Shafer Canyon Road (which starts on the end of the Potash Road) is a well-known road in east-central Utah.
The Shafer Trail, located in Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky region, is a famous route that falls 455 meters (500 feet) into a large, colorful sandstone cliff. In fact, its purpose has evolved over time, from a track for sheepherders transferring their flocks to better food sources in the winter to a route for trucks transporting uranium from the mountains to market. The Shafer Trail is now a rocky, unpaved backcountry route for anyone looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Where is Shafer Canyon Road located?
In southeastern Utah, this route runs along the boundary of Grand and San Juan counties.
Another road in Utah that is worth the drive is the Moki Dugway.
Also, you can locate Shafer Canyon Road on the map below:
Enlarge the map
Facts about the Shafer Trail:
In the Canyonlands National Park in southeast Utah, there is an off-road trail called the Shafer Trail that is both beautiful and difficult. The trail is about 14 miles long and features steep cliffs, small ledges, and breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape. It provides a distinctive and exhilarating driving experience.
One of the most well-known off-road trails in Canyonlands National Park, the Shafer Trail draws nature lovers, adventure seekers, and 4×4 enthusiasts from all over the world. The trail is narrow and rocky. With several steep drops and difficult obstacles, and is only advised for experienced off-road drivers in high-clearance vehicles.
A video of the journey on the Shafer Trail:
Obviously, you can have a preview of that drive. For example, you just have to watch this YouTube video as it shows a part of the road:
What is the history of the Shafer Trail?
The Shafer Trail is named after the Mormon pioneer family Shafer. In fact, John Shafer began using the trail in 1916 to transport cattle from summer pastures on the top of the mesa to the winter range on the White Rim Sandstone, many rock levels down in the canyon. The trail was improved and access to the canyon was made simpler by John Shafer.
The Atomic Energy Commission built on Sog Shafer’s efforts by widening the Shafer Trail and extending it to the White Rim Road. Indeed, that allows trucks to transport masses of uranium-bearing rock from the wilderness to Moab for processing.
In fact, the Shafer Trail was converted from a ranching and mining route to a recreation trail after Canyonlands National Park was established in 1964. Today, hundreds of visitors enjoy the rush of descending the curving sandstone cliff to the basin below each year.
How to get to the road?
On Island in the Sky Road, one mile north of the Canyonlands Visitor Center, Shafer Canyon Road begins. Then, make a right on the dirt road.
You can also start accessing this trail at the end of Potash Road.
You can visualize how to get there on this map of the drive:
What are Shafer Canyon Road road conditions?
The Shafer Trail is not for the faint of heart, and only skilled off-road drivers with high-clearance vehicles are advised to attempt it. Your driving skills will be put to the test on this rocky, narrow trail that has a few steep drops. The rewards, however, are well worth it for those who are up for the challenge.
Awe-inspiring views of the surrounding desert, including the White Rim, the Island in the Sky, and the Needles District, will be provided to you along the way. The trail passes by a number of historic sites and monuments. That provides a glimpse into the area’s rich heritage, and it is also rich in history and culture.
The Shafer Trail is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed. Regardless of whether you are an expert off-road driver or simply looking for an exhilarating outdoor adventure. So get ready to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the heart of Canyonlands National Park by loading up your 4×4 and loading up your friends and family.
Picture credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/yenchao/9068663389
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