Shafer Canyon viewpoint trail is a short easy hike located along the Island in the Sky area of Canyonlands National Park in Utah. The views of the Shafer trail road in the canyon are spectacular from the overlook.
Much of the land that is now Canyonlands park was formerly used for ranching and mining. Many of the roadways created before the park became established in 1964 are now used by tourists. Shafer Trail is one such road.
Shortly after the Island in the Sky visitor center watch for the Shafer Canyon Viewpoint sign and a small parking lot on the left side of the road.
If you are staying in Moab to visit Arches National Park you can easily do a trip to both Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands National Park in one day.
Shafer Canyon Road
39 miles (63 km) point to point from Canyonlands to Moab.
The view from the Shafer Canyon Overlook gives you an overhead view of Shafer Trail. Here is some general information if you decide to drive the Shafer Canyon Trail.
Shafer Canyon Trail is a dirt road from Canyonlands Island in the Sky down into Shafer Canyon. It connects with Potash Road, another unpaved roadway that turns into Hwy 279 and connects with US Route 191 into Moab.
I’ve read reports of people driving the Shafer road in a front wheel drive sedan, but I wouldn’t drive this road in a low clearance vehicle. You can rent a jeep in Moab if you don’t have a 4 wheel drive vehicle.
From Canyonlands the road starts with a bunch of switchbacks as you ride deeper into the Shafer Canyon. Expect a lot of dips, slabs of rock, and generally rough road.
At the 19 mile mark the Shafer Trail connects with Potash Road and eventually onto paved roadways. Along Potash Road there are petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks, rock climbing sites, and hiking trails.
Allow 2 to 2.5 hours one way from Canyonlands to Moab. Or start out in Moab and drive up to Canyonlands National Park.
Note that Shafer Trail is often closed in winter months when snow and ice render the road impassable.
Shafer Trail is a dirt road that starts with several switchbacks down into the canyon
Canyonlands National Park Fees
The entry fee covers you for a full 7 consecutive days visiting Canyonlands park.
Personal vehicle: $30
Motorcycle: $25
Cyclist/Pedestrian: $15
There is also a Southeast Utah Parks pass valid for one year for entry to Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and Natural Bridges National Monument.
Spectacular views of Shafer Canyon and sandstone canyon walls
Also, consider buying the America the Beautiful annual park pass if you plan to visit other national parks. It costs $80 and covers your entry fees to ALL the US national parks and monuments for a full 12 months from purchase date.
Over age 62? It only costs $20 for an annual pass or $80 for a LIFETIME pass.
Additionally, there are free passes for military, U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities, volunteers, and 4th graders.
Visit the National Park website for more info on park passes and buy your pass online.
Take the scenic route and drive Shafer Trail from Canyonlands to Moab
Shafer Canyon Viewpoint Trail Details
Distance: .3 miles (.5 km)
Elevation gain: 98 ft (30 m)
Type of hike: Out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Time: Allow 30 minutes
Dogs allowed on trail: No dogs allowed on trails or overlooks at Canyonlands
While you can bring your dog to Canyonlands National Park you cannot bring them to overlooks, trails, backcountry, rivers, or any backcountry roads (even if they stay in the vehicle) and pets must be on leash whenever they are out of your vehicle.
Canyonlands park features amazing views
Shafer Canyon Viewpoint Trail is a short easy hike in Canyonlands National Park
Shafer Canyon Viewpoint Hike Description
From the Shafer Canyon viewpoint, you walk down a section of stairs and along the top of the canyon toward the canyon rim with extraordinary views down into the canyon.
Hang on to your hat on windy days. When you look down the canyon you will likely see a few hats that flew away in the wind.
I have a mild fear of falling from heights, so I never venture to the edge of the canyon rim, but some folks are more fearless.
Standing on the canyon rim for a better view
Other National Parks in Utah
Arches National Park features over 2,000 natural stone arches near the city of Moab Utah
Bryce National Park for hiking in the hoodoos and scenic drives
Capitol Reef National Park is Utah’s least visited national park but it’s so worth a visit!
Zion National Park is the most visited of Utah’s national parks and features the north Kolob Canyons and the main park by Springdale Utah
More Things to See in Utah
Grand View Point Trail at Canyonlands National Park
Cedar Breaks National Monument has hoodoos, hiking trails, and scenic drives
Cedar City is the perfect place to explore Southern Utah
Dead Horse Point State Park is next to Canyonlands and features stunning views of the Colorado River
Kanarra Falls slot canyon is an excellent hike and a nice alternative to The Narrows at Zion
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