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Topic: A Place NOT to Travel - Quite a Story (Read 507 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: A Place NOT to Travel - Quite a Story
Reply #1 –
Now that is scary!  :o

I also don't trust the Google Maps app.  Picked up DW at LAX the other day and was trying to get to Glendale from the airport. Since we are not very familiar with the Los Angeles area we were using the app which wanted us to get off the 110 North in downtown LA, drive around a few streets, then get back on the 110 North towards Glendale.  Always take technology with a grain of salt!

Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: A Place NOT to Travel - Quite a Story
Reply #2 –
Hmm.  I have been at the top of Shafer Trail.  At the point where it turns to the right and starts down, you have a clear view of what you are about to get into.  I considered the Toyota Yaris I was driving, its 2 wheel drive and 5" ground clearance, and turned around at the nice, wide area there, presumably just for that purpose.  That trucker was an idiot to head down Shafer Trail with a tractor trailer rig.

The pic below is not from the turnaround, but gives a good idea of Shafer Trail.

Ken F in WY

'08 MB
Re: A Place NOT to Travel - Quite a Story
Reply #3 –
"That trucker was an idiot to head down Shafer Trail with a tractor trailer rig"
-----
The article said that the trucker was not cited; apparently there is no 'just flat stupid' category for issuing a ticket.  ::)
2003 TK has a new home
Re: A Place NOT to Travel - Quite a Story
Reply #4 –
I probably wouldn't *walk* down that trail, let alone use a vehicle of any type!
Linda Hylton
Re: A Place NOT to Travel - Quite a Story
Reply #5 –
I just asked my DW if she remembered driving down the switchbacks in the jeep.  Said she thought she would rip the handle off the dashboard!  I can't imagine a truck driver even thinking about going down.
2004 26.5 MB
Enjoying retirement traveling, Rzr riding, photography, and of course the 2 grand girls!
Re: A Place NOT to Travel - Quite a Story
Reply #6 –
Quote from: folivier  - 
I just asked my DW if she remembered driving down the switchbacks in the jeep.  Said she thought she would rip the handle off the dashboard! 
Your wife should adopt my wife's simple stress reduction method, closing her eyes when it gets 'scary'.
The Shafer Traill is just another of Utah's many narrow shelf roads. Prefect for older, narrow Jeeps.
The scary part is when you meet another vehicle, coming from the opposite direction.
That's when I want to close my eyes.

It must have been interesting recovering the tractor-trailer.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: A Place NOT to Travel - Quite a Story
Reply #7 –
If the ledge concerns, drive the road starting at the bottom and going up.

That way you are on the inside if room gets tight. The guy on the outside falls off the cliff,  not you.😱

We have driven this road several times in the Jeep.
It really is quite simple if you watch what you are doing.

Schafer Trail In Moab, Utah>>Moab Utah | Tourist Information | Tours |...
Re: A Place NOT to Travel - Quite a Story
Reply #8 –
We have driven this road several times in the Jeep.
----
In a Jeep, yes. In an 18-wheeler, no.  ;)
2003 TK has a new home
Re: A Place NOT to Travel - Quite a Story
Reply #9 –
This is the road down to Batopilas in Copper Canyon.
They are paving it to make tourism easier to get into the canyon.
I've ridden it many times on a motorcycle, I would not want to do it on anything much bigger.
Jota
96 23.5 FL
Re: A Place NOT to Travel - Quite a Story
Reply #10 –
Quote from: JCT  - 
We have driven this road several times in the Jeep.
----
In a Jeep, yes. In an 18-wheeler, no.  ;)

No, I left the big-rig at home. As Larry was saying, it's a nice drive. If a person wanted to avoid the edge, start from the south end of the trail.
Most any high-clearance 2wd vehicle will do just fine.

A view from the drive.
Re: A Place NOT to Travel - Quite a Story
Reply #11 –
Quote from: Traxless  - 
I think some of the Faithful have ventured onto that road.

Some have ventured onto that road and they have photographic proof to the feat!  Makes we wonder what off-the-beaten track LDO's may have missed?   Probably few because every time someone mentions such a road or trail, several LDO's have been there.  Great stuff for sure.

Re: A Place NOT to Travel - Quite a Story
Reply #12 –
We love to drive the Shafer Trail switchbacks, but ONLY in an offroad capable tow vehicle.  I just can't even imagine getting on that road with a big rig.



Art
Art and Barbara
Settled in Atterdag Village of Solvang
2015-2022 fulltime in a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37AP
2002-2015 2002 LD MB
Art's blog
Re: A Place NOT to Travel - Quite a Story
Reply #13 –
My adventurous aunt in Denver used to talk about jeeping on the Oh-My-God Road between Idaho Springs & Central City...by the time they got around to taking us it was nicely paved & easily maneuverable in their Suburban--still beautiful scenery, but not  un-nerving like this one looks.  Wish Ben was still around so I could share some of these spectacular photos--she was a wizard with a camera like many of you, & would have loved these...& would  have vicariously thrilled at such an adventure--I'm in the same club with Linda, though.   :)

Lynne
Lynne
LDy Lulubelle, Green '05 31' TB
Lilly, the 4-Legged Alarm
Re: A Place NOT to Travel - Quite a Story
Reply #14 –
As a driver I'd have no problem going down this road but I know I'd have a problem with DW pushing herself into my lap or ripping my right arm off as we made our way down hill.


personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: A Place NOT to Travel - Quite a Story
Reply #15 –
Quote from: colddog  - 
As a driver I'd have no problem going down this road but I know I'd have a problem with DW pushing herself into my lap or ripping my right arm off as we made our way down hill.

That's why you go up, not down!  :o
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: A Place NOT to Travel - Quite a Story
Reply #16 –
Black Bear pass in Colorado is one way. For a reason.
Old photo, it's better now.
Jota
96 23.5 FL
Re: A Place NOT to Travel - Quite a Story
Reply #17 –
I recently saw that same photo of the full size Jeep pickup in the same exact place, but it was towing an Airstream trailer. It was in a collection of vintage campers on the interwebs. I've done Shafer Trail in my CJ7 with my younger son. My wife has been there, but wasn't interested in taking the drive. First time down, I couldn't get the transfer case in low range, and I still had an automatic in the Jeep. The brakes got a little warm. It is a beautiful drive along the White Rim though. We walked out on top of Mussleman Arch. That is something I won't do again.

Larry
Larry in Monument, CO
2008 24' FD
Re: A Place NOT to Travel - Quite a Story
Reply #18 –
Quote from: Larry & Kathy  - 
It is a beautiful drive along the White Rim though. We walked out on top of Mussleman Arch. That is something I won't do again.

Look familiar?  (taken a number of year ago)


Art
Art and Barbara
Settled in Atterdag Village of Solvang
2015-2022 fulltime in a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37AP
2002-2015 2002 LD MB
Art's blog
Re: A Place NOT to Travel - Quite a Story
Reply #19 –
Hi Art. We met once in 2012 at the Denali gas station/shower and grocery emporium. Yes! I recognize that spot. The "friend" who took our picture had us leap up in the air for the shot. I think I was a whole 1/2" off of the arch. For me that was the ultimate "pucker factor" moment.

Larry
Larry in Monument, CO
2008 24' FD
 
Re: A Place NOT to Travel - Quite a Story
Reply #20 –
We would not ride a rollercoaster, but we rather enjoy narrow shelf trails. The Shafer Trail looks worse than it is. To us anyway.
Last year we took the Jeep on a two-night camping trip into The Maze District of Canyonlands. The first picture shows the first few yards of the trail down into The Maze. That's not us. We are waiting above for these fruitcakes to give up trying in their so not suitable truck. They finally did.

The other picture shows our camp the first night. The Colorado River is about a mile in the distance.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy