Can't believe I drove the 34 mile road from Canyonlands NP back down to Moab. Very narrow at the top. At times I couldn't look out the window. Start at the top and take your time. Don't miss this adventure. I watched a You Tube video at high speed and that made me a little nervous, but it wasn't that bad. Spectacular views. We even had to stop for some mountain goats in the road
When I wanted to go to the White Rim Road to do the Lathrop hike in Canyonlands, the ranger suggested this way rather than take the Shaefer road both ways. It's longer but very pretty.
We totally enjoyed driving Potash Road, and seeing the roadside petroglyphs. The parts closer to the highway are beautiful and in good shape, further up it is great. muddy fun for folks in a 4wd.
This is a beautiful drive and can be made a loop by continuing on past the potash plant and up Shafer Road into Canyonlands N.P. If you are up for a moderate hike, stop at the Corona Arch trail head. We made a day of it by driving on Potash Road, first stopping at the entrance to Poison Spider to view the dinosaur tracks, further down the road we stopped at the Corona Arch trail head and hiked for a couple hours, and then continued on past the potash plant and up the infamous Shafer road into Canyonlands. The road gets rough in a few places but nothing difficult, an SUV is recommended. And it does get very narrow near the top, passing another vehicle can be tricky and scary. Be sure to look up photos of Shafer Road before you go. If you are scared of heights, drop offs, or have never 4-wheeled you should know what you are in for first. If that is not your thing, then just head out via Potash Road the way you came in and enjoy the beautiful scenery from the opposite direction.
We started off at the Thelma and Louise drop off (canyon lands NP). Don't do this in a full size truck, take our advice. This isn't for the faint of heart. I also would only do this part from the top as you can look out (only if you are a passenger). The road is a goat path and is super bumpy. The scenery is stunning but makes for a very unhappy driver if they aren't expecting a goat path. Once we made it to the paved part, we got to drive along the Colorado River which was really cool. We saw a lot of Ancient Native American rock art. We didn't stop to see the dinosaur prints. There are brown signs along side the road to let you know where the point of interests are. We will never do this road again, but it was fun for me. There is nothing, and I mean nothing to help you along the way. Do not attempt this in a rental car past the paved part. In a passenger car you run the risk of puncturing an oil pan or getting a flat.
We wouldn't believe the beauty of the drive along Potash road. The Colorado River on one side and towering rocks with many rock climbers along one side. We were thrilled to easily find the petroglyphs we had set out looking for along the side of the road up on the rocks. Their location was clearly marked and easily reachable to photograph. Truly awesome! And the leave were turning on the cottonwood trees making the colors of the Red Rocks awesome in contract to the trees. Wow!
First the petroglyphs along the road have been vandalized - you can still some but many are damaged and written over- very sad to witness such disrespect for ancient history.The dinosaur tracks are basically inaccessible unless you are an experienced rock climber. I was able to get more than 1/2 way up before turning back as it was too dangerous.NOT a place to bring children.
Potash Rd is exactly what it says, a road to a potash plant. However, it follows the Colorado River and uncovers petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks, and spectacular views. Easy drive, easy hikes. This is an attraction easily missed along with Onion Creek and Castle Valley tours. A truly unique area to explore on your own
hate to say how fantastic it is because it will become over run. all you need is a good rugged vehicle to have the most amazing drive.
This is a flat,easy, out and back road bike ride that takes you along the Colorado River. Often times you can watch rock climbers beginning a route right off the road or rafts floating down the river.