Julie United States 12 Comments

Have you seen photos of the Shafer Canyon switchbacks and said to yourself, wow, I’d really love to drive on that road? Do you like the idea of venturing away from the crowds and driving through some truly dramatic landscapes? Or, do you want to get a unique perspective of Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park that most visitors don’t even know is possible?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you will love driving Shafer Canyon Road and Potash Road.

Shafer Canyon Road and Potash Road are two dirt roads that connect Canyonlands National Park with Moab. On this route, you will drive the legendary Shafer Canyon switchbacks, pass below Dead Horse Point, get a close-up view of the Colorado River, and see a famous movie filming location, Thelma and Louise point.

This drive is a great way to add a little adventure to your visit to Canyonlands National Park. Here’s how to do it.

Overview of the Route

How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers (points of interest and the driving route). You can click the check marks to hide or show layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest.
 
If you click the star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.

Driving Stats

Total Distance: 39 miles
Length of Time: 2 hours

This drive can be done in either direction. Most people start in Canyonlands and end in Moab. If you do the drive in this direction, it is a great way to end your visit to the Island in the Sky District.

Shafer Canyon Road starts near the visitor center of Canyonlands National Park. The first part of the drive, as you weave your way down the Shafer Canyon switchbacks, is the most hair-raising and thrilling part of the drive. Once you get below the rim, you will take Potash Road to Moab. This road circles under Dead Horse Point, along the Colorado River, and past the potash evaporation ponds. Once you get past the ponds, it is a paved road to Moab.

The entire drive, from Canyonlands National Park to Moab, is just under 40 miles. It takes roughly 2 hours to do this drive. It may take longer depending on how frequently you stop for photos.

17 miles of this road is unpaved. This is the stretch of road starting at the Shafer Canyon switchbacks and ending just past the Potash evaporation ponds. Once you reach Utah-279, the road is paved and feels delightfully smooth.

What Kind of Vehicle Do You Need?

The National Park Service recommends that you drive a high-clearance 4WD vehicle on Shafer Canyon Road.

Shafer Canyon Road is a well-maintained gravel road. Most AWD SUV’s will do just fine on this road, as long as it is not wet or snow-covered.

A high-clearance vehicle with 4WD is also recommended for Potash Road. However, like Shafer Canyon Road, a high-clearance AWD SUV should be sufficient.

Potash Road is extremely rough. For sections of this road, the surface is a rough, worn slickrock and when you drive over it, your entire vehicle will vibrate and rattle like crazy. I would not want to drive my own vehicle on this road and put this kind of wear and tear on it. I recommend renting a vehicle for this drive.

In Moab, there are numerous companies that will rent 4WD vehicles. We used Canyonlands Jeep Rentals and had an awesome experience.

ATV’s and UTV’s are permitted on Potash Road but they are not allowed on National Park Service lands, so you cannot drive one of these vehicles on Shafer Canyon Road.

About Our Experience

This drive on Shafer Canyon Road and Potash Road was the grand finale to our two days on the White Rim Road.

We drove the White Rim Road in the counter-clockwise direction, starting on Mineral Bottom Road. On our first day, we covered 70 miles of the road, camping at the Airport Campground. On day 2, we finished the loop, ending with the drive up the Shafer Canyon switchbacks.

However, we were really interested in driving Potash Road back to Moab. So, we drove back down the switchbacks and took Potash Road to Moab.

For this drive, we had a Jeep Rubicon that we rented from Jeep Canyonlands Rentals in Moab. Shafer Canyon Road and Potash Road are much wider and in much better condition than the White Rim Road. We never needed to put our vehicle in 4WD for these two roads. If you have a high-clearance SUV you should be fine for this drive, just as long as it is not wet or snow-covered.

Our Jeep

Our Jeep. This photo was taken at the top of Shafer Canyon Road, about one mile before starting down the Shafer Trail switchbacks.

Shafer Canyon Road and Potash Road: Driving Route

Here is the Shafer Canyon Road and Potash Road driving route in detail. This route starts in Canyonlands and ends in Moab.

Start: Shafer Canyon Overlook

I recommend visiting the Shafer Canyon Overlook before starting your drive. From here, you look out over the Shafer Canyon switchbacks and Dead Horse Point State Park. The Shafer Trail Viewpoint, located a little farther down the road, is spectacular, too.

Shafer Canyon Overlook View

View from Shafer Canyon Overlook. You can see the first part of Shafer Canyon Road on top of the rim, just before the switchbacks.

 

Shafer Canyon Switchbacks

View of the Shafer Canyon Switchbacks from Shafer Trail Viewpoint.

Shafer Trail or Shafer Canyon Road? Depending on the source, you will see this road referred to by two different names. “Shafer Trail” was originally used by Native Americans. In 1917, Sog Shafer widened the trail and used it to move cattle through the Island in the Sky area. The trail was later widened when prospectors began mining the area for uranium. Once the mining came to an end and tourism picked up, the road was further widened and maintained, and then became known as Shafer Canyon Road.

Shafer Canyon Road

Shafer Canyon Road starts one mile north of the Canyonlands Visitor Center on Island in the Sky Road. Turn right onto the gravel road.

Shafer Canyon Road Entrance

Shafer Canyon Switchbacks

Here it is. The most thrilling part of the drive.

I think that the Shafer Canyon switchbacks look a lot more dangerous from the viewpoints than when you are actually driving on them.

This part of the road is relatively smooth and very well maintained. It is also quite wide, at least compared to the White Rim Road. There are many places to pull over and allow oncoming traffic to pass.

For the first 2.5 miles, you drive just below the rim. There are several viewpoints along this part of the road for jaw-dropping views. From here, you can see Shafer Canyon Road, the White Rim Road, Potash Road, and Dead Horse Point State Park.

Canyonlands National Park View

White Rim Road Canyonlands

Shafer Canyon Road as it runs just under the rim.

 

View of Shafer Canyon Switchbacks

First view of the Shafer Canyon switchbacks.

You will circle under Shafer Canyon Overlook (wave to the people taking your photos!) and then start the descent down the switchbacks. Take your time here and scan the road for oncoming cars. Cars driving uphill have the right of way. If you see an approaching car, pull over and allow them to pass. 

Shafer Switchbacks

 

Once past the Shafer Canyon switchbacks, the road levels out. Now, you are below the rim but the views are still pretty awesome. For a cool view, turn around and look up at the rim. Even though you just did it, it is still somehow unbelievable that you just drove down that seemingly unsurmountable canyon wall.

Shafer Trail

View out towards Dead Horse Point State Park after the switchbacks.

 

How to Drive Shafer Canyon Road

The view back up Shafer Canyon and the rim of the Island in the Sky mesa.

Potash Road

Turn left onto Potash Road. Note: If you do not turn left, you will begin the drive the White Rim Road. To do this, you must have a permit.

Start of Potash Road

 

Potash Road weaves down through a canyon and then runs right along the Colorado River.

Potash Road Canyon

Potash Road

Colorado River Potash Road

 

You will pass below Dead Horse Point. Here is a photo looking up at the point.

Under Dead Horse Point

 

Here is a photo taken from Dead Horse Point. In this photo, you can see Potash Road as it runs along the Colorado River. Canyonlands National Park is on the right side of the photo.

Dead Horse Point View

The view of Potash Road from Dead Horse Point State Park.

Thelma and Louise Point

The final scene of the movie Thelma and Louise, when they drove off of the cliff, was not filmed in the Grand Canyon. It was filmed right here, next to the Colorado River, just outside of Dead Horse Point State Park.

 

Here are photos taken from Thelma and Louise Point.

Thelma and Louise Point

Thelma and Louise Point View

 

Past Thelma and Louise Point, the road heads away from the Colorado River and then goes past the Potash evaporation ponds.

Potash Road to Moab

Potash Road Sign

Potash Road View

Potash Road Evaporation Ponds

Utah-279 to Moab

Just past the evaporation ponds your tires will hit paved road. From here, it is a smooth, easy drive back to Moab. This road runs along the Colorado River.

On the way, you will pass rock climbing sites and Corona Arch. The hike to Corona Arch is 2.5 miles round trip and gets great reviews. If you still have time and energy left, this is another cool spot to add onto this drive.

Utah-279 ends at Highway 191. Turn right and in a few minutes, you will be in Moab.

Canyonlands National Park Information

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Do I Need a Permit to Drive Shafer Canyon Road and Potash Road?

No, you do not need a permit to drive these roads.

However, if you plan to include the White Rim Road, you must have a permit to drive the White Rim Road.

Can I Do This Drive All Year?

During the winter months, Shafer Canyon Road can close due to snowfall. If you plan to do this drive during this time, get updated road conditions on the National Park Service website or at the visitor center.

How Can I Add this on to My Visit to Canyonlands?

Get an early start, arriving in Canyonlands at or just after sunrise. If you are a photographer, consider visiting Mesa Arch at sunrise, to capture the glimmer of the first rays of sun under the arch. Then, spend the rest of the day visiting the overlooks and hiking the short trails in the park.

To get back to Moab, drive Shafer Canyon Road and Potash Road described above. Just make sure you give yourself at least an hour and a half of daylight, to get back onto paved road before sunset.

If you only have one day in Moab, visit Canyonlands in the morning, drive Shafer Canyon and Potash Road midday, and spend the afternoon in Arches National Park. Get the full details on how to do this in our One Day Canyonlands and Arches Itinerary.

For more details on how to plan your time in Canyonlands, read our post One Perfect Day in Canyonlands National Park.

How Can I Add on the White Rim Road to this Drive?

With one day, you can drive Shafer Canyon Road, a portion of the White Rim Road, and then return to Moab via Potash Road. To do this, you must have a permit for the White Rim Road. You also must have a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. Both the permit and the high-clearance 4WD vehicle are enforced by the national park service.

Day use permits are available up to 24 hours before your trip. You can obtain this permit online or at the visitor center. Click here to learn more.

Once on the White Rim Road, you can go as far as Gooseberry campground or Monument Basin. You will drive the White Rim Road out-and-back, since you do not have a permit and a campsite reservation to spend the night. Below is a link for the full details on how to drive the White Rim Road in one day.

Before you go, check road conditions on the National Park Service website. You can also get updated conditions and advice by speaking to a park ranger in the visitor center.


Have fun driving Shafer Canyon Road and Potash Road. If you have any questions about this drive, or if you want to share your experience, you can do so in the comment section below.

More Information for Your Trip to Moab

BEST OF CANYONLANDS: Top experiences in Canyonlands includes visiting the Island in the Sky district, driving the White Rim Road, hiking in the Needles district, and hiking the Syncline Loop. For the full list, check out our Canyonlands Travel Guide.

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK: While in Arches National Park, things to do include the Devils Garden Trail and a visit to Delicate Arch. Get the full list in our Best Things to Do in Arches guide.

ARCHES AND CANYONLANDS: If you have limited time, learn how to visit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in one day and do this drive!

UTAH ITINERARY: In our Utah National Parks Road Trip Guide, we cover multiple ways to road trip through the national parks in Utah.

GOBLIN VALLEY: Goblin Valley is a small state park packed with unique rock formations that’s a fun place to explore, especially for kids. Nearby you can also hike through Little Wild Horse slot canyon.

USA ROAD TRIPS: Planning your next big adventure in the USA? Check our our USA Road Trip Guide for travel ideas and sample itineraries.

VISIT THE US NATIONAL PARKS: Looking for your next big adventure? Read our article about the 15 Best National Parks, where we narrow down the long list into 15 must-see parks. You can also learn more about the national parks (and get the full list) in our Guide to the US National Parks.

 

Learn more about Utah in our Utah Travel Guide and the United States in our United States Travel Guide.

 

 

Shafer Canyon Road Canyonlands to Moab

 

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Comments 12

  1. Avatar for Ashley
    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      That’s a good question and I don’t know the answer. I know that you can only camp in designated campsites on the White Rim Road, so the same rule may hold true along Potash Road (I don’t recall seeing any campsites so camping might not be allowed). You could reach out to the National Park Service or inquire at the visitor center for Canyonlands when you are in the area. Cheers, Julie

  2. Avatar for Markus
    Markus

    Hi there!

    Thanks for this AMAZING account that basically leaves nothing unclear! Underpinning the description with photos at frequent intervals of the drive provides a clear insight into road conditions, which is always very helpful – at least I am of the sort who want to see the road surface before venturing out.

    There’s one question I have: Which date did you take the pictures? Judging from the subtle fall foliage along the banks of the Colorado, I would estimate this at late October or early November. Does it get me close?

    Best wishes, Markus

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      Hello Markus. Good eye…we did this in early November, around November 9 or 10 I believe. It’s a beautiful time to be in Utah…we even had a dusting of snow at Canyonlands on this visit just a few days before these photos were taken. Cheers, Julie

  3. Avatar for Susan A Huff
    Susan A Huff

    We plan to visit Canyonlands as part of our Utah adventure in mid to late May. Specifically, we would like to drive the Shafer Canyon/Potash Roads from Canyonlands to Moab. We are familiar with driving on remote, dirt roads, but want to know: We will be driving a 4-WD long bed pickup with a length of 21 ft. Will this be o.k. for the Shafer Switchbacks?

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      There are no vehicle length restrictions for the Shafer Canyon Raod and I just re-checked the NPS website. There are a few tight turns but you should be fine in your truck. It’s a very cool drive!! Cheers, Julie

  4. Avatar for Preston Singleton
    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
  5. Avatar for Laurent
    Laurent

    Hello, Laurent from France here. Would need to know where are the dirtiest parts of the shafter canyon road ? Will be there next sep. with a classic SUV (Ford escape or similar). Is there a risk driving from the park to Thelmas & louise and back to the park ? Or driving the whole road up to Moab ? Thanks for your reply, thanks for your great site !!!
    Laurent

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      Before you go, here is a link to what the National Park Service defines as a high-clearance vehicle. Make sure your vehicle falls within these guidelines before you go. When we did this, the weather was very dry, so as far as the “dirtiest” parts, the entire route from Shafer Canyon Road through Potash Road was about the same. There were no muddy areas…it was all a dry, dirt road with some rocky spots here and there. Cheers, Julie

  6. Avatar for Paula
    Paula

    Thank you for the informative article about Canyonlands. We are planning to visit in late June and drive Shafer to Potash. I was looking at a map and it called that road ORV trail, which made me nervous thinking it was only for side by sides. We’re good 🙂

    I also read your list of the 10 best things to see/do in Islands in the Sky District. Good to know.

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author

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