Potash Road Scenic Drive

Mile 3.8 – Jaycee Park Campground & Portal Overlook Trail

This shaded picnic area and campground offer one of the area’s top hikes. The challenging Portal Overlook Trail climbs roughly 2.5 miles to a breathtaking view of Moab and the river’s entrance into the canyon.

Mile 4.3 – Wall Street Climbing Area

For the next mile you’ll drive between a thousand-foot sandstone wall and the river. This is Wall Street, Moab’s most famous roadside climbing zone. Pull into one of the paved bays, roll down the windows, and watch climbers inch up routes with names like Knapping with the Alien, Morning Thunder, Dead Sea Route, and 30 Seconds Over Potash.

This convenient and spectacular location is where you can experience our Introduction to Rock Climbing tours.

Mile 5.0 – Potash Road Petroglyphs

Look for the brown “Indian Writing” sign and small pullout. On the dark, varnished cliff are dozens of ancient carvings—bighorn sheep, hunters, spirals, and mysterious patterns. They’re high on the wall, so binoculars help. Stand quietly; it’s humbling to think these marks have faced the river for a thousand years.

Mile 5.9 – Poison Spider Trailhead & Dinosaur Tracks Viewpoint

Even if you’re not driving the 4×4 trail, stop here for the interpretive sign and metal viewing tubes pointing to fossilized dinosaur tracks across the canyon. The three-toed prints belong to Jurassic-era meat-eaters—easily spotted when the light hits just right. See them as part of the Bow & Arrow Canyon Canyoneering Adventure.

Mile 10 - Corona Arch Trailhead

One of Moab’s signature hikes outside the national parks, this 3-mile round-trip trail leads to Corona Arch, a massive sandstone span rivaling those in Arches National Park. The hike takes 1.5–2 hours and offers incredible photo opportunities along the way.

Mile 17 - Potash Boat Ramp

Here the paved road ends, opening to a wide river bend used by rafting outfitters. It’s the staging area for legendary multi-day Cataract Canyon trips, where the Colorado River cuts deep through Canyonlands. Even if you’re not launching, it’s a peaceful place to rest and enjoy the canyon silence.

Mile 18 - Shafer Trail Connection (4x4 Vehicles Only)

Beyond the boat ramp, the road turns to graded dirt and connects to the Shafer Trail—a steep, switchbacking 4×4 route climbing into Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky District. If you rent a Jeep at Moab Adventure Center you can tackle trails like the Shafer Trail - recommended starting from the top via Highway 313.