Drive the Shafer Trail -Canyonlands Island in the Sky to Moab-
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- čas přidán 25. 01. 2019
- In this segment of the Mighty Five Travel Guide I take you on a drive of the Shafer Trail from Canyonlands to Moab. It's great, I've done it 3 times! This version includes video of my most recent trip. The road is much smoother than it used to be. Passenger cars can likely survive it, if its not raining but check with a Ranger first!
![13 mistakes to avoid in Moab, Utah [Arches & Canyonlands]](/img/n.gif)
Drove this today. Few things I’d add for anyone thinking of taking their SUV down this. 1. There is a fair amount of traffic these days on it, and it is not that easy to pass people near the top, especially if you get nervous with a tire a foot from the edge. I had to back up once to make it passed someone. 2. The lower part of the trail in springtime before crews fix winter damage is very rough. Your suspension will get a workout. 3. If you don’t use low gear on the steep down sections you are likely to hurt your vehicle.
This was a perfect video my man! You explained everything in depth and kept things moving along. Hats off.
Thanks, It takes scores of hours to research, Write and edit these videos that will never earn back production costs and comments like yours make the effort worth while.
@@TheWestisBig I completely agree with Matt. 👍💪
this video was done very well. my brother just came back from there and loved it so i had to see what he was talking about.
"As a cyclist I stop to see if he needed water and food"
That's why i love the biking community
Thanks for sharing your adventures, I love your videos!
I agree, this video was great! Thanks very much for sharing. Can’t wait to do those trails!
Glad you enjoyed!
I did potash to shafer and the complete white rim trail in 2002. Took 2 days, I camped in my tent partway around. What an amazing experience, it was quiet then too, very little traffic at all. Oldtimer Englishman reliving one of many trips through canyonlands and the four corners area whilst watching your vid. Many thanks.
I'd love to do the White Rim but don't have a vehicle capable of that one- My brother in law did and told me how tough it is.
Thank you for sharing, very good production!
Man !!! This video was beautiful and educational. Im going to Moab soon so this video came in handy . Another must see !
Thanks
Wanted to thank you for this awesome video on Shafer. We just completed this run today in our 2018 JL Sahara... Your video shows going down into the switchbacks from Canyonlands park, we came from Moab, and turned onto Utah 279 to Potash... on this road is where we just happened across the Petroglyphs, they were very visible in the morning sun. As we came into Potash, we weren't entirely sure of the path when we got to the turn into town across the tracks, we simply bared left and then we were on our way onto the Shafer Trail and Potash Rd. We eventually ended going up the switchbacks, meeting 2 Rubicons and 2 "luxury" SUVs coming down. made for an interesting dance on the narrow path, but everyone was courteous and patient... Again, thanks, it made a big difference on what to watch fo
I love your Intermountain videos. As child 1950-1960s all our family did was ski at Alta and hunt fish camp all over the Intermountain Az, Nm, Ut, Co, Wy, Id, and Montana. As still today at 70. Thank you to bring up my memories!!!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸❤️❤️❤️🏉🥊😉
Cool, thanks
I am planning a trip to Utah this September.I would like to drive all these trails.Great video and info .Thank you.
September & October are best, weather wise. Just don't go may thru September, unless you like to ride in the bowels of hell.
Extremely informative. Thanks! This video was done right and it helped me a lot.
Glad i could help.
Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Looks like a fun drive.
Thanks
At 9:10 is a drop off to the river, no chance for error, stay close to the cliff face, especially after rain erosion on the downhill side. . At the first river overlook in this video is where the final scene of Thelma & Louise was filmed, where they jump off the cliff into the "Grand Canyon".
We did this in August 2019 in a rental slightly by accident - I said "I want to go down there!" - and I have never been more terrified in my life but never more pleased that we did it when we got to the canyon floor. It is prehistoric down there and so worth it
great story!
I'm too scared of heights so I'm not driving on that road! But it looks so beautiful.
Terrified? It's just a flat smooth trail. You should see other trails there if this is terrifying!
just amazing beauty, Thanks for the ride.
You’re welcome!
For pure information, this is the best video I have watched about Utah. Good job, and thanks.
Wow, thanks!
Ridden this many times on motorcycle & driven it in my Subaru Outback. Beautiful always, especially when it's raining.
Excellent video, great information
Great video. I drove it in 2003 and have always wanted to go back. Beautiful scenery.
thanks
This looks like an interstate compared to when I was down there both trails and an overnight trip on the white rim trail. I enjoyed your video, thank you. 😊
Great video! I've driven this route a handful of times, and have always preferred this drive starting on the opposite end. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!
This looks like it can be done in a regular car, isn't it?
Well… mostly yes. This year rain made the road in late summer very rough. Always ask a ranger before driving this road!! btw- a tried doing this road from the other direction once- i got lost. There are no signs and enough tracks to make it easy to choose the wrong one.
The old Uranium roads were NOT "scars" on the landscape! They are an integral part.
Thanks for the ride, enjoyed it!
Fantastic video sir! Very well explained, excellent descriptions of the pros and cons of the drive, great filming quality. I've been to Moab but had never heard of this until recently... looking forward to hopefully returning out west this summer! Cheers
thanks
This was a good reminder, my first 25 years was driving roads like this.
Amazing video sir, all the info I needed for my trip there next week
THanks! Have a good trip.
I love Moab!!! You didn’t even touch on the rock crawling with jeeps and bicycles. Good video!!!
Fantastic job on this. Great info, footage, and narration
thanks
Thanks for sharing your adventures.
Glad you like them!
Professional.....accurate....
Very informing....Great video with sub titles....multi views,one of the best...This is the type of video that you actually see on public T.V. productions.
thanks for saying so. I’ve been producing media for large corps for decades. This is the kind of video i do for me. I wish I got paid for it.
Thanks for the video. I lived in Moab from 1990 thru 1998. Did many 4wd trails in my 4x4 Chevy pu truck, but not the Shafer.
That was nice, thank you! Usually I get motion sick watching driving but I feel fine! 🌎
That means it’s time to drive it. :)
Excellent video! I LOVE MOAB and this is my favorite trail. Just went all the way through last week and trail conditions are rough. A lot of ruts have formed from recent heavy rains.
Thanks for the update on Road conditions. Another commenter barely made it in F150. Nice to have confirmation of the conditions.
I drove this pulling a open bed trailer as a sag wagon for my husband and a bunch of guys. Scared the crap out of me!
lol i bet
Your video is so good. I enjoyed your video. I've been to Moab with my wife a log time ago. This brings back so many memories! And I'm a beginner on youtube, so I can learn a lot from your video. Thank you.
Thanks for the kind words! and thanks for subscribing!
Thanks for the video! Plan on visiting the area this October and do some adventuring in my Chevy Colorado.
What a crazy, beautiful drive! I'll be visiting this area soon, but I'm not sure if I could do it, but I really enjoyed this video. Very informative.
Thanks. I’ve done it three times. it’s well worth doing but talk to a ranger about road conditions first.
A young couple years ago told my friend Harry and I about Moab. They said even though it was a long drive from where we were that it was worth it! They were right! Moab is an awesome place with amazing views of the Colorado River, Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point, Arches National Park and the town is pretty cool as well. I remember we were sitting outside at I believe was an Italian Restaurant and watching the people walk by. Really nice! It's a place you have to visit and see!
Glad you liked the video. Sounds like you might like my 90 min utah parks video that includes all the places you mentioned and more. its on my channel
It so beautiful!!!
I am so glad i found your page!
Thanks! I glad these videos are helpful.
Great video, just awesome!
Thanks!
Thank you for incredible video
Glad you liked it!
Great video! I wished I had seen it BEFORE I visited Canyonlands last week!
Thanks! BTW- I have lots of other videos about places in the 4 corners on my channel- some you've probably never heard of
I been there, it was so much FUN! I went with my friend, he's from Utah and he was so familiar with the trail
thanksfor the comment
Hiya.. Fantastic !!! Well done . Thank you..
Thank you too!
We did that in 2019, coming from the Moab side. Highlight of our trip.
Wow! Thanks so much. I hope we'll be able to do this drive when we are there in May 2024.
Have fun!
@@TheWestisBighey, see you there, we are going end of May 24
Really well made video and commentary!
Thanks! A lot of work went into it.
you need a park reservation to use the white rim trail. been on these trails back in 1998 with my 77 toyota FJ40. seldom need the 4wd but clearance yes. check out the poison strip and highlands area.
We did the trail last summer in a half ton crew cab pickup and there was little space between drop off and cliff wall in some spots and going around the switch backs was terrifying. I will never do that decent again in a pickup! Maybe a small SUV or a Jeep. Hope to return this summer and plan to drive in on the Potash Road from Moab on the canyon floor.
Er....sounds like my plan with the Dodge RAM 1500, maybe I should re-think it.
Just drove this today. My knuckles are still white. Had a rental Hyundai Tucson that we drove from Kentucky. This was not planned, just saw the road at the bottom and asked how to get down. Scary to say the least. My wife had tears...lol..Most beautiful drive I've ever taken.
Glad to hear its open. are there crowds in the park?
@@TheWestisBig I didn't think they were too bad. Saw a total of maybe 8 other vehicles on the 30 mile drive. (We returned all the way to Moab). Park was great.
thanks for the feedback
We did this last August and it was simply the most terrifying thing I've ever done but it was so worth it.....
lol- yep its great!
Can you confirm that the road is wide enough to pass? I mean there are some spots where I thought, that's impossible. For exmaple 2:27 ...
I biked it up in 35 minutes several years ago, never stopping - that was actually my aim.
That couldn’t have been easy
Appreciate you shared this
thanks😀
Very good video my man !!!
Thanks!
I drove that road a few years ago...I wasn't scared or intimidated...just ready to soil my shorts...
Great video...thank .
So nice of you
Outstanding.
Thanks
The White Rim, Shafer Trail, and Potash Road all require all wheel drive or better. The White Rim in particular requires all wheel up to Musselman Arch, then true four wheel drive (and a free day permit) to go any further.
Utah is a beautiful state.
The Shafer Trail climb is a wonderful way to end a mountain bike tour of the White Rim, slow and steady, not too strenous!!! Thanks to Rim Tours for a relaxing 4 days!!!
Very interesting, fun , informative and educational.. very professional.. Thanks for doing this.I need to study this more if Im to do this solo on my Sprinter MB 4x4 high top.. I heard Utah sand is tricky when it rains, true.. whats the best mos. to do this.
Thanks! It’ll be interesting in a sprinter. lots of rocking back and forth. Dont know about wet sand. i did get stuck at lake powell in a 2wd suv once in dry sand. dug out with cooler top and beach towels. the shaffer trail doesnt have deep sand in the main track. The whole white rim trail is another matter!
i just finished the shafer and potash road drive. parts of it were almost impassable. i drove me f150 that has many offroad upgrades is why i got through. there are many, many places only wide enough for one vehicle. the drive required over 4 hours of intense driving with very occasional outhouses to use. this is the most challenging off road drive i have ever taken and would never repeat it.
You are a great host! I struggle with hosting in my own videos, but hopefully practice will improve it. Great video and new subscriber!
Thanks! It's all in the writing and story telling. I've been in the business for over 20 years. Btw- don’t work under the illusion that youtube videos make enough to pay for themselves- they don’t!
The West is Big! Travel Guides Thanks for the tip! I’m new to being on camera, but I’ve been driving a jeep for 20 years so I got that going for me at least lol. Looking forward to more of your videos!
There's a couple of more 4x4 trails I want to do in Moab but I don't know if my Subi can handle them- may need your help there.
The West is Big! Travel Guides That’s why I created my stock trail guide series! Love my Funtreks guides, but sometimes you also want to see it before you wheel it. Subies are awesome, ground clearance is sometimes an issue, but there’s a CZcamsr (softroadingthewest I think) who gets his all over the place!
thanks. I'll check it out- Here's one more piece of advice- It's not about you its about the adventure
It’s my absolute dream to drive the Shafer Trail. Visited Canyonlands last weekend for the first time. Unfortunately I drive a 2WD Mazda3 hatchback which I love but it wouldn’t stand a chance on this trail. We will be back though, with a better equipped vehicle.
always talk to a Ranger before heading out on the trail. This year it was quite difficult at the end of the summer.
Very informative and well done! Once you got to the Gooseneck Overlook, how much time did it take from there to return to Moab? And how much time would it have taken if you turned around and went uphill instead?
I'd have to guess-- maybe 40 minutes to get there. Be careful on the way up. In spots two cars may not fit.
Very cool, I miss your videos.
I'm writing and editing a series on New Mexico. It's not quite as epic as Utah or Montana, so I don't know if I will post them.
You might not have been scared your first time, but I soiled myself just watching the video, 10x speed is intense
😂 lol
Great video, thanks so much. Can you confirm that you were in a 2 wheel drive SUV (5:12)? The NPS website still says that only 4 wheel drive vehicles are allowed on Shafer road, but maybe that's out of date.
I've done the trail twice in a 2 wheel drive truck based SUV and a few months ago did it in a all wheel drive Subaru Forester. The trail was quite smooth last time. I think even a passenger car would have been fine, though higher clearance is important. . Its a popular trail these days and they seem to maintain it. Always ask the Ranger about road conditions. After a rain I bet its different.
If you haven't driven the Shafer-Potash Trail you haven't really experienced Moab. Try Long Canyon and Pucker Pass too. It is off Hwy 279 just after the Indian Drawings.
I planned on doing Long canyon my last time there- but a ranger said my Subaru Forester with road tires might not be able to handle it. Any thoughts on that? Also, I can't find any info on Pucker Pass- where is it? can the subi handle it?
we did this drive in reverse from you. unknown to us how rough it would be we made the whole drive in a Nissan Sentra. I gained a few gray hairs on that drive! also, it was more like your 2013 drive in March of 2022
impressive
We were there but didn’t think we could go on it.
Браво! Благодаря!
Большое спасибо
@@TheWestisBig😁
This is Jim's wife Karen and we did Shafer yesterday. It may have been a piece of cake for you, but it was the scariest thing I have ever done and it seemed pretty narrow to me. I have broken down in many African countries, but I would rather do that than do this road. My husband was driving of course......so I got to see the drop off the cliff. I admit though, it wasn't as scary going up....maybe because I didn't look. Just call me a wimp.
Bet you had a great time though. And you've got a great story to tell for years.
Thanks for your video. Don't think that I am crazy. Last night I copied screen at 11:30 and then enlarged it . WOW what a video you have, faces are all over that screen, even at the top of the mountain( in front of that white cloud).At least I saw 10 faces on that screen. It is hard to see but they are there. Easiest one to see are those two top of the mountain faces in front of that white cloud. For many years my hobby is watching videos like yours, ancient pictures and faces on mountains on arid and rainless climates. There have been videos that even the uploader was not aware of the faces that I saw on the mountains even top of the mountains, and then uploader commented back : "WOW i didn't see that, there is another one like that on Zion"s national parK"!! Btw first i copy the still picture of the screen and then enlarge it, totally different from normal screen , you will see faces that you don't see it normally.
You should watch my New Mexico Tour. I go to 3 Rivers Petroglyph site. There are 20,000 glyphs there.
I could never drive that road 😮!!
Very informative! Did you air down your tires before tackling this?
Yes but only slightly.
Great video, wonderful place😍. What king of device do you use to film from the car?
I used GoPros and and small sony with really good image stabilization. 6” suction cups held camera in place
What are the gps coordinates of the balanced boulder on Potash road?
I have no idea. its not far the mine pools- try google earth
Hey thanks for the wonderful introdution and film footage, a question if I may, we will be renting a Dodge Ram 1500, would that vehicle be ok for this trail? Or, should we just pucker up and rent a Moab jeep and relax? Many thanks in advance of your considered opinion.
I’ve seen pickups do it. if u rent a moab jeep you can spend more time down there doing at least part of the White Rim trail - which has tricky parts and other trails that are too much for a standard pickup
@@TheWestisBig Thank you, I had a feeling that the RAM might just be a little too big...I'll rent a Jeep.
Still marvelling at this trail…going there at the end of this month, May 24
If it's a dry condition like this, do you think I can drive a 2020 hyundai elantra down the switchback and just turn around when the road splits at white rim? (Weather permitting)
I’ve done it in 2wd. For legal reasons I’d say you should ask a ranger before you try it. They drive it frequently and know how well it’s graded at present.
@@TheWestisBig okay thanks.
Shafer trail maybe, Potash road NO WAY! Do not attempt that road, we did it in Aug 21 and anyone without 4 wheel drive was toast. Even that to me wasn't enough, really need 4 wheel drive high clearance. Atleast in the conditions when I was there
Guardsman pass between SLC and park city is short, but scared me worse than Shafer! Maybe the car carcasses had something to do with it...
I bet it was fun!! what type of vehicle?
Do you think I can do this in a mid-size SUV like Toyota RAV4 or Jeep Compass in mid June?
Probably, but it depends- talk to a ranger at the Visitor Center before you try it- weather can effect the trail
Eeehhhh it's tight Milan, I would highly suggest a higher clearance vehicle as there were spots that were really hard to get around without enough clearance. Shafer trail up and down sure, but if you're taking Potash back to Moab that's a whole different story. I'd talk to ranger as the west is big suggested
What a great video and commentary...well done. What video editing software do you use. I am using Movie Studio 16 but looking for something else. We started going to Moab in 2012. In 2016 we did Potash one day and then White Rim Road the next...I wish we had taken two days to do White Rim but knocked it out in one. We have a '94 YJ with a 3" body lift and running 31" tires and it does pretty well. We enjoy Long Canyon and have done it several times. You might want to rent a Jeep for that. Again, thanks for posting this well done video.
It was edited in Premiere Pro. One day I hope to do Long Canyon but Don't know if my 4x4 skills are up to it
@@TheWestisBig Do you like Premiere? Long Canyon is really pretty easy. It's well worth the time and effort. You can do it. Thanks for the reply.
@@TheWestisBig Thanks for the answer. Long Canyon is really not that bad I think you would be ok doing it.
I've been professional Video producer for 30 years. Right now most pros use Premiere. It's powerful but like most Adobe products it has a remarkably un-intuitive interface. If your looking for a powerful editor and don't need to be in the Adobe world check out Resolve. Its powerful and has the world's best color correction tool. The free version is quite good too.
Can my Subi Forester with road tires handle it? I figured I'd have to rent a Jeep in Moab to do it.
The road is for two ways traffic? What happen when two cars meet?
most of it is wide enough to pass
I drove it in 1979 or 1980 in a 1969 VW Karmann Ghia.
That must have been interesting!!
were you at arches national park today by chance?
i wish. end of next week i might be.
Great information was there Indian tribes in this area ?
not in moab Many tribes are in the 4 corners and new mexico
Unless its been raining a lot, you could do this "trail" with a Prius. Pretty sure last time I was camping on Shafer I saw a couple Toyota Highlanders driving around which should tell you how easy it is. Awesome views
Hope this is true. I'll be there in May and I'll be in a 2020 hyundai elantra and hoping I can atleast to the switchback portion if it's dry.
cant wait to take my FJ
What car make & modle do u drive ?
I have done the trail in an Isuzu Axiom and a Forester
ATV's are allowed, correct? GREAT stuff!
Motor cycles are. Have no idea about ATVs. Much of it is listed as a county road so if its street legal no prob.
Do you recommend driving up the trail or down the trail?
I tried driving up once, but the route is hard to follow at the lower end and I felt i might be lost. So i turned around. going down is no problem
@@TheWestisBig Do feel there might be better , more scenic, photos ops one way or the other? I was thinking it might be easier driving up to Dead Horse but I guess it might be a flip of the coin. If you was to start at Dead Horse and drive down about what time of day do you feel would be the best time to start out from the top?
I haven't done the other trails as I've been told you need a true off road vehicle to safely drive them- with more tourists I suppose its possible they have graded the these trails for Subi type vehicles but I would ask a ranger before attempting. Time of day wise- check with a good sun location app for the time of year you're planning on going. Lighting, and clouds etc of course will effect how good your shots are regardless of time of day.
Is it 2wd friendly?? Cost to go on the trail??
I've done it in a 2wd SUV and had no issues. The road was quite smooth when I did it the last time. Always ask the ranger before heading out. The only fee is the fee to enter the park
Nice!! Do you remember the fee cost??
it varies depending on time of year- check the Canyonlands NP website
This is an easy, epic, must do drive if you are in the area. It's easy to do with a crossover (due to them typically having a bit more clearance than a car), but yes, you can do it in a car if you use some common sense while driving. Watch a few videos, and just drive slowly and in control. I did the White Rim Trail first. I have a GMC Sierra w/ about a 4 in lift, but the majority of both White Rim and Shafer do not require 4 wheel drive. The biggest thing to get over will be if you start in Canyonlands and 'drop in' as this video shows-the decent is steep, but nothing like some of the climbs and descents you'd see on the White Rim Trail in a few places. The trail is plenty wide-we even watched a crossover turn around from across the canyon-the wife apparently wasn't having it! There are a few spots you'll have to wait at if someone else is coming up the steep switch backs-but you can see them coming from miles away-so pull off where you feel comfortable. Don't miss out on the scenery b/c of the one steep section!! This is a great portion of a day trip that requires no permits (White Rim does for overnight use) and will be a memorable experience!
Did you have to pay for the dead horse point state park?
Yes. its just a couple of dollars
@@TheWestisBig o ok I thought website said 20 bucks is that the same park? Thanks
Wow they could have raised the fee. the secret is getting there before sunrise. the gate is open and no attendant to take fee. its a great place and can be crowded. So not suprized they are using market based pricing.
Were you driving a 4wd during this?
I’ve done it in 2wd and a Subaru Forester with 4wd
At 11:16 those pictures are way too high on that rock , they must have been airborne when making those pictures
ahh no! the dirt was much higher in ancient times. the road construction crew removed a lot of dirt. you can see the old dirt level by the chance in rock color
@@TheWestisBig Thanks for your video. Don't think that I am crazy. Last night I copied screen at 11:30 and then enlarged it . WOW what a video you have, faces are all over that screen, even at the top of the mountain( in front of that white cloud).At least I saw 10 faces on that screen. It is hard to see but they are there. Easiest one to see are those two top of the mountain faces in front of that white cloud. For many years my hobby is watching videos like yours, ancient pictures and faces on mountains on arid and rainless climates. There have been videos that even the uploader was not aware of the faces that I saw on the mountains even top of the mountains, and then uploader commented back : "WOW i didn't see that, there is another one like that on Zion"s national parl"!! Btw first i copy the still picture of the screen and then enlarge it, totally different from normal screen , you will see faces that you don't see it normally.
I went crazy and did this trail with my Toyota Avalon.
What time of year? I've been told last fall it was tough for even a 4x4 pickup.
@@TheWestisBig it was las week of the May 2021
ok thanks!