Potash Road, Shafer Switchbacks

1 Review

Location Moab, UT

Rating Easy,

Length 18.1mi

Time 4hrs

Guide Trail # 55

You'll turn left up a switchback after going past Balanced rock.
Top of Shafer Switchbacks
Road is usually in good condition.
Great spots to pull off and admire the view.
Evaporation ponds. Blue die added to speed up process.
Driving up the switchbacks.
Looking down the switchbacks
Colorado river as it winds through the Goose Neck.

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types Defined

Overview

See “Thelma & Louise Point” on way to “Shafer Switchbacks.”

Road follows bench looking down on the Colorado River and up at Dead Horse Point State Park. Truly spectacular scenery. Walk or drive short distance to Thelma & Louise Point. (Remember movie?) ATVs and UTVs are allowed on Potash Road and a few side roads, but must stop, even if licensed, at boundary to Canyonlands N.P. No pets in park, not even if kept in vehicle. Self-pay fee station at Wpt. 05 or pay as you leave. No day-use permit needed between Wpts. 04 and 05, but you’ll need one east of Wpt. 04.

Rating

Easy

Trail Ratings Defined

Under normal conditions, you’ll want a little more clearance than an ordinary passenger car. Small ruts and washouts are possible after heavy rainstorms, during which time you may need 4-wheel drive. We made it through
easily in our stock Trailhawk.

Stats

Length

18.1mi

Time

4hrs

High Point

5,919ft

Best Time To Go

March-November

Current Conditions

435-259-2100, 435-259-4712BLM Moab Field Office, 82 E. Dogwood, Canyonlands National Park Island-inthe- Sky Visitor Center

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Reviews

David Frazer says

Easy trail, scenic. But if you don't like narrow shelf roads then the switchbacks near the end are somewhat terrifying....See More

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David Frazer says

Easy trail, scenic. But if you don't like narrow shelf roads then the switchbacks near the end are somewhat terrifying. The road is wide, and yes its "easy" but if heights bother you then you might think twice. You will be going up a sheer cliff that's so vertical you cannot figure how they cut the road in the side of this cliff.

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