about shaffer trail ...

[samuraj]

taking this trail with sensitive passenger (wife)
what you recommendation ? going up , or down ?

 

[velo47]

We went down the Shafer switchbacks and out to Moab past the potash mine in our 4wd sprinter. Easy-peasy, no problems at all. Going up the switchbacks might be a little easier on the faint of heart, but going down is just spectacular. Either way, it's easy and well worth it for the views. Lots of places to stop and take pics, too. There's also some great petroglyphs along the paved road by the river between Moab and the potash mine, stop and see them.

 

[MOAK]

I understand what you are asking. My wife had and still does, a tremendous fear of heights. Once while climbing Murphy’s Hogback the poor dear had her head between her knees and was quietly screaming in fear. ( BTW I’m a bit on the claustrophobic side of things and cannot go into confined spaces, everyone has there foibles and phobias ) Our first time on Shafer Rd, with my gentle encouragement, she made it down.. look up, look at the horizon, look at me, just don’t look down. That was all 15 years ago and since that time she has mastered her fear. Bottom line- if she wanted to explore the west, she had no choice other than to overcome her fear. There are several good publications on conquering fears and phobias. Encouraging words go a long way. I would strongly recommend going up. Then if she desires, back down. The second time we went out there my wife “wanted” to take the drive, if only to prove to herself she had conquered her phobia.

 

[samuraj]

thanks