Moab

Day 1

With 2 National Parks and 1 State Park, Moab, situated on the Colorado River, has a lot to offer. We spent time in both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park and decided that we wanted to get more up close and personal with some of the back roads. Here are our directions for a great day off roading in Moab.

We started in Moab at Potash Rd. Our truck is a Chevy 3500 Dully and we were able to manage the roads just fine the entire way from Potash to Shafer Rd up to Canyonlands Visitor Center. The road did get fairly narrow at a few points and with our wider back wheel base we had to be careful with the steep drop off to the canyon below. For the most part, any vehcile can go from Potash to the boat ramp and from the boat ramp on, you may need 4 wheel drive. Also keep in mind that once you get to Shafer Rd, you can only go to the visitor center area unless you have a permit to turn off and go into Canyonlands back country via the White Rim Rd.

As we started out on Potash, we noticed the steep canyon walls. This section is aptly called "Wallstreet" as there are petroglyphs in a few sections. This is also a popular area for rock climbing and canyoneering. This section of the drive is paved and is on level with the Colorado River.

After passing the Potash mining facility, we stopped at the boat ramp to chat with a few of the locals who assured us that we would be able to make it in our truck. The real fun began as we started off roading up Shafer Basin Rd/ Hwy 142. We passed Elvis Rock, a huge balanced boulder above the boat ramp. We kept ascending the canyon and drove past the Potash Ponds. From there we drove on to Thelma and Louise Point, where they filmed the last scene of the famous movie, about 1000 feet above the Colorado River. Another 1200 feet above us was Dead Horse Point State Park. Next to Thelma and Louise Point is Goose Neck Overlook.

From there we kept driving up Shafer Basin Rd towards Canyonlands National Park. This road was very harrowing as it is a one lane road with multiple switchbacks as you ascend the 1200 feet up into Canyonlands National Park. Don't fret! There are many places to pull over and make room if you happen to come across another vehicle coming down the road. The view and the experience of experiencing this off road adventure can't be beat!

Day 2

While on our off road adventure, we noticed some jet boats on the Colorado River. We did some investigating and found Canyonlands By Night and Day tour company. We decided to take the 3 hour tour up the Colorado River to Canyonlands and back. We went in mid May and the weather outside was 90+ that day. However, the jet boat was covered and the air blowing through as we flew down the river was amazing. Our tour operator was knowledgable and funny. We enjoyed the adventure of being on the water as well as seeing Wallstreet, the Petroglyphy, some natural arches, Thelma and Louise Point, Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands from the perspective of the Colorado River. We highly recommend adding this tour to your schedule.