Shafer Trail Road
Switchbacking cliff descent into Canyonlands
What started as a cattle trail carved by rancher Frank Shafer in the 1900s became an uranium mining road that now serves as one of Utah’s most vertigo-inducing drives. The route switchbacks down the mesa face through a series of exposed hairpin turns where one mistake sends you tumbling 1,400 feet to the valley floor. Once you survive the descent, the trail mellows into a scenic cruise across the White Rim formation toward the Colorado River, connecting with Potash Road for a full traverse or looping back via the challenging White Rim Road.
High-clearance 4WD is mandatory for the steep grades and loose rock sections, though stock vehicles handle it fine with careful driving. Avoid during wet conditions when the clay turns to deadly slick. No permits required, but check road conditions at the visitor center first. Spring and fall offer the best weather, while summer brings scorching heat on the exposed switchbacks. What you get is an adrenaline rush followed by some of the most pristine desert scenery in the Colorado Plateau — and stories that’ll last longer than your tire tread.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6100 ft |
| Best season | March-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Moab, Utah |
| Land manager | National Park Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler handle Shafer Trail Road?
Yes, a stock Wrangler with high clearance and 4WD can handle this trail. The main challenges are steep grades and narrow shelf roads, not technical rock crawling.
Is Shafer Trail open in winter?
The trail can be accessible in winter but becomes extremely dangerous when wet or icy due to the cliff-edge exposure. Best avoided December through February.
Do I need permits to drive Shafer Trail Road?
No permits required for the trail itself, but you'll need a Canyonlands National Park entrance fee to access the trailhead from Island in the Sky.
How scary are the switchbacks on the cliff descent?
The switchbacks are narrow with significant drop-offs and no guardrails - expect white-knuckle driving for about 3 miles. Take your time and pull over to let faster traffic pass.
Where can I get gas after completing Shafer Trail?
There's no fuel available at the bottom in Canyonlands - fill up in Moab before starting since you'll need enough range for the round trip plus any exploring in the park.