As you probably know, the Moab area is such a huge playground for 4x4 activities. Canyonlands, Arches, Needles District, and so on. You could spend several weeks being busy with exploring new trails. We already were short on time due my dads departure from Denver in a couple days.
My plan was driving the white rim trail within two days with camping on the trail. Unfortunately that's just impossible when you're traveling with an open time schedule. We didn't know when we'll be in Moab exactly and getting a permit for camping in advance was not possible. I checked the reservation homepage a couple days in advance and there was already everything full. Our last chance was going to the visitor centre, maybe someone cancelled their reservation or didn't make it by time. No luck for us. The lady on the desk was very nice and completely understood that we were a bit disappointed. It's nearly impossible getting a permit as a foreign traveler or someone who doesn't exactly know when he will be in the area. It's not like you set a weekend, get your permit three months in advance and just drive out to Moab on that date.
We totally understand and respect that they want to regulate traffic and overnight stays on the trail, but it would be nice if they would save one spot/permit at each campground for first come first serve at the visitor centre. Maybe something like that.
I also asked her what happens when we just stay on a campground without a permit. She just smiled and said we would have a nice conversation with officer Bryan followed by a high fee. Not really worth it.
She showed us plenty other trails on the map which can be done as one day trips. We left the visitor centre thankful but still disappointed. My dad and I discussed what to do next. We knew it might be possible doing the white rim trail in one day, but we didn't want to rush through that beautiful area. One more reason to come back another time!
We started our offroad day with the Shafer Trail. It starts right at the visitor centre and brings you from the high plateau down into the valley.
Nice switchbacks and wide enough to pass other vehicles.
The road itself is just amazing, it looks like it's carved into the wall.
Once you're at the bottom the road disappears into nowhere.
On the road downwards.
If you look back to where you come from, you couldn't even imagine that there a road exists.
Soon after the switchbacks we turned left onto Potash Road instead of going straight for the White Rim Trail.
Green River overlook
Absolutely beautiful rock formations all along the trail.
And we kissed the Colorado River!
Potash road is a very short trail and there was plenty of time to explore more trails. Close to the end of Potash Road, a little bit north, starts Long Canyon Road.
The road quickly brings you back to higher elevation.
And offers beautiful views.
All the good things of the trip in one picture, my dad, the Land Cruiser and little me.
Climbing up Pucker Pass
When suddenly this massive boulder appeared.
That's one of the coolest things I've seen on a trail so far! Just take a look at the size of that boulder and imagine the noise and shock when it landed on the ground.
Along the trail
Another view of the big boulder.
We turned back onto the main park road and went on another dirt road for taking a loot at the Gemini Bridges.
The bridges itself are huge!
An yes, they really are two bridges.
Deep drop offs all around. You barely can spot my dad on the other side in its red jacket.
Dark clouds were coming up once again.
High above Highway 191, almost at the end of the trail.
We really wished having more time to explore the area, but it was time to move on. We left Utah over Highway 128 direction Grand Junction Colorado.
