Shafer Trail: Moab, Utah's Most Popular Beginner Friendly Trail
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- čas přidán 26. 07. 2024
- This is the last installment of our Eastern Utah trip (spring 2022). Make sure to check out the other episodes, linked below. On this adventure, we make our way to Moab's premier beginner trail, otherwise known as the Shafer Trail. This elevated shelf road begins at 5900 feet and descends all the way down to 3950 over a span of 19 miles. It's epic and it's easy!
Join me on Patreon: / jondz_adventuring for: Trip plans, Blogs on my my favorite spots, GPX files ,and of course, for your support :P I appreciate it!
Part 1: Utah BDR part 1
• Utah BDR: The long jou...
Part 2: Valley of the Gods perfect beginner trail
• Utah BDR: The Valley ...
Part 3: Things I brought for this 1 week overlanding trip
• Things I take on a 1 w...
Part 4: Why we quit the Utah BDR (back road discovery route)
• The Utah BDR: An Epic ...
Part 5: Onion Creek, 27 water crossings
• 27 Water Crossings, a ...
Part 6: Scenic Shelf Roads - Hurrah Pass / Chicken Corners
• Chicken Corners: the b...
Navigation:
00:00 Intro
07:14 Shafter Trail Start
14:18 Lunch Time
15:16 Thelma and Louise
16:56 Arches National Park
19:26 Big Announcement
***please do not share coordinates publicly or with someone that you wouldn't trust, protect our public lands, thanks!
disclaimer: I may be an affiliate or in a partnership with the below companies. This means that I may make a small profit from sales at no additional cost to you. You might even save money :P Thanks for your support!
Build Info:
SKID PLATES - NOLO DESIGNS - use discount code "JONDZ5" for 5% OFF
Engine/transmission & rear differential plates. These plates work on 16+ Pilot, 17+ Ridgeline, 19+ Passport, 16+ MDX... and more
no-lodesigns.com/shop
3.5 INCH LIFT KIT - TRAXDA USA - use discount code "JONDZ20" for 20% off
These kits work on 16+ Pilot, 17+ Ridgeline, 19+ Passport, 16+ MDX... and more
traxdaliftkits.com/product/ki...
SHOCKS/STRUTS - HONDA RIDGELINE SWAP
SPRINGS - EIBACH PRO LIFT SPRINGS
WHEELS - BLACK RHINO "CHASE" 18" X 8", 10mm offset, 26 lbs
TIRES - FALKEN WILDPEAK AT3W 255/70R18 P-rated
REAR HITCH SPARE TIRE CARRIER - DIRT COMPLEX USA "Trailswing"
it's more than just a tire carrier. Fits on most vehicles with a 2 inch hitch receiver
dirtcomusa.com/
ROOF TOP TENT - CENTORI OUTDOORS - use discount code "JONDZ5" for 5% OFF
centorioutdoors.com/
For and in depth write up on my midsized Honda BUILD, check out:
crossoverlanding.com/honda-ov...
For all other gear, check out my AMAZON STORE FRONT. I also have little gear review videos.
AMAZON STORE: www.amazon.com/shop/jondzadve...
Visit www.crossoverlanding.com for an AWD trail database, trail gear guide, and a link to join others.
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Great video, Jon. I'm sad I missed out on the end. What's sad is that I had to get home to fly out for a family vacation and it got cancelled 18 hours before I had to leave... so I could have stayed :(
We were missing your vibe at camp that night. Thanks for putting together the trip, it was awesome! I did some more research and saw that we should have paid long canyon a visit with the rock tunnel thingy. Next time!
@@JonDZ_Adventuring definitely. I haven’t done long canyon myself but I’ve heard it’s a lot of fun.
Man, videos like this make me wish I didn't have a debilitating fear of heights. I'm an old (75) lady with a Jeep Renegade Trailhawk, and I would love to drive the Shafer trail. But that's no place to have a panic attack. At least I can see it vicariously through your excellent video.
Thank you for the kind words Edna 🙏. Driving down the steep switchbacks was a bit unnerving. It’s so steep that I think anything faster than 10 mph would lead to a loss of control on a switchback.
Once you make it across the cliff face the switch faces aren't too bad. My wife even opened her eyes and looked out the open side about halfway through the switchbacks. My Sister-in-law basically said she would stay in Las Vegas and not even think of heading in to Utah. But she at least made it to Zion and after getting back from Canyon Overlook actually started talking to my brother after a few days.
Thanks for sharing the beautiful scenery in your video
As a beginner I definitely agree! I got my passport earlier this year and did this as my first real trail with it in May. It was a great first off-road experience for me!
Awesome! Must have been one heck of an adventure with a new ride!
I'm new to trail riding, what is this passport that you speak of . is it a Moab park pass i have to get...thanks for any advice
@@tim285401 He probably meant his Honda Passport. Enough for that trail difficulty.
Good work. Thanks for explaining the levels and other things.
just did this last week in my 24 tundra, just down to river bend and back up from the canyonlands side, used getting a better pic of river bend as my excuse to my wife, she didn’t appreciate it, but loved the pics
Great Video! Did it last year in my stock 22 Tundra Trd Off. One of my stock tires got a flat at night on the trail but fortunately was with another pal. 1st time in Moab and went back again to explore a few months later. Great times!
Love the views from those vids. Great work!
Thank you k9projectworks! 🙏
Great Video Jon!
Thank you Jonathan! 🙏
Nice video :) Beautiful and exciting adventure :)
Thank you ❤️
Gorgeous views. Love Utah.
💯
I love Moab, I can't wait to get back out there. Incidentally, there are some awesome mountain bike trails at Dead Horse Point. Nothing too crazy, but a lot of places to enjoy the great views.
Watching it right now before I get on my plane ✈️ for my family vacation
Have a wonderful vacation Brother! 🏝
Great video!!
Awesome video! It's on my list to ride.
Thanks Thomas! 🙏
Shafer trail...ahhh...the trail we saw but didn't have enough time to see it. This is an awesome video highlight this trail
Thanks Michael. If you do this trail, make sure to check out Long Canyon. There’s that iconic rock hole that you can drive into.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring Yes. we did that trail last year. One of my favorite in the area...very scenic but Moab and Utah in general is beautiful all around.
How gorgeous!! I wish I could have made this trip. It looks amazing!
It was such an awesome trip, wish you could have gone too
Well done!
Ty ty 🙏
I love Arches national park. Its incredible =) Every time I go there are hundreds of people though which kind of ruins the magic.
Next time your out at Arches take the back way in on Willow Springs rd. It's a fun little road with Dinosaur tracks . We went at night, even though it was dark. It still offered amazing views of the stars! You can also see the Arches from a perspective that not many people get to see.
Thanks Frankie ! I’m going to mark my Gaia! Also, it looks like we both missed Long Canyon. The trail that has that fallen over rock where you can drive under the arch.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring unfortunately we only had 2.5 days there after Colorado. Long Canyon was on my list. Unfortunately we had to skip it. We ended up leaving Moab around 10pm after wheeling all day! We ended up staying in Fruita Colorado and stopped at an AMAZING Cupcakery!
Thank you for the video man, this is very helpful, My wife and I are planning to hit the Moab very soon.
Awesome! Thanks for watching and I hope you have alot of fun out there!! It's a very special place.
Just completed it, no way is it for beginners. It’s damn scary.
When we took it a few years ago there was a place just about at the bottom of the canyon before you went out on the shelf that had washed out some and an AWD without extra clearance might have been challenged. A winch in the party would have solved any problems. There was still some water running through it in a few places. Also just below Dead Horse Point there were some steps that might have been a challenge, although IIRC there were a few routes that might have been easier.
The best part was on the flats just about the Park entrance we encountered a bicycle rider on his way up.
Not sure if you can get cell signal where you mentioned it. But the driver needs to pay attention because it's easy to get going a little too fast while watching the scenery.
Great video! 2 years ago Gemini Bridges trail was a pretty easy level 2 road, when we went again in early June a couple spots were in worse shape so I totally agree with a 2+ rating. Would have helped if I'd remembered the center diff lock but didn't use it at all 2 years ago.
Amazing landscape in Utah! Totally different for us Southern California folks!
Thanks for sharing. Like many trials, I’m sure conditions change a little all the time. We reran Imogene pass a last month and it was a bit easier.
Johnny Rawls got some good shots man, that dude is clutch
Heck yeah! Also, Nedarb teltarb had amazing drone shots.
By the way, you and Jeanne looked awesome! Especially on the mini arch
@@JonDZ_Adventuring thanks, really appreciate all the footage you got of us. Arches was really a special place and had an amazing time on the NPS hikes. That’s the only thing that trip needed was some more exploring
Great video. You always inspire us beginners to keep exploring. Btw thanks for the shoutout and the mini clip -the toyota guy🇵🇭😂
Hey Leo!!! It was good to briefly meet you and your family! We post up our trips on the Facebook page “crossoverlanding (hub)”, join us sometime 🤙
This route looks like a highway compared to when I drove up it !
We did long canyon it was beautiful going down the shelf road under the rock . And doing court house rock . And chicken corners . and Gemini Bridges Jackson hole Las Sal Pas in a 2014 Cherokee trailhawk 2 inch spacer lift Mopar rock rails 30.5 inch tires had a great time and many more trails. All the way from Cincinnati Ohio never seen such a Beautiful place in my life
Sounds awesome William! Have you been to Southwest Colorado? In mid July it’s so green. I have to say it’s the most spectacular place I’ve been to, but Moab is a strong 2nd place. Both have amazing scenery
Mabuhay! Been wondering if my Pilot could do this. Thanks for sharing.
Yes Chris, no problem. Just take the trail downhill and descend in 1st gear to save your brakes and enjoy the amazing views.
So very true people seem to destroy what beautiful land we have here in the great United States.
Thank you for a awesome video.
Looking to travel to Moab again here real soon did not get enough the first time.
Just got back a couple weeks ago.
We did the exact opposite of the trail you guys did. We started at Potash and ended at Gemini Bridges trail. What an amazing set of trails. I definitely want to do the Poison Spyder Mesa one of these days.
Ouuuu! Poison spider! 😱 definitely out of my league, but I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!
@@JonDZ_Adventuring we went in 2021 with the Pilot the first time. It did amazing but I knew it's limitations. I told the wife we're coming back and I'll be better prepared next time. That's why I built my Jeep Wj. It did everything I sent it up and it did not disappoint. The views, the experience, no limits let's goooooo! The only limiting factor was my nerves this time lol
I did gemini bridges with a car rental toyota corolla by accident . I made it with no problem. I was on a mountain bike trip and didnt realized I had to go through gemini bridges to access the MTB trail. I wouldnt reccomend it tho. Tacomas and 4runners were laughing at me... Returned the car with no dings. I am going back this time on Rav4 hahaha
Beautiful. I have a highly capable modified Overland/Offroad capable rig i am building now for my 1st Nationwide no deadline trip. I'm buying an Off Grid Trailer so I am looking for beautiful sites w dispersed camping and making a travel bucket list as i watch many IGs and CZcams videos. This is exactly what i am looking for initally. My rig may be capable of the rock krawling but that's not what I'm looking for right now. Great video. Thx for the share. Still watching...love you share the hiking as well not just riding.
Going to goneMoab this year and doing this trail.
Hilarious that you burned a hole through your cheese. Wouldve loved to see that footage!
Haha! I was surprised! I guess the jet boil is kind of like a blow torch. Charred grilled cheese sandwich, yum 🤤 haha!
I just did Gemini Bridges trail yesterday. I was surprised to see a stock Toyota Corolla about midway through it at a campsite
Very informative for a "first timer" going to Moab later this year! Do you even have to air down on Shafer Trail?
Have fun out there! I have other videos about the other trails. I highly recommend Chicken corners (if you're comfortable with it). For Shafer trail, you do not have to air down, but it is a long trail and airing down can provide more comfort if you vehicle doesn't have a high end suspension system.
Awesome video Jon, thanks for posting. Do you have any info on that Subaru Forester running with your crew on the Shafer trail?
Thanks Travis! You can see his vehicle in more detail in the Chicken Corners video: Chicken Corners: the best Scenic Shelf Road in Moab?
czcams.com/video/2BmKUbPjRQs/video.html
@@JonDZ_Adventuring Thanks Jon, makes me feel good with my skids and 2" lift Forester SJ, been wanting to hit these trails on rest days from mountain biking Moab. Really appreciate the intel from your videos!
Great info of the trail! I’ll be driving though this April in a 2017 Subaru Outback -completely stock. How do you think it will do on those trails?
Hi Tobin, your Outback will do just fine on the Shafer trail, just be careful if it rains and head down hill slow and cautiously, it’s so steep.
The other trails like Gemini Bridges may have been closed off due to the recent BLM closures
I'm a noob to actual offroading (though I "softroaded" my RAV4 for years before I picked up my 2024 ZR2 about a month ago. so, I'm going to do easy but scenic trails in Moab this weekend, and this, along with Onion Creek all the way to the top (did it in the RAV in 2020), and probably Gemini Bridges or Valley of The Gods, is what I'll be doing this weekend. All the places I had to go slow in the RAV (no skidplates/low clearance) will be a breeze.
You should rename the video- "A Tour Of Moab Trails and a hike to Delicate Arch!"
Shafer and Chicken Corners are two epic trails to run. I like to go Up Long Canyon and Up Shafer (you rand it top to bottom.) I just think the view is always better going up but that is subjective. You can use either trails to access the other in the opposite direction e.g., go Up Shafer and Down Long Canyon. Long Canyon is on the right over the RR tracks 3 miles before you get to the bottom of Shafer from Potash. In a non-lifted 4x4 Long Canyon has a tricky spot by the huge rock you drive under. H*ll's Revenge is another great trail you really want to experience when you are in Moab. You might not be comfortable however driving it yourself. You would want to be in a capable 4x4 like a Jeep. We always rent a UTV which is even better. UTV's are not allowed on Shafer since it is in the park.
Hey... thank you for your video! Really beautiful shot! I think I might have missed something... as to how you segued from being on the Shafer Trail to then all of a sudden getting to Thelma and Louise point? Doea Shafer connect to Potash and then you just end up at Thelma & Louise Point?
You’re very welcome. Yes, the trails connect!
@@JonDZ_Adventuring thank you for getting back so quickly!!!
Looks beautiful. I do think ANY rental car could handle that though.😇
We completed it in a Dodge Ram, awful experience, utterly terrifying, the switchbacks are insanely tight.
When you're descending you can put the transmission in 2nd or 1st. You won't overheat your brakes then.
Oh i for got we were there for the Moab Flash Flood
Oh wow! I saw videos of Main Street flooded a couple of feet. Crazy times!
It flooded our pool with a lot of mud our basement and the two restaurants next door at Best Western Canyonlands on Main street
RAV 4 GOING IN THERE? must be really easy nice!
Will a stock Toyota 4 Runner have any problems on this trail?
Will go there this fall. Did i understand you right that you can access arches Np without a permit if you go there early enough?
@@Heimalima that’s correct. They will still check for your National Park Pass, but only require a permit during certain hours. I just checked the the NPS website, and it says “tickets will be required from 7am to 4pm up until October 31”. In this video, we did not have reservations, but since we arrived before the timed entry window, they just made sure we had our national park pass, and they let us in.
This was first trail after buying the fj but my wife was terrified lol
Totally understandable, the decline is pretty darn steep 🤣
@@JonDZ_Adventuring she hated the climb to Shafer because she can see the cliff to her windows
Saw your Honda on trail militia. . I understand getting uncomfortable and tiny with your rig. I get that way with my gladiator sometimes my gladiatori is the one on his channel that jad a draglinkbreak. . Have you ever thought of doing the " lost trail". I'm planning on doing soon. . Anyway. I like your videos.
Hey Tara / Aaron, I’ve never heard of the lost trail. Where is it located?
@@JonDZ_Adventuring northern California. It's a beach and forest. From what I've seen of your vehicle, this is rt up your alley.
Oh, went there a year ago. More than a year ago I did all 9 miles of Fins N Things (south and north), those Cleghorn offshoots are just steeper and looser, so my overland built HONDA couldn’t hang with the Ridgeline. Here’s the video for the lost coast: czcams.com/video/5tSUG6WqL5Y/video.html
@@JonDZ_Adventuring is it possible to upgrade the cooling system in those Hondas. It seemed like that and tire traction was the issue with both. Plus the truck didn't have anything in it why you did. . I bet if that truck was loaded like you it would have had more issues. However best of luck
Was the gladiator in your video stock?? Want to know if I can do these trails in a stock Jeep
Yes it was, but it’s the “RUBICON” so it comes with 33” tires. These trails will be no problem for a stock Rubicon.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring thank you so much. I have a Rubicon. I have been wanting to try the trails but was not sure if I could make it. I see a lot of heavy suspension and lifts in lost videos.
JonDZ what’s the details on this longer travel suspension you glanced over in the previous videos. Lol asking for a “friend”
Ha! Oh man, it’s a bit complicated, but I’ll summarize.
1.) Basically to help cope with all the gear I carry full time, I transplanted rear Ridgeline springs and shocks. This required having to widen the top hat hole 🕳 , which involved shaving and bending metal.
2.) I purchased rear Eibach pro lift springs.
3.) I didn’t like the idea of longer springs on same length shocks, so Emmanuel @k20nartpro the owner of NA performance in Ventura put together a kit to make everything the length it should be.
This all leads to more wheel travel.
I will eventually put together a video about my suspension and how I coped with the extra weight.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring dang! That sounds very intense but I’m looking forward to video and “show and tell”
@@fubarmedic4222 definitely involved. I didn’t mind doing the Ridgeline transplant because the shocks are heavier duty, and I felt that if there were any upgrades, the Ridgeline would get them first. I was right 😃. THE GOOD NEWS is that Eibach is working on something for the Passport / Pilot.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring that’s true, the Ridgeline seems to get the attention first. I didn’t know the shocks and springs were that different though between the pass/pilot and Ridgeline. Every time I replace something on my 2019 Ridgeline it seems to say it would fit the pilot haha.
Yep! Oh, so If you have a Ridgeline, you’re all set! @K20nartpro will be putting a kit together. He will have the option for a preassembled system.
Hey Jon have you done the timing belt yet on your passport?
I plan on taking my Passport on family trips.
I knows yours has been on many
Not yet, I’m about another 9K miles I’ll get it taken care of along with the water pump and all the hoses. I’m just going to let my buddy do it at his shop.
Not having a timing chain has to be one of the Passports biggest flaw. But other than that your videos just show how reliable the Passport can be!
@@bahlowwings actually, it’s been proven that a timing chain is more problematic. They wear out too, and when they fail, they take out a lot of things.
@@bahlowwings timing chains also warp over time
@@JonDZ_Adventuring oh. Always thought the opposite. You learn something new everyday!
How do we get invited to the next trip :)
Nobody mentioned the motorcycles
We probably did but it didn’t make it into the video. Everyone on the trail gets a wave 👋 from me
I wish I lived out west... does anyone know of any decent trails in the northeast? I live in upstate NY
How are you liking the Centori RTT?
It’s been good! I cold camped in it last night in 10F.
hello. DO you think a stock f250 2020 will be ok here?
Yes, should be fine
@@JonDZ_Adventuringgoing in 2 weeks. Thanks
@@BAKERHUSKIE you’re welcome! Have a good time out there!
It's just a drive in the park.
do you need to make a reservation for Moab or any camping permits please let me know
Just special for trails like the white rim trail. Other than that, BLM land is first come first serve, as well as the developed camp sites.
can this be done in a fwd mini van with all terrain tires.
The sign at the top says high clearance 4x4 recommended. It’s hard for me to judige, I would search the Internet for your answer
@@JonDZ_Adventuring ok thank you.
Is this anywhere near the Kane Anticline?
I’m sorry, I’m unfamiliar with what that is.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring South of Moab (Hwy 119?) about 40 miles. Right on Hwy 133 go west 32 miles. Spectacular views. I was the only one there. BLM land. Camp wherever!
This might be a great trail. Not a good one to try at night.
Absolutely! At night the epic views will be missed.
can we fly drones here....please say yes.....lol
I have my skydio 2 I want to fly out there
Is this one way trail? Or??🤔
It’s 2 way, but I recommend driving down for the view
Took it last year and it was really underwhelming. Could do it in a FWD sedan.
I though cliffhanger was the go to beginner trail
Only for Stock Tacomas
You didn't show much of the trail. I saw your tent, delicate arch, grilling...why sell it as Shafer? Just call it, "Our time in Moab and a peak at the beautiful Shafer Trail."
There’s nearly 10 minutes of it, but thanks for your opinion.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring Less than half. Go to a business meeting with a topic of the budget, and spend half the time talking about other things and you would be laughed out of the meeting. Stay on topic my man. It was just some friendly advice. It was not an opinion but rather fact. Look- I really don't care, just trying to help you out. You made a nice video and had a great time. You simply should have picked a more accurate title. No big deal- nice middle class problems I suppose. You got to do something that only 5% of the population will ever get to do. Don't be upset. I am glad you had fun. I was simply hoping to see more of the Shafer Trail because the title set that expectation. Had you said, Exploring Moab- I would have nothing to say.
Namaste mi amigo.
@@MOAB-UT I’m not upset, just responding to your comment “you didnt show much of the trail”. There’s 10 minutes of it, which I think if a good amount. This is also the 6th and final video of a 6 part Utah series. I appreciate the comment, I wasn’t being sarcastic. I understand if you aren’t happy with the title, but 1.) I only get 100 characters 2.) I don’t feel I click baited anyone. 3.) I included chapters so people can navigate straight to the 10 minute section of the shafer trail. 4.) the other parts of the shafer trail was really uninteresting.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring No worries. I don't think you were trying to CB at all. I just did not expect to see grilling, delicate arch hikes and other things 60% of the time in a video that says it is all about *SHAFER TRAIL.*
100 characters is more than enough to simply state: *"Exploring around Moab; Camping, Delicate Arch and Shafer Trail adventures!"* Done. Writing is my strong suit so it comes easy to me- perhaps that is not the case for you?
Like I said- no big deal. Including the chapters is also helpful. Most people jump on a video by title so next time, just be more accurate- that's all. You don't have to but you will lose viewers. I am the ONE who actually cares enough to help you out. Most simply won't trust your titles and won't come back. Perhaps you don't care- views are not important to many people. Anyway, we have berated the point. If you want to be more accurate going forward, do so. If not, don't. You are still defending your po8int so I don't think you quite get it- or you simply don't care. Again, I was only trying to help you out- take that for what it is worth- or don't. It does not effect my life even 1%. I still love Moab and will be headed back soon.
Did you like Imogene as much as Shafer and/or Chicken Corners two of my favorites.) Long Canyon in Moab is cool too- you can hit it going down after you go up Shafer. Any other trails you recommend out West?
One of the golden rules in CZcams is to have simplified video titles. Long video titles will absolutely kill a channel, look it up.