Driving Shafer Trail from Potash Road to Canyonlands National Park

Moab, Utah, is known for two big things: epic National Parks and jaw-dropping off-road trails. One of our absolute favorite drives was Shafer Trail, a route that took us from the iconic Potash Road right into the heart of Canyonlands National Park.

This trail has everything—red rock canyons, crazy insane switchbacks, movie landmarks, and panoramic views that’ll stay with you for life.

Thanks to our adventurous friends, Alli and Sean from Here Then Gone, for recommending it. Without them, we might’ve missed one of the most unforgettable parts of our first Moab trip.

Directions to Potash Road

We were camping just north of Moab, so we hopped on US-191 south, then turned west onto Potash Road (also known as State Route 279). This scenic drive hugs the Colorado River and snakes through a stunning canyon.

We spotted rock climbers scaling massive canyon walls, petroglyphs etched into the rocks, and trailheads everywhere.

Attractions on Potash Road

After a few miles, the pavement ended, and we climbed into classic red rock country. Here are the highlights along the way:

• Balanced Rock: Not to be confused with the one in Arches NP, this rock might look familiar. We spotted it in 127 Hours during one of the flashback scenes.
• Potash Evaporation Ponds: These strange blue pools are where potassium chloride (aka “potash,” used as fertilizer) is harvested.
• Thelma and Louise Point: Yep—the famous cliff from the movie. This exact spot is where the main characters launched their car off a cliff, running from police in the film. The view here is insane. You’re standing right above the Colorado River, hundreds of feet below.

After that, the road hugs the canyon edge. At one point, we squeezed between a sheer wall and a drop that would make your (at least it did mine) stomach flip. Eventually, Potash Road peeled away from the river and led us into Shafer Canyon—where things really got exciting.

Attractions on Shafer Trail

Don’t let the easy start fool you, Shafer Trail’s real test comes from the steep drop-offs and hairpin switchbacks that make every turn feel like a scene from an adventure film.

Once we entered Canyonlands National Park, we drove about two mellow miles before the trail tilted skyward. Then came the Shafer switchbacks, which are a tight series of zig-zags that climb, climb, climb the canyon walls.

Luckily, it’s only 1,500 feet to the top! If heights aren’t your thing, you might want to ride shotgun and close your eyes for this section. We stopped a few times along the way for some incredible pictures and only had one freak-out moment.

But every hair-raising curve came with insane views—a sweeping, almost surreal panorama of Shafer Canyon.

Canyonlands National Park

After the adrenaline wore off and my hands finally stopped shaking from those switchbacks, we arrived at the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. Most visitors reach this area by paved roads. They have no idea what kind of wild ride we just took to get there.

Canyonlands National Park is one of Utah’s most underrated gems. While places like Arches and Zion get most of the spotlight, Canyonlands quietly delivers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the state. It’s massive—divided into four districts.

From towering mesas to deep-cut canyons that stretch for miles, this park puts your place in the universe into perspective. It feels wild, untouched, and far from the crowds. Standing at the edge of Shafer Canyon, you can see how the land has been shaped by water and time—and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch the light hitting the rock just right and turning the whole place golden.

It’s one of those parks that makes you slow down, take a deep breath, and say, “Wow… this is why we RV.”

Shafer Trail + Potash Road Trail Stats

• Trail length: About 20 miles from Moab to the visitor center.
• Drive time: Expect 3–4 hours with photo stops and snack breaks.
• Vehicle needed: A high-clearance vehicle is recommended. We didn’t use 4WD, but we were glad to have it just in case.
• Difficulty: Not technical—just intense due to narrow roads and steep cliffs. In my opinion, the switchbacks pose the challenge and will likely give even the calmest person anxiety due to the extreme height combined with the narrow road.
• Best time to go: Spring and fall offer the best weather and views without summer heat. Make sure rain is not on the radar.

We’d absolutely drive this trail again, and if you’re road-tripping through Moab, it should be on your list. It’s one of the most scenic drives we’ve ever done, and it perfectly blends Moab’s rugged beauty with that thrill-seeker spirit.

Hear More About It in Our Podcast

We talked about Shafer Trail and other fun trails in the first episode of our podcast. You can find the podcast on the app you use to listen to your podcasts. Find more links and information on the show notes page for that episode.

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts

🎧 Listen on Spotify

Do you have questions or your own wild Shafer Trail story? Leave us a voice message here. We would love to play your stories on the podcast.

Most Common Questions About Shafer Trail