Thrilling Drive: White Rim Trail & Shafer Switchbacks (Part 1)

We got started on our adventure by heading down the Shafer Trail Switchbacks and then on to washed-out trails, damaged shelf roads, and burning through gas like crazy, our adventure on the White Rim Trail was most certainly NOT a 3/3 as most trail guides say it is.
#jeep #4x4 #4x4offroad #jeeplife #canyonlands #canyonlandsnationalpark #utah #moab
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[@teresaforsyth6185]

One thing I truly enjoyed: What I call the "Spaghetti Westeen" music with the whistle . Truly enjoyed the music.

[@onerider808]

I’d rather watch this type of thing than any movie or TV show. Thanks!

[@janisblack2183]

An old Sage once told me when I conveyed my apprehension of driving on rough trails during inclement weather; “ If you just go slow, you’ll do just fine”. ❤😊

[@ED-nm6lj]

I don’t usually comment on KZbin videos but I have to say you have done a very good job showing this road. Most people will just strap a GoPro on the outside of their vehicles and drive. Thank you for providing a detailed view of the road.

[@rshutterbug47]

GREAT VIDEO & So Glad You Talked As You Go Along, Great Job ☆☆☆☆☆ 👍👍👍😜

[@brianjames-z3t]

I drove it May 30th in my 22 F350 pulling our overland trailer. The videos don't do the views justice. This is something you have to visit.

[@mrsbobbinlacer]

Thank you for the vacation, I haven't been that road in a very long time.

[@HapNStance]

The best backroad video I have seen so far. Excellent camera work and comments. Very helpful for anyone thinking of taking this road.

[@katlindstrom8667]

this was very very cool indeed and so was the music, i enjoyed this video very much

[@markmark2080]

For those viewers not familiar with Canyonlands National Park, the high cliffs on their right are the "Island in the Sky" part of the park that is entered across a very narrow neck of land at the same location as the switchbacks on their descent down the Shafer Trail. A road goes all the way to the end and visitors can look down from many overlook locations...Wonderful park

[@noexempty3869]

This is the best video I've seen about the White Rim Trail, thank you so much. Subscribed now.

[@CJinsoo]

Many thanks just for the start by including the sign with the requirements!

[@bradshutler9356]

I kept expecting Clint Eastwood to come riding in as the music is very fitting for an appearance. I ran White Rim back in 88 it sure has changed since then. Awesome content!

[@garyacker7388]

Loved your videos. The first time we were on the potash trail and after climbing Shafer trail we turned around and drove to just under Dead Horse point because at that time it was BLM. It was a perfect night with a full moon coming up. I hiked by moon light and sat on some slick rock and was overwhelmed with the silence! My heartbeat was so loud and I could even hear the bones in my neck. All I could hear was the dog coming back and forth from camp to me. Excellent experience!

[@onerider808]

This makes great reconnaissance for a ‘24 late spring trip down there on my motorcycle. Your sane pace helps me evaluate road obstacles, as well as get a tiny glimpse of the beauty and immensity which awaits me.

[@katlindstrom8667]

yes this is what bugs me on most video's is that you only get the view over the hood, no side shots ect

[@philipmarr7325]

Same. Will be taking my wife on the back. Looking for the easier roads

[@graciegardener]

Love this video. Very nice music too

[@herbrachel9707]

That was intense

[@chrisfinnegan8370]

In 2005 I'd did the 110 mile loop of the White Rim on my bike and trailer, with no assistance. I had to push my bike 10 miles , 7 up the Shafer trail . Very satisfying trip .

[@TrailTraveler]

Wow! That’s an adventure for sure!

[@hannaastephan9643]

Out-of-this-world landscapes. An exciting & most challenging trip, driving the (Optimus) and towing the Alpha trailer. The trip starts from the Island in the Sky till the Mineral Bottom Switchbacks. Let us call it the Clockwise. Mr. Garrison & Caterina made another trip from the Potash Road (Shafer was closed - Snow) to the Mineral Bottom Switchbacks. Again in the Clockwise direction. Why not fit another Video Camera on the rear of the Alpha trailer to film the entire trip? In post-processing, run the video BACKWARD, by doing so, you have the whole trip in the Counterclockwise. Keep up the great work, take care. H. Astephan.

[@scottbartlett4853]

Did you bring your trailer on Elephant Hill? I've seen that someone did.

[@TrailTraveler]

We have not. We left it in Moab and drove over to Elephant Hill for the day.

[@leftystrat62]

I rode this solo may years ago on a dual sport and wondered how the heck do those Jeep guys do this?? Now I know. Great job. Totally enjoyed your video. cheers

[@williamforbes4896]

Best video on the trail. Just did it last week.would never have done it if I watched this. Fabulous trail but a white knuckler all the way . Thank you

[@leopold-m9u]

Kerry and Katherine, hello! My name is Leo Rossi, I'm 79, I'm an immigrant from the USSR, a resident of Salt Lake City and a lover of SUV travel. From 1998 to 2002, I lived on wheels in a 1987 Toyota 4runner, visited almost all states of the country and drove several routes familiar to you (Black Bear passes, Imogene, Engineer and others in the San Juan massif). Now I'm exploring the roads of Canyonland, I'm going to do the White Rim Road route. My car is Nissan Xterra 2006. A little more about myself. I am a Russian, former chemist-spectroscopist (graduated from Leningrad University in 1970 and postgraduate studies at the Mining Institute in 1973), a former climber, and I am fond of photography. Some of my photographs have been featured in exhibitions. I would love to meet you, but I don't speak English well. I hope for Katherine, who would help me in communicating with you. I am 99% sure that she speaks Russian. I wish you new interesting travels. My address is obbaldamente at гмайл ком. Sorry for my bad english.

[@walternowak9984]

This is the best guide of White Rim! Seriously!

[@TribeOverlandTrailers]

what an AWESOME TRAIL! we always love your videos!

[@Nisarttm18]

Awsome skill! Not easy doing it with a trailer.

[@TheArmando135]

Great videos , worth going beautiful. thanks

[@C8sorbs]

Looking forward to part II.

[@NigelNaughton]

Love that trail. One thing to note is that you do NOT have to pay to get a day permit to travel on the White Rim Trail if you get it at the visitor center. It is FREE!!! and if you try to get it online there is a $6 charge. There is indeed a fee for camping like you mentioned in your fee dialogue. ;-) @47:12 I think you got your "passenger" and "driver" sides mixed up ;-)

[@dennisr7452]

Very enjoyable video. Loved your music choice. 👍

[@wirebrush]

We did White Rim the first day it opened after the C19 closure at the end of April. Even that early it was hitting near 100 degrees so we opted to skip camping at the reserved campground and decided to head up into the mountains for the night. Absolutely amazing scenery that pictures and video just can't convey.

[@travelingman21000]

Very good video of your first day, what you have done on the first day is a lot even in a jeep. I've been on the WRT 5 times in my TC rig and have seen it in worst condition, my friends and I will be on the trail at the end of this Nov. , you did a great narrative of a fantastic place.

[@rs1944data]

Thanks!

[@williambanzhof9739]

EXCELLENT!

[@StuCole-m4i]

These are not pronghorn antelope, but rather desert bighorn sheep. Note the shape of antlers and hair color and pattern.

[@HillyBillyWoodworks]

Wow great videos and no fear

[@fletcherbrown728]

Great video! I did Shaefer and half of White Rim last year (May 2023) and will definitely be back. Don't miss this if you are in the area. OK - Can you tell me what you used to get the great video from inside your moving vehicle. Your outside shots are so stable.

[@TrailTraveler]

For this video, we would have used the DJI Action 2 if memory serves me right. Today we are on the DJI Action 4 and DJI Pocket 3.

[@johngray9702]

This video was Awesome. Thank you

[@DeanJohnson67]

paused at 10 minutes in to comment. Wow the scenery is amazing and since you made those switchbacks with little effort w/the trailer on my JT should be able too as well --- Definately adding to my list of must do trails and now back to the video :)

[@TrailTraveler]

We'll see what you think about it, after you have seen the entire trail.

[@DeanJohnson67]

@@TrailTraveler 25 minutes in the plot thickens... back to the video

[@DeanJohnson67]

@@TrailTraveler okay final review of Episode 1 ....it had it all ... Amazing Scenery, Drama, Suspense and perfect music at the right places, So far id take MY JT on this trail though you two did a great job w/those sketchy steep slippery shelf road elevation drops...

[@peterhuang1861]

Last Thanksgiving holidays, we drove throughout the white rim trail from the opposite direction, more challenging, but I like your way more. And would like to try in my next trave.

[@axios76]

Bravo! Thank you!

[@wwz1011]

Easier to go UP Shafer via Potash, than down Shafer from the NP visitor center. Much easier to control speed when you are going up.

[@Free.Press.]

Great video.

[@walternowak9984]

You guys are great. Super info-video. I know what to expect next year. Thank you!

[@Colorado4x4]

Great video! I need to go check this trail out

[@Joes-Adventures71]

The only reason I haven't done this trail yet is not knowing if I'd have enough gas. I bring two 5 gallon jerry cans but I also have a 392. That being said it gets surprisingly good mileage offroad because of the torque I rarely need 4 low or more than 1500 rpms to go anywhere. Maybe this year ;)

[@bluecruiser2019]

Such a great trail, you guys hit it pretty bad on mineral bottom😬😳

[@williamforbes4896]

Shows the road with depth’s

[@travelingman21000]

I just wanted to do a follow up, our group came off the WRT on Dec. 02, 2021. WRT was in the worst condition I've ever see it (6 trips for me). Our TC's had to turn around at Murphys after recieving too report of the condition of the sheft road in the Hardscrabble area.

[@temosgarage]

Awesome video and information! I am wondering if my stock truck with Michelin Defender tires can make it through this trail. It is 4WD but worried about the tires

[@maxmillion4216]

Where was your spare tire for the Trailer.? Damn good trail for flat tires for sure.

[@TrailTraveler]

The spare winches up under the rear of the trailer

[@eriklund784]

I think it should be called the brown rim trail, not necessarily because the dirt is brown.

[@garyacker7388]

They have done a lot of work on the road, when I went on the road it was nothing like this.

[@cassiusdio6048]

What do you do if someone is coming the other way and there is absolutely no room to get around each other?

[@TrailTraveler]

The rule is that the person going uphill has the right of way unless it is safer for the person going uphill to back up.

[@stevekenilworth]

i find it amazing you have to pay to go in to the wild. thought usa was land of the free. its insane you need to pay. looks amazing place, even the first bit id not think twice taking my city car. my old diesel fiesta manual the places i taken that, was my first car and i explored and some places were hit a miss like climbing a forest track the very narrow road turned in to gravel continued the very steep climb gravel started to end and on mostly dirt track on steep climb in winter, had to get out cat to clear a chunky branch in road the parking brake not work as track to slippy, put it in gear lock all 4 tires and hope not pop out gear and that worked and continued up the side mountain in the forest till i could find a place to turn around as it basically turned in to walking path so a Y split i managed to do 3 point turn it was dodgy for sure and slippy and one error i could been down the bank with the trees. i got bad health so i like to get as close to place i planned to take few images and sometimes that a bit off road. pick lines correct read track well and adjust speed for car limits as some points you need more speed but not too much as that do damage so just right as if on three wheels you want the speed to get at least the drive tires back on the ground or you get stuck. my current car i20 1.2 petrol manual not done as much off road in it but i have as it not got heavy diesel on the drive tires a bit more speed is required at times, but it only 1.1 ton so its pretty nimble loads fun, do enjoy taking a car places it was never designed for i enjoy the challenge and so far never had damage or got stuck even in the forest in the snow. reading the track correct having the correct speed and line its amazing how far you can get in to the wild with a small city car, lots this track i feel id give it ago . if i was planning off road as most my off road was un planned i could fit some tires more aggressive tread pattern as that help with the climbs, worst case do it in reverse to get over something. just watch 2 hour drive long very pretty track not once i thought 4x4 is needed

[@TheMathewsman]

Great video! So when you pick up your permit to drive on the trail you can pick a camp site if you want? Or do you have to reserve the camp site in advance? We are going in April and want to do this trail and really want to camp on it as well!

[@TrailTraveler]

There are two types of permits. One is a "day use permit" that allows you to be on the road. The other is an overnight permit where you pre-select a campsite (Recreation.gov) and that includes the day use permit. Good luck finding a campsite for April. We went back two weeks ago and it had taken me a year to get a reservation for a campsite (White Crack), other sites are easier to come by.

[@matthewchapman6183]

Just out of curiosity how much gas would you recommend bringing with you? Enough for another tank full?

[@TrailTraveler]

Keep in mind you have about 150 miles from gas station to gas station. About 100 miles of that is off-road. So, if you know about how much gas mileage you get, you can calculate it pretty easy. That is not taking into account the two main side trails which will add about another 30 miles to the trip. We use 7mpg as our baseline when towing the trailer so we take an extra 16 gallons for a nice buffer. We really only need 10, but that's cutting it right to the wire.

[@chrisbayridge23]

Hey guys how long is the entire trail start to finish if you didn't stop? In hours thanks

[@TrailTraveler]

Around 10 hours with no stops. Add to that stopping at least a dozen times between 5-15 minutes, plus a few meal breaks.

[@billwaterhouse5894]

Fantastic filming and trail review with important information...thank you. I was concerned when I learned about this trail in terms of the switchbacks heading down while driving our powerwagon and towing a patriots camper X3 (adding another 12' to total truck length). Any concerns?

[@TrailTraveler]

Wait until you see part 2 before deciding to take a trip

[@snoking1127]

I took my wife down it in a 2001 Ram diesel pickup and she would not talk to me for a week.

[@chuckshoemaker1742]

Subaru, honda crv awd, toyota rav 4 awd ok in your opinion?

[@TrailTraveler]

We have a Subaru Outback Wilderness and I would not take it on there.

[@jbeltran95]

Hello there great video ! I do have a question how low were your tires, PSI wise

[@TrailTraveler]

I always run 14-15 psi off-road

[@jbeltran95]

@@TrailTraveler great Thank you , going to be there on the 18th for the first time :)

[@TrailTraveler]

Have fun!!

[@billj5645]

Shafer trail is not in any way difficult and is very wide but will be scary to some people. The most difficult and scariest roads are on the other end of the trail. The views from Shafer trail are great but there are very good views from the paved roads on top of the plateau. I think Grand View point and Green River overlook are some of the best Utah views you can get anywhere. White rim trail itself is rough enough that you cannot do much more than half of it in one day. You need to allow time to stop and enjoy some of the scenery, definitely try to walk around and look at the scenery at some of the side canyons especially monument basin. White Crack seems to be a great campsite but it is very hard to get under normal conditions. That climb up Murphy Hogback is a significant climb- steep and narrow. I did that part going the other way and it is steep from the west side too- we climbed right up in 4L with no drama.

[@billricheter5678]

What do you mean by the other end of the trail? Potash? Thanks

[@billj5645]

@@billricheter5678 I meant the other end of White Rim trail- there is Murphy Hogback, Hardscrabble Hill, some areas with sand and maybe water, and a few significant shelf roads.

[@billricheter5678]

@@billj5645 thank you. Appreciate it

[@RyanBoyle-y2d]

What month was this ?

[@TrailTraveler]

Sept 2021

[@SchmitzGarage]

Excellent video! I’m planning to do this in June 2022. Are there certain times of year to avoid going?

[@TrailTraveler]

Monsoon season turned out to not be good

[@SchmitzGarage]

@@TrailTraveler thanks. It seems like June might be my sweet spot to get Ouray, CO after enough some snow melt for trails to open for the Alpine loop and Imogene and then Moab hopefully before the Monsoon season! I’m really looking forward to White Rim in my Raptor but have to plan ahead and drive from IL, where we are highly lacking in scenery and trails!! Again, great videos and thanks for the reply.

[@marilynchiang3987]

It seemed the number of pop-up ads on this video were higher than normal. Why?

[@TrailTraveler]

I have no control over the ads, KZbin does whatever it wants

[@craigsturman6661]

What time of year was this? I am thinking of running my adventure bike through there.

[@TrailTraveler]

Labor Day weekend

[@rshutterbug47]

I Thought It Looked Like A Big Long TRAIN

[@chuckh.2227]

Why don't you have trailer brakes?

[@TrailTraveler]

That’s not exactly correct. The trail does have electronic brakes controlled by the vehicle but I need to add a brake controller (soon) to be able to tune it so they work better as they currently provide very little braking.

[@fletcherbrown728]

Fabulous - but - no video of the chief videographer, technical director, and brains of the outfit except for the reflection of her in the window at 50:46? Are you on 35's or 37's or something else?

[@TrailTraveler]

She prefers to be behind the camera unfortunately. We are on 38s

[@thermallingparagliders2675]

What dates of your trip?

[@TrailTraveler]

Sept 6-7

[@chrisstaylor8377]

Wouldn’t think you would need to air down on that road , it’s a hyway

[@TrailTraveler]

Did you watch the video? Its a rough road with several obstacles. Airing down saves your internal organs from feeling beat up.

[@StuCole-m4i]

These are not pronghorn antelope, they are desert bighorn sheep. Note antlers and coloring of the hair.

[@TrailTraveler]

Cool, thanks for the clarification

[@chuckh.2227]

Had to turn sound off could not take the music loops any more

[@vincentsmalley3073]

I am just wondering why such horrible mpg ! I did that same trail 2021 looked similar I have 2020 jeep wrangler rubicon unlimited And it has the 2.0 liter turbo I was full of camping gear , camped 1 night And when we got all the way back to moab i still had Just under 3/4 tank left !! Were your rpms way high in too low of a gear ?? Burning thru fuel ? Im just so blown away you were on fumes i had some extra in case i Had to turn back

[@TrailTraveler]

Did you air down your tires? Were you pulling a 2,000 pound trailer? I also ran in 4wd when I didn't need to. All of these things drastically cut down on our mileage.

[@MSchumacherfan]

5mpg? 😮 maybe check your air filter

[@TrailTraveler]

Aired down, stayed in 4LO when I didn't need to, while hauling a 2000lb trailer. When we did it again recently and applied better driving habits, we got closer to 10mpg.

[@jackiesmith1325]

I need a cigarette and a drink and I don’t smoke or drink. I had to speed through some of this. Wow!🤦🏼

[@samuelsantiago3229]

I drive a f250 Tremor and would be petrified to drive up Murphy’s Hog Back Climb. I don’t think I would fit.

[@TrailTraveler]

You would fit, but you want to have a transfer case so you have low-range gears and 4WD, along with really good all-terrain tires.

[@cassiusdio6048]

Why wouldn’t all you guys carry xtra fuel while out there?

[@TrailTraveler]

We did but it was our first time taking our trailer off-roading and we didn’t know how bad it would affect gas mileage. Fortunately we made it out and immediately ordered more fuel tanks for longer trips.

[@garyacker7388]

Run out of gas and beer your screwed!

[@DonnieToys]

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15) And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. (Revelation14:9-11)

[@TrailTraveler]

Not sure where you were going with that. But thanks for the comment…I think

[@UncleFjester]

27:34 why are you even in 4WD? This is a 2wd road for a Prius🤦‍♂

[@TrailTraveler]

Because 4WD was appropriate for the descent in order to use engine braking to control the speed. No Prius was making it through this road when we were there due to massive monsoon damage to the road.

[@blueduster74]

I’m writing this at your half way point, I’ve seen clogged AF cause that type of mileage issue. Your trailer isn’t that big. My 360 magnum 79 Ramcharger gets better than that. NV4500, 4.56 gears and 35s with a 3600lb trailer.

[@TrailTraveler]

I think it was a combination of things. 1) We were aired down for comfort 2) We were in 4LO a LOT when we didn't need to be. We just did 900 miles of off-roading in Wyoming and keeping in 4HI or even 2H made a huge difference in gas mileage.

[@PeteKelley-z2h]

Mister u r boring the hell out of me man

[@TrailTraveler]

Nobody is forcing you to watch it, but hey, thanks for the views and the comment, it helps the algorithm.

[@chuckh.2227]

Why do you keep playing the same music loops? Very annoying

[@TrailTraveler]

We try not to, we are usually pretty careful about that.

[@chuckh.2227]

You sure do talk alot

[@TrailTraveler]

More than some, less than others. Its a difficult balance.

[@kdo581]

Thank God for mute, non stop commentary was annoying. Video footage was awesome.

[@TrailTraveler]

First time I have had a comment like that. We know we can’t please everyone. I’m glad you at least enjoyed the footage.

[@williamfaulkner1959]

@@TrailTraveler You did fine...I enjoyed every mile. If I don't like what I'm watching, I go somewhere else. Don't mind these critics!