Trail

Shafer Trail Viewpoint

Trail
A light beige, unpaved road winds down a steep, multicolored sandstone canyon.

A short, easy walk from a roadside pullout to a fenced overlook above the iconic Shafer Trail—one of Canyonlands' most photographed vistas. The 1,500-foot descent of switchbacks carved into red-and-tan sandstone cliffs dominates the view. No serious elevation gain, no technical challenge, just raw visual impact. Ideal for those seeking an iconic shot without committing to a full backcountry drive.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
0.2
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Easy
Elevation Gain Feet
10

Trail profile

Distance Miles
0.2
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Easy
Elevation Gain Feet
10
Estimated Time
15–20 minutes round-trip
Trail Surface
Unpaved and uneven dirt with scattered rocks; compact enough for normal hiking shoes
Trail Features
  • Iconic overlook
  • 1,500-foot cliff view
  • Switchback road vista
  • Red-and-tan sandstone formations
  • Historic trail vantage
Trail Highlights
The Shafer Trail descending 1,500 feet in switchbacks down colorful sandstone cliffs—one of the most photographed views in Canyonlands. From the fenced overlook, you see the entire route of this historic road carved into the mesa face.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Roadside pullout 0.9 miles past Island in the Sky Visitor Center on Island in the Sky scenic drive
Parking Lot Size
Very small; 4–6 vehicles maximum
Parking Fill Time
Fills by mid-morning on weekends and peak season; arrive by 7am or after 4pm
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
Drive yourself. The pullout is 0.9 miles from Island in the Sky Visitor Center on the scenic loop road.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
No permits required. Standard park entrance pass applies.
Fees
$30 — Entrance - Private Vehicle (valid 7 days; motorcycle $25, per person on foot $15)
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Rarely closed; the viewpoint is typically accessible year-round. Winter snow may ice the unpaved trail; check conditions after winter storms.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
No water at trailhead or viewpoint. Bring all water. Water and restrooms available at Island in the Sky Visitor Center (0.9 miles).
Accessibility
The paved pullout is accessible for parking. The trail to the viewpoint is unpaved, rocky, and uneven—not wheelchair accessible. The fenced overlook is at a cliff edge.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Uneven, rocky terrain
  • Cliff edge with fenced boundary
  • Full sun exposure
  • Slippery conditions after rain
Hazard Details
The trail surface is unpaved, rocky, and uneven—ankle-turning risk. The viewing area sits at a cliff edge; the fence is your barrier. Do not go beyond it. Rain makes the soil slippery and treacherous. Sun exposure is intense with zero shade.
Cell Service
Likely available; Moab cell networks often reach this area. Do not rely on it—test before departure. Emergency: Call 911 or contact Island in the Sky Visitor Center.
Crowd Level
Moderate to high during peak season and mid-day; solitude early morning or late afternoon
Peak Crowd Times
10am–3pm on weekends; afternoons in peak season (April–October)
Best Season
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) for stable weather and comfortable temperatures
Best Time To Visit
Early morning (6–8am) beats the crowds and brutal midday heat. Afternoon light after 3pm paints the sandstone golden, ideal for photographers. Avoid peak midday hours when the pullout is packed and sun exposure peaks.
Tips Advice
  • Tighten your boots—the trail is unpaved and uneven; good ankle support prevents rolling.
  • Carry 2L water minimum; no shade, no sources. Sun exposure is relentless.
  • Bring sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Stay on the marked path to protect biological soil crust.
  • Use the fence as a guide; don't lean beyond it for photos.
  • Check weather before driving; after heavy rain the trail becomes muddy and slippery.

More details

Park Area
Island in the Sky, Canyonlands National Park
Trail Markers
Obvious path from the pullout to the viewing area; worn footfall marks the way. Fence guides you to the overlook. Minimal formal signage.
Dogs Allowed
Per NPS regulations for Canyonlands: Pets allowed on leashes on roads and maintained areas. Confirm current pet policy at Island in the Sky Visitor Center.
Biking Allowed
No; this short walk is pedestrian-only
Shade Level
Full sun exposure; no shade on the trail or at the overlook. Afternoon shadows from the cliff edge provide brief relief.
Emergency Contacts
Call 911 for emergencies. Island in the Sky Visitor Center: 0.9 miles away. Nearest hospital is in Moab, approximately 30 miles away.
Map Recommended
0
Snow Dates
Possible December–February, though the site rarely closes from snow alone
Mud Season
Wet conditions 24–48 hours after heavy rain; avoid or expect slippery footing
Wildflower Peak
Not applicable; sparse vegetation on the mesa top
Fall Colors Peak
Not applicable; high-desert environment with minimal deciduous trees
Bug Season
Minimal; high altitude and dry climate limit insects. Late summer (July–August) may see occasional gnats.
Insider Tips
  • Photographers: arrive 30 minutes before sunset for golden light on the sandstone—the entire switchback route glows.
  • The false horizon trick: the Shafer Trail's upper switchbacks are hidden from the immediate pullout edge; walk to the far side of the fenced area for the full panorama.
  • Beat the crowds: this is peak-Instagram territory on weekends; go weekday mornings or accept the conga line.
  • Winter ice: after snow, this short trail becomes treacherous; bring microspikes if you're determined to visit in winter.
Recent Updates
No recent closures or major maintenance reported as of 2026-06-12. Trail condition typical for this season.
Family Friendly Notes
Suitable for most ages, but young children need hand-holding on the uneven trail and near the fenced edge. Teach cliff-safety boundaries before arrival. No shade and full sun makes it challenging for very young kids in heat.
Nearby Facilities
Island in the Sky Visitor Center (0.9 miles): Water, restrooms, ranger assistance, exhibits. No food vendors at the viewpoint; bring snacks.
Review Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Shafer Trail Viewpoint as one of Canyonlands' most iconic and accessible vistas. The short, easy walk yields a reward completely out of proportion to the effort—a full visual command of the 1,500-foot switchback descent. Even non-hikers gain legitimate awe here. Crowds are the trade-off for accessibility.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this a real trail or just a pullout?

It's a short walk from a roadside pullout to a fenced overlook, not a traditional hiking trail. Round-trip is 15–20 minutes, including time to absorb the view.

Is it safe for kids?

Yes. Young children must hold hands on uneven terrain and never go beyond the fence. Teach boundary rules before arrival. Heat and sun are the bigger challenge than the terrain itself.

Do I need hiking boots?

No. Normal walking shoes with good ankle support work fine. The surface is rocky and uneven but not technical.

Can I hike the actual Shafer Trail from here?

No. This viewpoint overlooks the Shafer Trail. The actual Shafer Trail drive is a separate 34-mile backcountry route requiring a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. See 'Experience the Shafer Trail' for that adventure.

Is there shade or water?

No shade, no water sources. Bring 2L water minimum and sun protection. Water and restrooms are at Island in the Sky Visitor Center, 0.9 miles away.

What if the parking is full?

The pullout is tiny. If it's full, loop back in 15–20 minutes or visit during off-peak hours (early morning, late afternoon, weekdays). Other viewpoints like Grand View Point and Green River Overlook are alternatives.

Is cell service available?

Likely yes in this area, but do not rely on it. Test before departure. Keep emergencies simple: stay calm, use the fence as an anchor, and call 911 or signal passing rangers.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated June 2026. Report an issue.