The Shafer Trail - Moab, Utah

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Originally Posted by CalOldBlue

...partly due to some bad noises coming from somewhere to my immediate right (in the passenger seat area).

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I can attest to a similarity of experience -- I haven't driven the Shafer Trail yet, but I know better than ever suggest that Megan join me on that trip. Much as I hate sliding in a ditch when I'm by myself, there is something to say to having only one person expressing doubts as to the driver's abilities....

Mark

Dave. On Hwy 128, near mile marker 21, take the Fisher Towers Road (on left when going towards Moab) which takes you to the Fisher Towers Trailhead, parking and picnic area. A maintained gravel road, gradual slope with no real steep parts – when there saw a good sized RV (not sure of length) at the trailhead car park. Personal judgement call, I think, if you use the road with anything bigger than a car.

Once you reach the trail head you can enjoy the vast scenery of the Colorado River cutting its way through the valley. Castle Rock, The Priest and the Nuns formation, and more are all visible throughout the moderate hike.

Just to give an idea of the layout here are a couple of pictures.

Road going to the Fisher Towers trailhead.

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/s...photo/FTRd.jpg


Looking away from Fisher Towers towards the Valley bottom and the Colorado River. You can just see the road on the left winding down to Hwy 128.

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/s...oto/FTHead.jpg


Castle Valley Road. Is a good paved section and what you could do is what I did – a few miles along Castle Valley Road which is fantastic scenery and then turn around and go back to Hwy 128.


Hope this is of help.

Eris,

Makes me yearn for the dry canyon roads of Utah -- thanks for the post and those very cool images! By the way, I posted some "really bad" images of the Hoover Dam Bridge today -- the only good thing I can say about them -- they're timely....I was thinking of you when I drove out there today -- sorry, my photo skills seem to have deserted me today!

Mark

Thanks Eris, that is most helpful and the great pics makes it all the more exciting, brilliant !

Mark,

Some great views of the bridge in that report !

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Originally Posted by CalOldBlue

I did Shafer Trail once in a (stock) 4X4 Expedition. There were a few spots where I put in in 4X4 low range, just to be extra sure I had full control of things.

Partially due to my normal paranoia, partly due to some bad noises coming from somewhere to my immediate right (in the passenger seat area).

I'm not allowed on Shafer Trail anymore, but if I were, I'd want something with 4-wheel drive and decent clearance.

P.S. Really cool pics!

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That is funny and I know what you mean.
There were a few times along the trail that my wife said, "I don't think my Jeep should be here!"

I do have some sad news from Hwy 128. There was a fire at the Dewey Bridge.
All that is left is the support cables. Per the locals, kids started a fire.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...in53/MC545.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...in53/MC548.jpg

Another place you may want to stop at along Hwy 128 is the Red Cliffs Lodge.
The Red Cliffs Lodge also has a winery and a really interesting movie museum down stairs.
The museum has a lot of pictures and info about movies that were made in the area.

http://www.redcliffslodge.com/

Thanks for the update on the bridge Mark. I’ve also been looking at the webcam from time to time to see the slow but sure progress. A first class engineering feat.

Yes, the dry canyon roads of Utah. All about contrasts – so much of a contrast to my home county where the landscape is dominated by green – green fields, trees and vegetation. If you are fortunate to be able to travel it is so wonderful to enjoy the various landscapes and cultures.

Rollin. Can vouch for Red Cliff Lodge. A great place to visit and stay. Bad news about the Dewey Bridge.