Shafer Trail, Utah

Shafer Trail, Utah

Shafer Trail, Utah: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Moab: Sky District Canyonlands National Park 4x4 Tour

From Moab: Sky District Canyonlands National Park 4x4 Tour

Discover the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park on a guided tour by 4x4 vehicle. Admire the wonderful scenery from the Goosneck overlook on the Colorado River, discover Native American rock art, and learn about the history and geology of the area. Start with pickup from your hotel in Moab. Head towards Canyonlands National Park, whilst meandering alongside the Colorado River. Stop outside the park boundary to discover some ancient Native American petroglyphs carved into the cliffs by the Ancestral Puebloans. Learn about the geology, flora, fauna, and history of the area throughout the adventure with your expert guide. Continue to the jeep trail that leads up to the breathtaking Island in the Sky district. Along the way, enjoy some photo stops at natural landmarks such as Fossil Point and Musselman Arch. Enjoy the fantastic views of the Colorado River from Gooseneck Overlook and travel along a section of the White Rim trail. Wind up the switchbacks of the famous Shafer Trail, and enjoy one last look out over the park before driving back to Moab.

From Moab: Full-Day Canyonlands and Arches 4x4 Driving Tour

From Moab: Full-Day Canyonlands and Arches 4x4 Driving Tour

Take a 4x4 driving tour through Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. This thrilling adventure includes stops for short hikes and scenic views. Keep your energy up along the way with a refreshing picnic lunch. After pickup from your hotel in Moab, drive towards Canyonlands National Park high atop the Island in the Sky mesa. Descend via the steep switchbacks of the famous Shafer Trail and enjoy a brief stop to explore Native American rock art that was carved into the cliffs by the Ancestral Puebloans.   Continue through Canyonlands along a portion of the White Rim Trail over to Musselman Arch for incredible views of the Colorado River below. Enjoy a few stops with short hikes. Stop at Devils Garden for a delicious picnic lunch. After lunch, enter Arches National Park near Doc Williams Point. Climb a steep rock wall and drive across a valley through sandstone fins and dunes.   Pass the famous Tower Arch, the Eye of the Whale Arch, and the Marching Men — a group of 7 towers lined up in one row. Stop for some short walks to enjoy the fresh air and admire the views of the red rocks. Once you have explored both parks you'll be driven back to Moab, with a brief stop to explore dinosaur tracks along the way.

From Moab: Canyonlands 4x4 Drive and Colorado River Rafting

From Moab: Canyonlands 4x4 Drive and Colorado River Rafting

Start your full-day tour with a pickup from your hotel in Moab. Drive to the stunning Canyonlands National Park, and spend the morning exploring the remote areas of the Island in the Sky district of the park in a 4x4 vehicle. Follow the White Rim Trail, and drive along the narrow switchbacks of the Shafer Trail. See incredible rock and fossil formations, and stop along the way for photos opportunities. After your driving tour, enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the Colorado River. Admire majestic views of the river and the surrounding canyons. Finish your tour with an adrenaline-filled rafting trip on the Fisher Towers section of the Colorado River. Enjoy some whitewater fun, accompanied by professional river guides. At the end of your rafting experience, relax on the beach as your guides prepare for the short drive back to Moab, where you'll be dropped off at your hotel.

Afternoon Canyonlands Island In The Sky 4X4 Tour

Afternoon Canyonlands Island In The Sky 4X4 Tour

Discover the rugged beauty and ancient legends of Canyonlands National Park on a 4WD tour from Moab. Go off-roading in a sturdy Jeep to reach the Island in the Sky district and other remote areas, where the Colorado River slices through steep ravines and ancient Pueblo rock art decorates the sandstone cliffs. Hold on tight as your driver and guide navigates the switchbacks of Shafer Trail, and fill your camera roll with amazing perspective shots of the red-rock canyons. The Shafer Trail at the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park is an iconic road that descends 1,500 feet (457 m) through a colorful, massive sandstone cliff. Its function has changed through the years; from a route made by Native Americans to access resources on the mesa top, to a trail for sheep herders moving flocks to better foraging in winter time, and then a road for trucks moving loads of uranium from the backcountry to market. Today, the Shafer Trail is road for seeking the experience of a lifetime.

Moab: Canyonlands National Park 4x4 White Rim Tour

Moab: Canyonlands National Park 4x4 White Rim Tour

See the best sights of the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park and experience the famous White Rim 4x4 Trail. Your excursion starts from your accommodation in Moab with a professional and knowledgeable tour guide. Travel alongside the Colorado River as you gain elevation and make your way toward Canyonlands National Park. Before reaching the park boundary, you'll make several stops, including pristine rock art panels, overlooks of the Colorado River Canyon, and wide sweeping vistas. Once you reach the backcountry of Canyonlands National Park and the White Rim Trail, stop again and enjoy a short hike to one of the many backcountry arches that the park has to offer, including the unique Musselman Arch.   Continue your trek along the White Rim and down Lathrop Canyon, a side route that will lead to the riverside oasis, where you'll enjoy a buffet-style picnic lunch prepared by your guide. There are several optional hike options throughout the day. On your way back to Moab, your 4x4 vehicle will climb up the famous Shafer Trail that will take you up to the mesa top for one more stunning view.  

Morning Canyonlands Island In The Sky 4x4 tour

Morning Canyonlands Island In The Sky 4x4 tour

Discover the rugged beauty and ancient legends of Canyonlands National Park on a 4WD tour from Moab. Go off-roading in a sturdy Jeep to reach the Island in the Sky district and other remote areas, where the Colorado River slices through steep ravines and ancient Pueblo rock art decorates the sandstone cliffs. Hold on tight as your driver and guide navigates the switchbacks of Shafer Trail, and fill your camera roll with amazing perspective shots of the red-rock canyons. The Shafer Trail at the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park is an iconic road that descends 1,500 feet (457 m) through a colorful, massive sandstone cliff. Its function has changed through the years; from a route made by Native Americans to access resources on the mesa top, to a trail for sheep herders moving flocks to better foraging in winter time, and then a road for trucks moving loads of uranium from the backcountry to market. Today, the Shafer Trail is road for seeking the experience of a lifetime.

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What people are saying about Shafer Trail, Utah

Overall rating

4.9
(267 reviews)

I had to change to a shorter tour as the required number of participants was not reached. However, it was a great experience and Adam has been a fantastic guide, passionate and expert, explaining us a lot of history, geography, geology and culture. The place is fantastic and the tour gives you the opportunity to explore the less traveled areas

It was great! Abby has rich knowledge of rocks and fossils and we were able to experience the best of Canyonlands and Arches!

Marsha was incredible, she knew everything, all the roads, nature, history, geology, we had an excellent time!!!

we learned so much from our guide , John. he was so knowledgeable and kind.

It was a great way to see all the things without having to plan it myself