Shafter trail - one scary ride

[RonJR]

Agree. I've run this road. Super easy unless there has been a recent storm. I'd check in with the Ranger in that case. Otherwise, you could run it in a minivan.

OK, all you "he-man" offroad types, nobody ever said the Schafer trail is "hard". It's not steep or off camber, the NPS keeps it well graded, and it's plenty wide enough to be safe if you take reasonable care. Plus, they close it when it snows and/or gets slick.

However, for someone on it for the first experience of its type, it can get the adrenalin going, especially if you've done most of your driving in the flatlands. I know plenty of my relatives from Missouri who would be white-knuckled all the way just riding along, much less driving it.

I highly recommend it for anyone heading to the Moab area to get their first taste of the canyon country. It's safe, fairly easy, incredibly scenic and dramatic, and will give a driver a great taste of adventure and a feeling of accomplishment.

(I do disagree with it being rated among the "most dangerous roads". It's not.)

 

[acolle]

"he-man" offroad type

Lol. I'm far from he-man... And I drove it in a stock Pathfinder. Was intimidating in theory before I got there. I just noted the ease so nobody overlooked this as an option! It's well worth the effort (or stress).

 

[ricksincali]

That looks like a lot of fun. Too bad I would have to knock my wife out to get her up there with me. :evil:

 

[MattAK]

I like it just for the views. Been up/down it many many times.

 

[mcarey86]

Definitely have to add this to the list of must-dos.

 

[Saxainpdx]

Looks amazing! But I grew up in the Forest Service, and learned to drive full size trucks when I was 13 or so on roads in the North Cascades(Washington State) that appear narrower than that, with rocks and dips where the road on the open side has sunken due to springs and water... Only problem I would have would be meeting someone else.

If we end up moving to Denver area, would love to explore over there!

 

[Jetboy]

I can attest that the Shafer trail can be quite a pucker inducing road. In January. Covered in snow. The moment you slide even just a cm toward the edge, it'll make even a seasoned offroader's heart jump a beat.

 

[Ray Dunakin]

Great video. Looks like a really awesome road. I'd like to get out that way someday and try it.

 

[Ron4RNevada]

I have to agree with RonJR: It's an easy trail. When I did it in 1986 in a 2wd Ford Ranger it was at that time "one way" down. I must admit it looks puckery from the top but once on your way it's not bad. I don't think I would do it with snow though.

Also in 1986 you had to get a permit at the ranger station near the top of the trail. Things may have changed in the intervening 30 years.

 

[RonJR]

When I was there in November of 2012 it was closed because of a light skiff of snow (~ 1 inch) on the trail. Because of that, I'm surprised some of you have been able to drive it in snow given the park service's very conservative attitude about risks like that. Maybe it's changed over the years.

You only need a permit if you go on the White Rim trail, past the area of Musselman Arch or the "airport" area, roughly. No permit for Schafer.

 

[sn0wrunner]

Wait, there's no obstacles on the trail?

Instead of trying to find black bear pass next I think you should look for Cliff Hanger Trail on your next trip to Moab. (I'm only joking in case you go looking for it without researching first)

 

[MasonCO]

Wait, there's no obstacles on the trail?

Instead of trying to find black bear pass next I think you should look for Cliff Hanger Trail on your next trip to Moab. (I'm only joking in case you go looking for it without researching first)

Or Moab Rim

 

[Jetboy]

I have to agree with RonJR: It's an easy trail. When I did it in 1986 in a 2wd Ford Ranger it was at that time "one way" down. I must admit it looks puckery from the top but once on your way it's not bad. I don't think I would do it with snow though.

Also in 1986 you had to get a permit at the ranger station near the top of the trail. Things may have changed in the intervening 30 years.

In the winter you can pretty much just go kill yourself it you wish. Although we did the white rim trail. The gate at the bottom of the Shafer trail was closed. I called the park from out by the arch where there's signal to see what the chances of them letting us come up were and they thought it was too dangerous, although they also thought the white rim as not a good idea either. They were probably right. I don't have many pics - but this kinda gives an idea. It was the stream area as you go out on potash road to the junction of the white rim and shafer trail. Everywhere in the sun was dry, shade was snow. I wouldn't be super inclined to go out there in the snow again without at least a second vehicle incase of a break down. In the winter you'll have it all to yourself. And it's a long walk back. I'm fortunate enough to live pretty close so I've driven it 3 times this year. It's *the* scenic moab drive for me whenever I have anyone who's never been out there. Potash - Shafer - Deadhorse Point - Gemini Bridges loop.