Shafer Trail
An unpaved road descending about 450 meters in switchbacks from the Island in the Sky mesa. It can be driven in a high-clearance 4WD vehicle or viewed from overlooks.
The Shafer Trail was originally a cattle trail, later widened for transporting uranium ore. It descends from near the Island in the Sky visitor center to the White Rim Road and Potash Road. Driving it requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and some off-road experience. The one-way trip takes about 1 to 2 hours, and it connects to Potash Road for the return to Moab. Ordinary visitors can simply view the switchback road from the Shafer Canyon Overlook. Check road conditions before setting out.
Opening hours
All day (subject to road conditions)
Nearby sights
- Island in the Sky
- Mesa Arch
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Green River Overlook
- Upheaval Dome
- Grand View Point Overlook
- Potash Road Petroglyphs & Dinosaur Tracks
- Corona Arch