Potash Road Moab
A breathtaking paved scenic byway in Moab, Utah, offering towering red rock cliffs, the Colorado River, and ancient petroglyphs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Potash Road Moab
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking paved scenic byway in Moab, Utah, offering towering red rock cliffs, the Colorado River, and ancient petroglyphs.
"The most epic road in Moab, Utah, with zero crowds and all the views."
🚗 Rent a 4x4 for Off-Road
For trails like Shafer, a high-clearance 4x4 is recommended. Don't risk your own vehicle!
📸 Capture Golden Hour
Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light on the red rocks.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Towering Red Rock Cliffs
Along the entire road
Drive alongside immense, sculpted sandstone walls that create a dramatic and awe-inspiring natural corridor.
Ancient Petroglyphs
Various pull-offs
Discover ancient rock art etched into the canyon walls, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history.
Colorado River Views
Opposite side of the road
Enjoy scenic vistas of the powerful Colorado River flowing alongside the dramatic desert landscape.
Shafer Trail Switchbacks
Connects to Potash Road
Experience a thrilling, steep descent or ascent with hairpin turns offering unparalleled panoramic views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Vehicle Choice Matters
Timing is Key for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a 4x4 for Off-Road
For trails like Shafer, a high-clearance 4x4 is recommended. Don't risk your own vehicle!
📸 Capture Golden Hour
Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light on the red rocks.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Limited services along the route, so pack essentials for your drive. :water_wave:
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Ensure you have maps downloaded for navigation. :iphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a 4x4 for Off-Road
For trails like Shafer, a high-clearance 4x4 is recommended. Don't risk your own vehicle!
📸 Capture Golden Hour
Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light on the red rocks.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Limited services along the route, so pack essentials for your drive. :water_wave:
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Ensure you have maps downloaded for navigation. :iphone:
🧗♀️ Spot Rock Climbers
Keep an eye out for climbers scaling the sheer canyon walls.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Potash Road for its stunning, accessible scenery and unique historical elements like petroglyphs. Many highlight it as an underrated gem offering breathtaking views of red rock cliffs and the Colorado River, often recommending it as a must-do detour from national parks. Some note the need for 4x4 vehicles for connecting trails like Shafer Trail.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Potash Road (State Route 279) is easily accessible from Moab. Head north out of town on US-191 and turn left onto UT-279. The paved road begins shortly after and winds along the Colorado River.
The majority of Potash Road is a paved scenic byway, making it accessible for most vehicles. However, connecting trails like Shafer Trail require 4x4.
Potash Road itself is about 17 miles long, but it connects to other scenic routes and can be part of a longer adventure. Some sources mention a 44-mile scenic byway. 
Yes, the main paved section of Potash Road is suitable for regular cars. For the Shafer Trail switchbacks, a high-clearance 4x4 is strongly recommended.
Potash Road is generally open year-round, but conditions can change due to weather. It's always a good idea to check local conditions before you go.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Potash Road is a public scenic byway and does not require an entrance fee or ticket. It's a free scenic drive.
The scenic drive itself is free. However, if you plan to access certain trailheads or campgrounds along the way, there might be associated fees.
Potash Road is open 24/7, as it's a public road. However, daylight hours are best for enjoying the views and safety.
Yes, there are numerous pull-off areas where you can stop to admire the views, take photos, and access trailheads for short hikes.
Yes, there are designated pull-off spots and parking areas along the road, especially near points of interest like petroglyph sites.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for pull-offs with unobstructed views of the river and cliffs, especially near the petroglyph sites and the start of Shafer Trail. The 'Wall Street' section is also iconic.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the most dramatic lighting, with golden hour casting a warm glow on the red rocks.
Drone usage is subject to federal and local regulations. Always check current FAA rules and any specific restrictions for the area before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details like rock climbers or distant formations.
Yes, capturing the ancient petroglyphs, the contrast of the blue river against red rocks, and the daring rock climbers provides unique photographic subjects. +1
🎫 🚗 Off-Roading & Adventure
Shafer Trail is a famous off-road route that connects to Potash Road. It features steep switchbacks and requires a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle.
The paved section is a scenic drive. For true off-roading, you'd connect to trails like Shafer Trail or explore other nearby areas.
For the main paved road, any vehicle is fine. For Shafer Trail and other unpaved routes, a high-clearance 4x4 with good tires and a compressor is recommended.
Yes, Potash Road is a popular area for rock climbing, with many routes visible from the road.
You can find hiking trails like Grandstaff Canyon, explore petroglyph sites, and access other off-road adventures in the Moab area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a short, easy hike from one of the pull-offs if your children are up for it. The drive itself is engaging enough to keep younger passengers entertained, with the ever-changing scenery providing a constant visual spectacle. If you have a vehicle capable of it, the Shafer Trail switchbacks offer a thrilling, albeit potentially nerve-wracking, experience for older kids and teens who enjoy adventure.
🚗 Adventure Seekers & Off-Roaders
Beyond Shafer Trail, the area around Potash Road is a playground for climbers and hikers. You can often spot climbers scaling the sheer rock faces, a testament to the area's climbing reputation.
Research local trails like Grandstaff Canyon for a more immersive hiking experience away from the road. Always prioritize safety, carry essential gear, and inform someone of your plans when venturing onto more remote trails. 📸 Photographers & Scenery Lovers
Look for pull-offs that offer unobstructed views and unique compositions. The contrast between the vibrant blue potash ponds and the red rock is also a striking visual. Don't forget to bring a wide-angle lens for sweeping panoramas and a telephoto lens to capture details like distant climbers or the intricate patterns of the petroglyphs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Potash Road: More Than Just a Drive
The road's accessibility is a major draw. Unlike some of Moab's more rugged off-road trails, the paved section of Potash Road is suitable for all vehicle types, making it a perfect option for those seeking stunning scenery without the need for specialized equipment. However, its true magic lies in the details: the ancient petroglyphs etched into the canyon walls, the vibrant blue hues of the potash ponds, and the sheer scale of the sandstone formations that dwarf everything around them.
For the adventurous, Potash Road serves as a gateway to more challenging excursions. It connects to the infamous Shafer Trail, a steep and winding off-road track that requires a high-clearance 4x4. This connection allows visitors to experience a thrilling contrast between a comfortable scenic drive and a demanding adventure, all within the same breathtaking environment.
Uncovering History: Petroglyphs and Ancient Stories
Visitors can spot these fascinating rock art panels from the road or by taking short walks to designated viewing areas. The sheer number and preservation of these petroglyphs make Potash Road a unique outdoor museum.These carvings depict a variety of figures, including animals, human-like forms, and geometric shapes, each holding potential cultural or spiritual meaning. Interpreting these ancient messages is a humbling experience, reminding us of the deep history embedded within the desert landscape. Many travelers express awe at discovering these remnants of past civilizations, adding a profound layer to the scenic drive.
Beyond the petroglyphs, the area also holds evidence of more recent human activity, including the remnants of the potash mining operations that gave the road its name. The striking, vibrant blue ponds, a byproduct of this industry, create an unusual and photogenic contrast against the red rock.
The Thrill of Shafer Trail: An Off-Roading Icon
The descent or ascent via Shafer Trail provides an unparalleled perspective of the Moab landscape. As you navigate the tight turns, you'll be treated to panoramic vistas of the Colorado River, the vast desert floor, and the imposing red rock formations. It's an experience that many off-road enthusiasts describe as a bucket-list item, offering a raw and exhilarating connection with the rugged Utah wilderness.
For those equipped and prepared, tackling Shafer Trail from Potash Road (or vice versa) is an unforgettable adventure. It’s a stark contrast to the ease of the paved byway, highlighting the diverse experiences Moab has to offer. Many visitors choose to rent specialized vehicles in Moab specifically for the challenge of Shafer Trail, ensuring they can safely enjoy its thrills.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit