Top 6 Things to Do on Scenic Potash Road in Moab

Nestled in the stunning landscape of Moab, Utah, Potash Road (also known as UT-279) is a scenic byway with multiple outdoor adventure opportunities and breathtaking landscapes. If you are looking to get away from the crowds in the parks, this scenic byway runs along the Colorado River west of the town of Moab and offers an array of activities for every type of adventurer. Here are our top 6 things to do to make the most of your scenic drive along Potash Road.

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• 1. Rock Climbing at Wall Street
• 2. Discovering Ancient Petroglyphs
• 3. Tracking Dinosaurs
• 4. Hiking Opportunities Abound
• 5. Off-Roading on Poison Spider Trail
• 6. Biking Along Potash Road

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1. Rock Climbing at Wall Street

For climbing enthusiasts, Wall Street is a must-visit. This renowned climbing spot features a vertical playground of sandstone cliffs that attract climbers from all over the world. Whether you are a beginner looking to practice your skills or an experienced climber seeking a challenge, Wall Street has routes for every level.

If you are not an experienced climber but want to give this a try, we recommend learning from an experienced guide (see tours below).

Top Climbing Tours in Moab

Top rated rock climbing tour: Half day rock climbing tour in Moab

2. Discovering Ancient Petroglyphs

Moab is home to fascinating petroglyph panels that date back thousands of years. Potash Road has a large collection of these directly along the road. These ancient rock carvings, created by Native American tribes, provide a glimpse into the past lives of these early inhabitants. Take a moment to observe these historical artifacts and reflect on the region’s ancestral heritage. See if you can find the big bear petroglyph when you visit these panels.

Top Petroglyph Tours in Moab

• 2 hour E-bike and Petroglyphs Tour
• Private Scenic Petroglyph Tour

3. Tracking Dinosaurs

Imagine walking the same ground as dinosaurs did millions of years ago. Along Potash Road, you can do just that by visiting the dinosaur track sites. These well-preserved imprints make for a great visit for both young explorers and seasoned paleontology enthusiasts. The trail to the dinosaur tracks starts at the Poison Spider parking lot of Potash Road. The trail is clearly marked. Keep in mind that, unlike the petroglyphs, this does require a short stretch of hiking on a narrow, rocky trail.

4. Hiking Opportunities Abound

Potash Road offers several hiking trails that lead to stunning natural arches. Here are some highlights:

• Corona and Bowtie Arches: This moderately challenging hike rewards you with views of two spectacular arches. Corona Arch, the larger of the two, is a massive, awe-inspiring natural bridge that is perfect for photography.
• Pinto Arch: For a more secluded experience, the hike to Pinto Arch is a hidden gem. This less-traveled path offers a peaceful retreat into nature. You can access this trail from the Corona Arch trail. We often combine this into a three arch loop.
• Longbow Arch: Longbow Arch trail is another fantastic hike that provides scenic views over the Colorado River. It leaves from the Poison Spider parking lot. You’ll need to climb up a short rung ladder early in the trail, walk through some sandy stretches, and then navigate through the rocky terrain to reach the arch.
• Jeep Arch: This hike features interesting rock formations and panoramic views, making it a worthwhile trek.

Top Hiking Tours Moab

5. Off-Roading on Poison Spider Trail

If you’re in the mood for an adrenaline-pumping activity, the Poison Spider Trail offers one of the best off-roading experiences in Moab. This trail is a favorite among 4×4 enthusiasts for its challenging terrain and stunning vistas. Suitable for both ATVs and high-clearance vehicles, it promises an exciting adventure with memorable landscapes.

Top Off-Roading Tours Moab

6. Biking Along Potash Road

For cycling enthusiasts, biking along Potash Road offers a relatively flat road with gentle climbs, making it accessible for bikers of various skill levels. As you pedal along the Colorado River, you’ll be treated to stunning views of towering red rock cliffs. Bring a bike lock so that you can lock your bike up and explore the dinosaur tracks or do one of the hikes along the way. The petroglyphs are directly along the road, so no bike lock needed to visit these.

Potash Road in Moab is a destination with something for everyone. Whether you’re scaling cliffs, tracing the steps of dinosaurs, or exploring majestic natural arches, this route offers an unforgettable adventure in one of the most picturesque settings in the American Southwest. Make sure to bring your sense of adventure and your camera to capture the incredible Moab memories you’ll make on Potash Road. Once you’ve explored Potash Road, be sure to enjoy the scenic River Road.

Where to Stay in Moab

Hotels and vacation rentals

• High-end: Red Cliffs Lodge. The lodge sits about 15 miles from Moab and Arches on the river road, has a horse corral, Western film museum and Castle Creek Winery, in addition to the pool.
• High-end: Casitas At The Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection By Hilton gives you the benefit of a 2-bedroom vacation rental with the amenities and service of a Hilton.
• Mid-range: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Moab is in a great location quite close to Arches. The hotel is clean and quiet, with pool, kitchens in some rooms, and it’s pet friendly.
• Mid-range: Element Moab is newer and has the option of rooms or studios, in a good location near town. The pool and restaurant get good reviews.
• Budget: Lazy Lizard Hostel is the best rated hostel in Moab. It has a shared kitchen, free wifi, bbq grills, picnic tables, and coin laundry.
• Glamping: Under Canvas Moab is 3 miles north of Arches and offers basic and luxury tents.

Campgrounds

• National Park and National Forest campgrounds are in wonderful locations though they have few amenities. These are reserved on the government recreation site.
• Dead Horse Point State Park: similar to the national campgrounds, these are scenic but with few amenities. Reservations are strongly recommended, and can be made here.
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sites are typically not reservable and they fill up quickly. They’re scenic and well maintained. You can find these (and reserve sites for Ken’s Lake) at the government recreation site.
• Private campgrounds are worth checking if the previous campgrounds are not available.