The Shafer Trail is a historic dirt road that plunges about a thousand feet from the top of the Island in the Sky mesa in a series of tight switchbacks carved into the canyon wall. It began as a cattle route and later served uranium prospectors, and today it is one of the most photographed backcountry roads in the Southwest. At the bottom it meets the White Rim Road; turn the other way and you join Potash Road, which follows the Colorado River back to Moab past potash evaporation ponds, petroglyph panels and climbing cliffs. Together the descent and the river road make a well-known loop, usually done by guided jeep, by mountain bike or, in the case of the tour linked here, by electric dirt bike. The road is rough, narrow and exposed on the outer edge, so it suits confident drivers and riders who are comfortable with heights.
Unlike the White Rim Road, the Shafer Trail and Potash Road need no day-use permit according to the park, although the normal entrance fee still applies at Island in the Sky. That makes the descent the easiest taste of Canyonlands backcountry to try. Vehicles must be street legal because ATVs, UTVs and other off-highway vehicles are not allowed, and the surface can be washboarded and rocky, so a high-clearance vehicle is the norm. Many visitors prefer a guided ride, which removes the stress of passing oncoming vehicles on one-lane switchbacks.
The electric dirt bike format is a modern way to do it. Quiet electric motorcycles, a guide and some instruction let confident beginners cover far more ground than they could on foot, with fewer emissions and less noise on the trail. Tours include protective gear and a briefing, and you should expect to ride in single file at moderate speeds. You do not need a motorcycle license in every case, but you do need balance, coordination and a willingness to ride on loose surfaces, so read the requirements closely and be honest about your ability.
Season and conditions decide whether the road is open. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable riding. Summer is very hot at the bottom, and winter snow, ice or mud can close the switchbacks, which are often impassable for a time. Check the park's conditions page before heading out, begin early to avoid heat and traffic, and pack extra water and a layer. Keep to the road, never ride off-trail on the fragile desert crust, and give uphill traffic the right of way.
What to expect
The experience
A guided electric dirt bike ride, or your own vehicle, down the Shafer Trail switchbacks and back along the Colorado River on Potash Road.
Best time
Spring and autumn for mild temperatures; avoid midsummer afternoons and icy winter days.
How long
Typically a half day to a full day depending on how far you ride.
Tips
Be honest about your riding ability, start early, wear closed shoes and bring water, sun protection and a layer for the canyon wind.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Confident riders and drivers who want a headline backcountry road without needing a permit.
- Families
- Not suitable for young children; teenagers may qualify for guided rides if they meet the operator's age and size rules.
- Couples
- A sunrise or golden-hour ride makes a memorable shared adventure, if both are happy on rough dirt.
- Pair with
- Island in the Sky and Mesa Arch from above, plus a viewpoint stop at Dead Horse Point.
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day.
Good questions
Do I need a permit for the Shafer Trail?+
The park states that no day-use permit is required for the Shafer Trail or Potash Road, though the normal park entrance fee applies when you enter Island in the Sky.
Can I take a UTV down the Shafer Trail?+
No. Canyonlands does not allow ATVs, UTVs or other off-highway vehicles on park roads, so you need a street-legal vehicle or a guided tour with approved vehicles.
Is the road dangerous?+
It is narrow, steep and exposed on the outer edge, with oncoming traffic on one-lane switchbacks. Careful drivers manage it, but those uneasy with heights should choose a different activity.
Is it open in winter?+
Sometimes. Snow, ice and mud can close or block the switchbacks for periods in cold months, so check the park's conditions before you go.
Where does the Potash Road lead?+
It follows the Colorado River from the foot of the Shafer Trail back toward Moab, passing evaporation ponds, rock art panels and climbing walls.
