Potash Road
Free(A public scenic byway (UT-279) with no road toll; viewing petroglyphs and rock formations along the route is free)
Road TripScenic LookoutRock FormationCanyonAdventurous
Overview
Also known as Utah State Route 279, this scenic driving highway winds dramatically between the rushing Colorado River and soaring, 400-foot sheer red sandstone cliffs outside Moab. The scenic drive provides immediate access to ancient Native American petroglyph panels, fossilized dinosaur tracks visible from the roadside, and exceptional vistas of the vibrant, neon-blue solar evaporation ponds glistening against parched desert rocks.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeSpring or early autumn offers pristine driving conditions along the canyon floor. Cruise this scenic riverway corridor (UT-279) between 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM; late afternoon sun cuts beautifully across the multi-hundred-foot vertical red rock walls flanking the road, lighting up ancient petroglyph panels and rock climbers with minimal harsh glare.
Getting ThereLocated west of Moab, operating as Utah State Route 279 (Potash Scenic Byway). Drive north off US-191 from Moab for 4 miles, and make an immediate sharp left turn onto UT-279 S just before the Colorado River bridge landing. The toll-free highway follows the riverbank for 15 miles, offering free gravel pull-offs at all trailheads.
Travel Tips
- Paved vs Rough Dirt Transition Boundary: Utah State Route 279 is paved for the first 15 miles; past the Potash Mining Refinery Plant, it transitions into the extremely rugged, unpaved Shafer Trail dirt tracks. Standard rental sedans must turn back here to prevent catastrophic oil pan or tire damage.
- Wall Street Cliffside Rockfall Safety: Running flush along towering vertical cliffs, this corridor serves as a major rock-climbing hub. Avoid parking your vehicle directly underneath active climbers or sheer overhangs due to wind-sheared rockfall hazards.
- Flash Runoff Impassable Flash Flood Conditions: Positioned parallel to the Colorado River, heavy summer storms trigger dangerous mud-laden waterfalls flowing over the asphalt. Evacuate the canyon floor immediately if severe cloudbursts strike, as flash runoff will sweep vehicles into the river currents.
Reviews
Positive
- Driving the unpaved track squeezed between cliffs and the Colorado River brings overwhelming red rock views; an exceptional off-road adventure.
- The route offers free, close-up access to massive dinosaur tracks and ancient petroglyph walls with absolutely zero commercial tourist traps.
- The roadside features multiple safe scenic turnouts and primitive camping sites; basic vault toilets and bins are kept reasonably clean.
- It offers immaculate night skies and sunsets free of commercial buzz; sparse tourist density preserves pure western wilderness serenity.
Heads up
- The unpaved dirt stretches get extremely rugged and littered with sharp rocks; standard low cars risk tire flats, strictly requiring 4WD trucks.
- Dozens of miles feature zero gas stations, zero cell signal, and no running water; flat tires or breakdowns face severely delayed rescue response.
- Key fossil and petroglyph spots lack comprehensive multilingual signs, making it easy for rushing foreign tourists to miss the locations.
- Narrow cliffside single-lane bottle-necks lack protective nets or guardrails; rainy or windy days bring high rockfall and slide risks.