One of Utah’s Most Dramatic & Accessible Canyon Drives Just outside Moab, Utah lies one of the most scenic drives in the Southwest — Potash Road (State Route 279). This week, we explore the paved portion of this stunning Colorado River canyon, a drive that delivers towering red sandstone cliffs, calm river bends, ancient history, and unforgettable lighting — all accessible year-round in any passenger car. 📍 The drive begins off Hwy 191 north of Moab and follows the Colorado River for 17 miles one way, ending near the potash mine and a popular river boat ramp. 🚘 Why Potash Road Belongs on Your Moab Itinerary Unlike the rugged off-road trails Moab is famous for, this scenic drive is: ✔️ Easy and accessible ✔️ No long hikes required ✔️ Perfect for cars, vans, RVs (smaller rigs), and travelers of all ages The narrow canyon amplifies the scale of the landscape, and as the sun moves, the color of the sandstone shifts dramatically, making this a drive you’ll want to experience again and again. 🧗‍♂️ Rock Art, Rock Climbers & Ancient History Along the route you’ll discover: Wall Street Climbing Area — vertical sandstone walls rise directly from the road, often dotted with climbers Petroglyph panels carved by ancestral Indigenous peoples, with interpretive signs to help you understand what you’re seeing A river corridor used for centuries as a travel and resource route 🦖 Dinosaurs, Arches & Outdoor Adventure This short drive packs in big surprises: Jurassic dinosaur tracks visible high above the road near Poison Spider Mesa Trailheads leading to Corona Arch and Bowtie Arch, two of the most impressive free-standing arches in the region Primitive camping areas suitable for tents and smaller RVs A boat ramp used for launching multi-day rafting trips through Cataract Canyon ⚙️ Industry Meets Nature Built in the early 1960s, Potash Road was originally designed to support the Cane Creek Potash Mine, not tourism. Running alongside the highway is a historic railroad spur, including a tunnel over a mile long — a reminder of the engineering challenges and economic history that shaped this canyon. 🌵 Potash Road is a rare blend of geology, archaeology, recreation, and industrial history — all packed into one unforgettable drive. 👉 Want to see what lies beyond the pavement? Be sure to check out our previous video covering the off-road continuation of this route. 👍 If you enjoyed this scenic adventure, we’d love your comments and likes. 🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell so you don’t miss future episodes exploring scenic drives, primitive camping, and hidden gems of the American West. #PotashRoad #MoabScenicDrive #UtahRoadTrip #ColoradoRiverCanyon #ScenicDrives #MoabUtah #VanLifeTravel #ExploreUtah 📍 Find Us Here! 👉 Facebook: facebook.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 🌐 Website/Blog: switchinggearsrvdiary.com

Experience the dramatic twists, steep drop-offs, and breathtaking desert views as we drive over Sitgreaves Pass on historic Route 66 in Arizona. This short captures the rugged beauty, narrow winding curves, and old-west charm that make this one of the most unforgettable drives in the Southwest. Whether you're a road trip enthusiast, a history lover, or just looking for stunning scenery, Sitgreaves Pass is a must-see adventure! #SitgreavesPass #Route66 #ArizonaRoadTrip #ArizonaTravel #ScenicDrives #HistoricRoute66 #TravelShorts #DesertViews #SouthwestRoadTrip #AdventureTravel #RoadTripUSA #MohaveCounty #MountainPass #travelarizona 📍 Find Us Here! 👉 Facebook: facebook.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 🌐 Website/Blog: switchinggearsrvdiary.com #RV Travel #Boondocking #Travel Vlog #Scenic Travel

Today we combine one of the most iconic shelf roads in Utah with a scenic desert drive packed with history, geology, and unforgettable views. Our journey starts on the famous Shafer Trail in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park, then continues down through dramatic switchbacks to connect with the off-road portion of Potash Road, including a few worthwhile side trips. ⛰️ What to Expect on This Drive Steep 1,400-foot descent with tight switchbacks Jaw-dropping canyon and Colorado River views Easy off-road conditions with big exposure (not for the faint of heart) Shelf roads, scenic pull-outs, and historic routes A mix of National Park terrain and BLM land 🛞 Trail Difficulty & Vehicle Info Rated easy, but exposure can feel intimidating High-clearance AWD or 4WD recommended We aired down tires for comfort and control Road can close quickly due to rain or snow ⚠️ Important National Park Rules National Park entrance fee required ❌ No ATVs or UTVs (even licensed) ❌ No pets (even inside vehicles) ❌ No drones 📍 Highlights Along the Way 🌄 Multiple overlooks before the switchbacks 🎬 Thelma & Louise Point – filming location of the movie’s iconic ending 🗻 Pyramid Butte side trail – quieter, rockier, and well worth the detour 🐏 Bighorn Sheep sighting 🏭 Potash Ponds – vivid blue evaporation ponds and fascinating mining history 🧭 A Little History The Shafer Trail dates back to 1916, when John Shafer improved the route to move cattle between mesa tops and canyon bottoms. It was later widened for uranium mining before Canyonlands became a National Park in 1964, shifting its purpose from industry to recreation. 🚣 End of the Trail Potash Road finishes at the Potash Recreation Area, a great place to relax, watch boats on the Colorado River, and air back up before heading back to Moab. ✨ This was a fantastic day of scenic driving, history, and classic Moab terrain. 👉 Next week, we’ll share the paved portion of Potash Road. 👍 Thanks for watching! If you found this video helpful, we appreciate your likes, comments, and consider subscribing for more relaxed adventure travel. 📍 Find Us Here! 👉 Facebook: facebook.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 🌐 Website/Blog: switchinggearsrvdiary.com 0:00 Shafer Trail 8:02 Potash Road 11:21 Gooseneck Overlook 13:37 Thelma and Louise Point 16:57 Pyramid Butte Trail 21:46 Potash Ponds 28:13 Ending Thoughts #RV Travel #Travel Vlog #Scenic Travel

Experience the wild side of Lake Havasu City! Lone Tree is a popular spot for boondocking — free, off-grid camping with stunning desert views. #Boondocking #LakeHavasu #LoneTreeCamping #RVLife #DesertCamping #OffGridAdventure #CampingShorts #ArizonaTravel #ColoradoRiver #WildCamping 📍 Find Us Here! 👉 Facebook: facebook.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 🌐 Website/Blog: switchinggearsrvdiary.com #RV Travel #Boondocking #Travel Vlog #Scenic Travel

Parker Dam isn’t just the world’s tallest dam on the Colorado River — it’s an engineering marvel connecting Arizona and California! Built in 1938, this powerhouse creates Lake Havasu and provides water and electricity to millions. In this short, explore: The massive structure rising 320 feet above the river Hydroelectric power generation that fuels the region Stunning views of Lake Havasu and the surrounding desert Fishing, boating, and recreational opportunities nearby Whether you’re into engineering feats, desert landscapes, or river adventures, Parker Dam is a must-see spot on the Colorado River! #ParkerDam #ColoradoRiver #LakeHavasu #ArizonaTravel #EngineeringMarvel #Hydroelectric #DesertAdventure #TravelShorts #USADams #OutdoorExploration 📍 Find Us Here! 👉 Facebook: facebook.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 🌐 Website/Blog: switchinggearsrvdiary.com #RV Travel #Boondocking #Travel Vlog #Scenic Travel

Step into the legends of Arizona’s most mysterious mountain! The Superstition Mountain Museum, located near Apache Junction, is more than just a museum — it’s a journey through gold-mining lore, Old West history, and desert culture. Whether you’re into ghost stories, gold rush legends, or desert adventures — this museum is a true Arizona gem! #SuperstitionMountain #ArizonaHistory #LostDutchmanMine #OldWest #DesertAdventure #ArizonaTravel #GoldRush #MuseumsOfArizona #TravelShorts #westernlegends 📍 Find Us Here! 👉 Facebook: facebook.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 🌐 Website/Blog: switchinggearsrvdiary.com #RV Travel #Boondocking #Travel Vlog #Scenic Travel

Pull up a chair with us at Nellie’s Saloon, a legendary desert watering hole in Arizona! From its rustic charm and colorful history to cold drinks and friendly vibes, Nellie’s is the perfect spot to soak in small-town Arizona character. Whether you’re a Route 66 traveler, history lover, or just looking for a unique desert stop, this saloon delivers old-school charm with every visit. 🍻✨ #NelliesSaloon #ArizonaTravel #Route66AZ #DesertBars #OldWestVibes #ArizonaRoadTrip #TravelShorts #YouTubeShorts #ExploreArizona #HistoricBars 📍 Find Us Here! 👉 Facebook: facebook.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 🌐 Website/Blog: switchinggearsrvdiary.com #RV Travel #Boondocking #Travel Vlog #Scenic Travel

Step back in time with me as we wander through Swansea Ghost Town, a forgotten mining town in the Arizona desert. Rusted buildings, abandoned equipment, and endless desert landscapes make this spot a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into the past. Perfect for history buffs, photographers, and adventurers who love a quiet desert escape with a story to tell. Every corner of Swansea whispers tales of the Old West and mining days gone by. ⛏️✨ #SwanseaGhostTown #ArizonaGhostTowns #DesertAdventure #ArizonaTravel #AbandonedPlaces #Route66 #TravelShorts #YouTubeShorts #ExploreArizona #OldWestHistory 📍 Find Us Here! 👉 Facebook: facebook.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 🌐 Website/Blog: switchinggearsrvdiary.com #RV Travel #Boondocking #Travel Vlog #Scenic Travel