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.
🚗 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.
Quick Facts
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit