The Shafer Trail - Moab, Utah

[Rollin']

Rollin, would you attempt that drive in dry weather in a full size 2wd pickup (short bed short cab) without a lift kit?

I'm not sure. I think for at least 80% of the trail you would not have a problem.
Having a shorter pickup will help but there could be some areas that could be a challenge.

[Rollin']

Next time you go, make the short detour to Musselman Arch. Take a left on the WhiteRim trail (pass the bathroom) for 3.1 miles and there is a sign then go back to the intersection and continue up the Shafer trail.

The other thing we like to do is return to the Potash Road via the Long Trail.

Utahtea

We did discuss taking the trial back from Dead Horse to the Potash but we ran out of time and took Hwy 313 to 191.

Hwy 313.

[Utahtea]

Rollin, would you attempt that drive in dry weather in a full size 2wd pickup (short bed short cab) without a lift kit?

Many, many years ago when we had a Ford Club Wagon and the ranger in Canyonlands said we could do the Shafer trail going down because we had a high clearance vehicle, but he wouldn't recommend doing it going up in a 2 wheel vehichle. We did it going down and other than almost getting lost (before they had signs) it was a lot of fun.

If you are worried, there are plenty of places in Moab to rent a 4 wheel drive vehicle. We like Farabees (Their picture on the left is taken on the Long Trail)

Utahtea

[Southwest Dave]

Dave there are a lot of other great day trips that you can do from Moab that can be done with any vehicle.
Hwy 128 (The river Road) from Moab to Cisco. The La Sal Mountain Loop Road which passes through Castle Valley.

Thanks Rollin.
We are heading through Castle valley/Fisher towers on the way in as it looks pretty cool, and that's the thing we have limited time to explore so the jeep will probably have to wait and we will stick to Island in the sky/Dead horse point this time before heading South. [done MV] I don't think a 30ft RV and the Shafter trial will mix to well. Lol !

[Eris]

Thanks Rollin.
We are heading through Castle valley/Fisher towers on the way in as it looks pretty cool, and that's the thing we have limited time to explore so the jeep will probably have to wait and we will stick to Island in the sky/Dead horse point this time before heading South. [done MV] I don't think a 30ft RV and the Shafter trial will mix to well. Lol !

Ladies (my better half anyway) are not really into too much spit and dust so when I went to Moab I compromised and did a couple of organised tours which we thoroughly enjoyed.

First, a jet boat trip – about 4 hours - from Moab down the Colorado River. Passed and stopped at many interesting places and what we liked was the excellent feedback from the tour guide. Doing it on your own you don’t get this local knowledge. Passed the Thelma & Louise film scene cliff / Dead Horse Point – top trip. Look at Rollin’s picture from Dead Horse Point and you see the river below which you travel along.

Secondly, a 4x4 tour – again about 4 hours- along varies off road trails ending up at Dead Horse Point. Again a very good trip with interesting local knowledge from the driver. Would have gone to Dead Horse Point myself as it is a good road but the tour did the trick.

Also did many other things on our own, but the two organised trip added to the richness of the visit and greatly helped to keep the peace ; -)

Fisher Towers. I was in a rental vehicle so had to be careful where I went but there is an unpaved road (not too bad) which runs for about a mile off the main Hwy 128 right up to the rocks. Well worth the effort.

Have a great trip

[Rollin']

A few more pictures from the Moab area.

On the way to Moab. Hwy 128



Castle Valley




Along the La Sal Mountain Loop Road.

[Southwest Dave]

Thanks for the info Eris and the extra pics Rollin', it's looking good !

A couple of quick questions for you,
1] I looked at the start of the Fisher towers road on google earth and it looked fairly even, do you think the road is good enough to take a 30 ft RV and be able to turn around at the end ?

2] Is the La Sal mountain loop road paved/ in good enough condition and suitable enough for the RV and if so how long roughly to do the drive.

Thanks fella's, I will be putting up my itinerary in the near future.

[Mark Sedenquist]

Southwest Dave,

Here's a field report article about the La Sal mountain loop road -- it's not paved and it will most certainly invalidate your rental agreement....

Mark

[Southwest Dave]

Thanks for the link Mark, it looks like fun but def not suitable for the RV. Never mind we have plenty of options to keep us occupied.

[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!