Easy, 0.37 mi out and back
72 ft elevation gain
Hiked 12/22/23
A must see overlook for visitors to Canyonlands, it is located near the entrance and Visitors Center. Featuring jaw-dropping views of the 1,400 ft cliff walls surrounding Shafer Canyon and the Shafer Trail as it switchbacks its way down. Easy to access, with more adventurous views available as well.
Looking across to one side of the canyon walls, where sheer cliffs may be seen with a variety of terraces locate among them. The Shafer Trail road cuts along the left of frame and the La Sal Mountains may be seen in the distance, mingling with the clouds.
A red jeep drives along the Shafer Trail below the viewing area. A large sandstone cliff wall may be seen behind it with a portion of the road descending out of view.
A view of Shafer Canyon from the flatlands above it on the right of frame, where a small lip may be seen extending over the edge. Clouds mix in with the La Sal Mountains in the distance.
When I was at the park we saw a huge SUV navigate that road in the first photo. This Uber Black motherfucker spent 30 min trying to climb that cliff and we just watched and cheered them on. I do not know how they made it… Canyonlands is not a park to mess around in.
It looks so fun, but not in my rear wheel drive only Transit haha… Definitely not a place you want to pull the try and see approach.