Potash Road, Shafer Switchbacks

Called ranger station on 4Dec24, switchbacks have snow/ice and is not expected to melt anytime soon.

Closed at Island in the Sky due to ice on the switchbacks. Call before setting out.

Started on the east side near Moab and drove west into canyon lands. Hiked around for a bit then drove the trail back down the switchbacks from the west side, east back towards Moab.the Schafer switchbacks were very steep and narrow but pretty easily accomplishable both up and down them. Was able to complete it in my stock Subaru Outback wilderness. There’s were a few ledges in the 12-18” range but had easy enough options to bypass them. Some of the washes were definitely pushing the clearance limits to get in and out of cleanly. There were also some pretty rough areas that I needed to take my time but overall was very doable. Other vehicles with higher clearance would be fine. The views of river were beautiful and the canyons were breathtaking. Took the previous reviews advice and aired down, was very glad I did. The west side of the trail gets steep and narrow so had to wait for other drivers in a bunch of places. Great way to see canyon lands and spend a day on this beginner off road trail.

Great beginner trail for people to build their confidence on. Beginning of the trail is a lot of shelf driving. Full size trucks are fine on this trail. I did air down to provide a little more comfort and traction.