the Island in the Sky district and it gives you a fantastic feeling for the immense scale of the landscape. I captured a few 360 videos from the trail for you to experience this gorgeous, easy walk.

Your Trail Guide: Helpful Hints

• ♦️ Check Conditions First: This road is impassable when wet. Always check the road status on the official Canyonlands National Park website before you even consider driving it.
• ♦️ Vehicle Requirements: A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is required. Do not attempt this in a standard passenger car.
• ♦️ It's a Two-Way Street: Remember that you may encounter vehicles coming uphill. Be prepared to navigate tight passes and yield appropriately.
• ♦️ Love the Switchbacks? Try These!: If you're a fan of thrilling switchback roads, check these out!
  • Moki Dugway: Located near Valley of the Gods.
  • Mineral Bottom Road: Just past Dead Horse Point, this road descends to the Mineral Bottom boat ramp. You can see old cars that didn't make the drive left in the rubble, and if you go around Thanksgiving, you might see BASE jumpers!
  • Burr Trail Road: Look for the switchbacks as this road descends into Capitol Reef National Park down on the edge of the reef.

The Shafer Trail is more than just a road; it's a rite of passage for many Moab adventurers. It's a test of nerve that rewards you with access to a world you can't see from the overlooks above. From the engineering marvel of the switchbacks to the serene beauty of the river valley and the surreal colors of the potash farms, this drive is an adventure from top to bottom. It's a journey we were so thrilled to finally take, and I hope this immersive video gives you a taste of the thrill!

Sending Love,
Shauna from VRGetaways