The whole area looks like a Coyote and Road Runner cartoon. I spent a few days in the area last week as part of a southern Colorado, Four Corners, eastern Utah trip with my 10yo daughter. We loved every place we went on the trip, but my daughter said next time let's go to straight to Moab area. We have an FJ Cruiser and did part of 3 different easy trails with plans to come back next year and do Fins n Things and a few other well known trails. Edit: We did Willow Springs rd, the Shafer switchbacks top to bottom then back up to the park, and Cache Valley rd in Arches NP.
So glad you mentioned this. I’m headed that way soon, and have considered trying it in my open diff 2wd pickup. I’ve been driving dirt roads since I was about 10 years old -around 60 years. This road has been in use a long time for heavy trucks (hard to imagine they are all 4x4). I have to imagine that unless rain was threatening it would just be a matter of trying to avoid stupid decisions. I think I’ll go for it!
I just did this with my wife and stepson two weeks ago and it was spectacular. The wife complained that I should stay closer to the wall and so I let her drive and she was very good for the first time and thank me for trusting her. Lol
I just wanted to say, I REALLY enjoyed this video. I like that you took the time to explain along the way and show what everything looks like. I was there 3 yrs ago but not sure how to get on that road and wasn't prepared. I learned a lot from the vid and want to go back now and do the road. I remember looking down from dead horse point and watching the jeeps go along the road,.
Watched video after I did trip! Transit 350 medium length high top AWD stock , Moab up trail to the park. A little worried about clearance because Transits ground clearance is limited, there is a ledge at bottom of switchbacks that dragged trailer hitch a bit all plastic OK. I do think AWD helps as I had no wheelspin at all with stock tires. Dry conditions for me , have fun! An extended length van with all that overhang could drag in some spots.
There is literally nowhere else on the planet that is more beautiful in my opinion. I'm actually working on a painting of the exact view you get from standing on the lookout point your thumbnail shows.
We’ve been to over 40 parks and this is still one of my favorite views of any place we’ve been. Link to your painting when you are finished. Would love to see it.
Man, you’re braver than us. We just tried it and totally chickened out. Granted, I’m scared of heights, but that first corner past the Thelma and Louise cliff sent me back that direction with my tail between my legs 😂
Thanks for posting. I watched it before going to Moab. We are there now, did the trail on Thursday, only top to bottom. It was Amazing!! I drove my new Bronco Sport Badlands, performed flawlessly. My wife did not let me get to close to the edge at the Thelma and Louise spot LOL!
Phenomenal video. I did this in reverse going down the switchbacks. Unfortunately i did it around 5pm so i couldn't pull over as much to really take it all in. Plus it was my first attempt at off roading. So i did the last portion from Thelma and Louise point to the end in the dark. Talk about panic lol. I think i could've kissed the pavement once i hit the abrasive l actual road lol. But thanks for this video it brought back memories to one of the coolest things I've ever done.
That area looks amazing, wonder why the jeep is so angry :P. We are planning on heading out there in the next month or so, and these videos are temping me to bring my 4x4 instead of my Prius. I have about 1600 miles to drive so the Prius would be a lot cheaper to get out there.
Very nice job. I'm hoping to be out there (From FL) in October, and knowing that there are roads / trails where I can drive my stock 4x4 pickup is great info. Thanks!
You could also do Willow Springs (back way into Arches) assuming it’s still open. I heard they are making part of it into a state park. I would avoid the major Jeeping trails (Fins, Hells Revenge, Top of the World, etc).
Thanks for the great visit, watching this now! An absolutely other-worldly phenomenal landscape, good to see again. We used to pose beneath the balanced rock to make it look like we were holding it up, of course! I must have skirted some payment points, unless those are newer the past ten years or so. Sorry! It's WELL worth it!
Excellent step by step instruction...you must be a teacher....LOL. Just curious which is your favorite way to start this trail up like this route or down? Thx
Cool video. FYI, the edge of those trails/cliffs is often wet just beneath. They call it the famous Moab Red Mud. Best to never drive up within ~5+ feet of the edge. 10 to be safer. You can hit the brakes and truck keep sliding. Locals know this.
My least favorite thing is getting our Jeep stuck in a situation. So I like to show people what to expect and hopefully keep them from getting in a bind.
I love your approach to making videos. I especially liked the lake city loop video. My only criticism is your mispronunciation of the word potash. It is pronounced POT ASH (paa tash) not poe tash. Your 4 wheeling videos are among the very best on Utube.
Thanks. I’ve learned since this video the proper pronounciation. 😂 I’m sure I do that a lot when I travel places I don’t know well. Glad you liked the video.
Depending on the conditions you may have some clearance issues (Subarus tend to be lower to the ground) but we did see a BMW sedan out on the trial - so you don’t necessarily need a built-up 4x4 to do the path.
I did this trail a few times in my Subaru Forester. I love the way it's so accessible to visit the wilderness here and the Shafer Switchbacks are stunning. I also did Gemini Bridges which was also a lot of fun.
@@RVHomeschool It has been years since I've done Gemini Bridges, but IIRC it is easier than Potash Road. Just make sure you have your GPS with you, and a good camera!
Great video and thanks for sharing! We are visiting Canyonland tomorrow and would like to take this trail. My only concern is the switchbacks and not having enough room if you encounter another vehicle. Are there plenty of turnouts for vehicles to pull off for right of way?
I don’t know about plenty of turnarounds but I do think there would be some places (or you could tell before heading up the switchbacks if another car is coming). We’ve done a lot of trails without room for two vehicles and I feel like people are respectful and willing to move over if needed. Everyone wants safety on the trail. Have fun.
Wow! What a great video, and such a soothing soundtrack :) I'm planning on doing this exact route next month, so it's very helpful to see the full trail ahead of time.
You may want to check with rangers at Canyonlands to make sure there isn’t any wash out or problem areas, but when we went I would think an outback would be okay.
I drove it four weeks ago in a stock JL 4xe (rental). At home, I have an Outback (not Wilderness) and think I would have been fine in it. There are a couple of rock ledge "stairs" on the road, but each ledge was only a few inches. On the plus side, all of the trails in Canyonlands are two way, so if you see something you don't like, you can turn around (although that may spoil your plans for the day).
Potash Road and Shafer Trail, in Canyonlands NP, are covered by your NP pass. I suspect that you only need to display your hangtag if coming from Moab on Potash, but you might want to call the park to make sure of the procedure.
Personally I’m a little less scared climbing up those switchbacks versus going down. If you head down just be sure you downshift to first gear the whole way down instead of riding the brakes.
I’m pretty sure if you pull a permit for White Rim (which shares some of this trail) you are allowed to camp at some point - so it might be possible. We didn’t camp on it and some parts line along private property. Check into the White Rim permit and you can probably see the camping guidelines for the area.
Climbed Schafer on a bike: gorgeous!!
The whole area looks like a Coyote and Road Runner cartoon. I spent a few days in the area last week as part of a southern Colorado, Four Corners, eastern Utah trip with my 10yo daughter. We loved every place we went on the trip, but my daughter said next time let's go to straight to Moab area. We have an FJ Cruiser and did part of 3 different easy trails with plans to come back next year and do Fins n Things and a few other well known trails.
Edit: We did Willow Springs rd, the Shafer switchbacks top to bottom then back up to the park, and Cache Valley rd in Arches NP.
My favorite place in earth. I go there yearly
Drove the trail in my dodge grand caravan. Loved it.
So glad you mentioned this. I’m headed that way soon, and have considered trying it in my open diff 2wd pickup. I’ve been driving dirt roads since I was about 10 years old -around 60 years. This road has been in use a long time for heavy trucks (hard to imagine they are all 4x4). I have to imagine that unless rain was threatening it would just be a matter of trying to avoid stupid decisions.
I think I’ll go for it!
I just did this with my wife and stepson two weeks ago and it was spectacular. The wife complained that I should stay closer to the wall and so I let her drive and she was very good for the first time and thank me for trusting her. Lol
Do you usually not empower her and trust her? Eventually that can backfire on you.
Lots of great details!
I just wanted to say, I REALLY enjoyed this video. I like that you took the time to explain along the way and show what everything looks like. I was there 3 yrs ago but not sure how to get on that road and wasn't prepared. I learned a lot from the vid and want to go back now and do the road. I remember looking down from dead horse point and watching the jeeps go along the road,.
Do Chicken Corners- see vid. same name add 4k. Best trail in Moab.
Watched video after I did trip! Transit 350 medium length high top AWD stock , Moab up trail to the park. A little worried about clearance because Transits ground clearance is limited, there is a ledge at bottom of switchbacks that dragged trailer hitch a bit all plastic OK. I do think AWD helps as I had no wheelspin at all with stock tires. Dry conditions for me , have fun! An extended length van with all that overhang could drag in some spots.
There is literally nowhere else on the planet that is more beautiful in my opinion. I'm actually working on a painting of the exact view you get from standing on the lookout point your thumbnail shows.
We’ve been to over 40 parks and this is still one of my favorite views of any place we’ve been.
Link to your painting when you are finished. Would love to see it.
This video is awesome 👏🏼 thanks
Glad it was helpful
Man, you’re braver than us. We just tried it and totally chickened out. Granted, I’m scared of heights, but that first corner past the Thelma and Louise cliff sent me back that direction with my tail between my legs 😂
LOL
Thanks for posting. I watched it before going to Moab. We are there now, did the trail on Thursday, only top to bottom. It was Amazing!! I drove my new Bronco Sport Badlands, performed flawlessly. My wife did not let me get to close to the edge at the Thelma and Louise spot LOL!
Glad to hear you had a great time. Isn’t it beautiful?!
@@RVHomeschool yes it is!
how was your trip?
Phenomenal video. I did this in reverse going down the switchbacks. Unfortunately i did it around 5pm so i couldn't pull over as much to really take it all in. Plus it was my first attempt at off roading. So i did the last portion from Thelma and Louise point to the end in the dark. Talk about panic lol. I think i could've kissed the pavement once i hit the abrasive l actual road lol. But thanks for this video it brought back memories to one of the coolest things I've ever done.
That area looks amazing, wonder why the jeep is so angry :P.
We are planning on heading out there in the next month or so, and these videos are temping me to bring my 4x4 instead of my Prius. I have about 1600 miles to drive so the Prius would be a lot cheaper to get out there.
have recommending MANY times!!!! Thanks for the video!!
Loved this trail myself! We did it in my stock 2WD Chevy. One of the highlights of our out West excursion back in June2022. Great video!
chevy what? Curious if a stock (no lift ) f150 fx4 could do it with out hitting rocker panels or front air dam.
Wonderfull video, easy understanding and very good informations. We go !!
Spectacular is right! You caught this trail in perfect light at several points. Ansel Adams would be proud!
Great video and 411. Adding this one to the list for my 2nd Moab trip in either May or October.
Awesome video. Thanks for sharing your family experience.
Nice ending vid. Thank You Kids look like they are loving it. My Jeep tj 99 would love it lol THX
Great overview of the drive. Can't wait to try it the next time we are out west!
Thank you. I hope it’s helpful. Definitely worth checking out the next time you visit Moab.
Very nice job. I'm hoping to be out there (From FL) in October, and knowing that there are roads / trails where I can drive my stock 4x4 pickup is great info. Thanks!
You could also do Willow Springs (back way into Arches) assuming it’s still open. I heard they are making part of it into a state park.
I would avoid the major Jeeping trails (Fins, Hells Revenge, Top of the World, etc).
Thanks for the great visit, watching this now! An absolutely other-worldly phenomenal landscape, good to see again. We used to pose beneath the balanced rock to make it look like we were holding it up, of course!
I must have skirted some payment points, unless those are newer the past ten years or so. Sorry! It's WELL worth it!
Excellent step by step instruction...you must be a teacher....LOL. Just curious which is your favorite way to start this trail up like this route or down? Thx
Heading there in late May. Thanks for the video
Enjoy. It’s beautiful.
Excellent footage and explanation! Thank you, Thank you!
Thank you for watching. Have fun on your trip.
Hey, Thanks for sharing video! Great views and so different we have here in Finland! The Colorado river flows nicely through a rocky area!
I just did this trail but I started from Shafer Switchbacks in my Porsche Cayenne first time off road and is awesome
nice. go back and do chicken corners see 4k video in here.
Man how it's changed a lot! I drove it a blazer and it was pretty rough. That was back in the 80s.
I bet they do some trail maintenance these days.
All the fun trails got warn to east level
Cool video. FYI, the edge of those trails/cliffs is often wet just beneath. They call it the famous Moab Red Mud. Best to never drive up within ~5+ feet of the edge. 10 to be safer. You can hit the brakes and truck keep sliding. Locals know this.
Thank you for sharing.
Great video! You really showed what to expect
My least favorite thing is getting our Jeep stuck in a situation. So I like to show people what to expect and hopefully keep them from getting in a bind.
It is not pronounce poat ash... it is pot ash, it is used in fertilizer
Awesome road, did it on a bmw r1250gsa, watch for the sand spots, especially on the switch backs
I am saving this video from next month while I am in moab.
You’ll love it! So amazing.
do chicken corners. trust me.
I love your approach to making videos. I especially liked the lake city loop video. My only criticism is your mispronunciation of the word potash. It is pronounced POT ASH (paa tash) not poe tash. Your 4 wheeling videos are among the very best on Utube.
Thanks. I’ve learned since this video the proper pronounciation. 😂 I’m sure I do that a lot when I travel places I don’t know well. Glad you liked the video.
great video, thanks. can I ask where did you get your bear hat from?
It’s a Patagonia hat. I would imagine they can be found at REI, or Cabelas. I bought it at a local Colorado outdoor place called Jax’s.
Great video thank you !
Beautiful
The sight is almost unbelievable. Must be one of the best views in that area.
Good & easy beginner trail you can do alone. 4WD not necessary. Maybe AWD when wet.
There are several campgrounds on the trail you just have to get a backcountry permit
Thank you for answering that. People have asked and I didn’t have good information for them.
Great video! Think I can do this in a 2WD Suburban?
Depending on the conditions you may have some clearance issues (Subarus tend to be lower to the ground) but we did see a BMW sedan out on the trial - so you don’t necessarily need a built-up 4x4 to do the path.
Mind telling what setting used on your gopro? It looks great!
No GoPro. I just film on my iPhone. It’s even an older 11.
Great video 📹 👍
I did this trail a few times in my Subaru Forester. I love the way it's so accessible to visit the wilderness here and the Shafer Switchbacks are stunning. I also did Gemini Bridges which was also a lot of fun.
We will have to check out Gemini Bridges next time we are in Moab.
@@RVHomeschool It has been years since I've done Gemini Bridges, but IIRC it is easier than Potash Road. Just make sure you have your GPS with you, and a good camera!
Great video and thanks for sharing! We are visiting Canyonland tomorrow and would like to take this trail. My only concern is the switchbacks and not having enough room if you encounter another vehicle. Are there plenty of turnouts for vehicles to pull off for right of way?
I don’t know about plenty of turnarounds but I do think there would be some places (or you could tell before heading up the switchbacks if another car is coming). We’ve done a lot of trails without room for two vehicles and I feel like people are respectful and willing to move over if needed. Everyone wants safety on the trail. Have fun.
Well done
Do one over Burro and Up backside of Peale, probably already did.
It's pronounced "Pot Ash," not Po Tash. Ask a local. And the park is Dead Horse POINT State Park! Great videos!!
Wow! What a great video, and such a soothing soundtrack :) I'm planning on doing this exact route next month, so it's very helpful to see the full trail ahead of time.
Awesome! You’ll love it. One of the most magical experiences we’ve had in all of our travels.
@@RVHomeschool we did it this last Saturday. It was amazing!
@@tomanderson9872 Awesome! Wasn’t that view amazing. The video doesn’t even do it justice.
For anyone who has driven this. Would a stock outback wilderness make it through no problem? 9.5 clearence.
You may want to check with rangers at Canyonlands to make sure there isn’t any wash out or problem areas, but when we went I would think an outback would be okay.
I drove it four weeks ago in a stock JL 4xe (rental). At home, I have an Outback (not Wilderness) and think I would have been fine in it. There are a couple of rock ledge "stairs" on the road, but each ledge was only a few inches. On the plus side, all of the trails in Canyonlands are two way, so if you see something you don't like, you can turn around (although that may spoil your plans for the day).
the annual national park pass is include on this route ?...or i have to pay ?
Potash Road and Shafer Trail, in Canyonlands NP, are covered by your NP pass. I suspect that you only need to display your hangtag if coming from Moab on Potash, but you might want to call the park to make sure of the procedure.
Pot and ash....Potash :)
What recommended PSI would you deflate to?
We normally deflate about 10 below what is normal. So we normally are at 40, but deflate to 30 on most trails.
Potash is potassium carbonate (not potassium chloride)
I’m renting a F-150 4x4. Do you think that is fine?
So my question is... coming next month, renting a jeep to do this. Should you go down the mountain or go up ?
Personally I’m a little less scared climbing up those switchbacks versus going down. If you head down just be sure you downshift to first gear the whole way down instead of riding the brakes.
Great video, good narration and maps. But it's pot-ash, not po-tash.
👍👍
Can you camp along this trail ?
I’m pretty sure if you pull a permit for White Rim (which shares some of this trail) you are allowed to camp at some point - so it might be possible. We didn’t camp on it and some parts line along private property. Check into the White Rim permit and you can probably see the camping guidelines for the area.
They way she pronounced potash😂
Say it in a French accent to piss people off.. Sounds cooler
Seems no matter how I pronounce things I anger some people. 😆
@@RVHomeschool see direction above and repeat
Pot - ash. Not pote - ash.
Fact that she was churlish about another vehicle showing up tells me all I need to know about people who drive angry-eye jeeps.
It's Pot Ash, not Po tash... It's used to make fertilizer...
Thank you.