Shafer Canyon Overlook Trailhead — Attraction in Moab

The Shafer Trail at the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park is an iconic road that descends 1,500 feet (457 m) through a colorful, massive sandstone cliff. Its function has changed through the years; from a route made by Native Americans to access resources on the mesa top, to a trail for sheep herders moving flocks to better foraging in winter time, and then a road for trucks moving loads of uranium from the backcountry to market. Today, the Shafer Trail is a challenging, unpaved backcountry dirt road for recreational users seeking the thrill of a lifetime. High-clearance 4WD vehicles with a low range gear (4LO) are highly recommended. ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), OHVs (off-highway vehicles), or UTVs (Ultility terrain vehicles) are not permitted inside the park. The Shafer Canyon Overlook Trail is a 0.3 mile (0.5 km) out-and-back trail just south of the Canyonlands National Park Island In The Sky Visitor Center on the Grand View Point Road. It is considered an easy trail, except when get to the end of the trail close to the edge of the rim of the canyon below where there are big rocks to negotiate. This is a very popular trail but the views are breathtaking. The Shafer Trail Viewpoint to the south is a less popular one and lot less visitors. It is located 0.9 miles (1.4km) drive pass the Visitor Center. However, part of the canyon is obstructed from view at this viewpoint. The Shafer Trail is named after the Shafer family who were Mormon pioneer settlers who used this trail to move cattle from summer pastures on the Mesa top to winter grounds on the White Rim...

One of the most interesting overlooks in the Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands National Park is that of the Shafer Canyon which is found half a mile past the Visitor Centre after entering the park.

Here you can look down into the canyon floor and admire the narrow off-road which winds up the side of the wall to the Island in the Sky plateau. Look for the 4 wheel drive vehicles and bikers slowly making their way up and down the road. This is one of those 'Wow' roads to see.

In addition to seeing the Shafer Trail Road, the vista views here are very impressive. You can look eastward into the distance. The scenery is beautiful.

Overall, we very much enjoyed this particular overview. This is one of the places within Canyonlands that we would consider a must-see stop when visiting the...

This was such a fun discovery. It is a gorgeous overlook, and an interesting spot. You can look down in this canyon and see a road that was built by miners that is still in use today. It is know as one of the most dangerous roads in North America and crazy. You have to back up to get around some of the switchbacks for they are so tight, and you pray you don't run into someone coming the opposite direction. You definitely should look up a video of someone driving this. It is crazy! Cliffs on both sides with crazy turns. The overlook is a nice shirt hike, but still very fun and has it's own adventuresome feel, but not so crazy as the drive that might be terrifying. #shafer_canyon #most_dangerous_roads #canyonlands #utah_rocks...