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Discover Potash Road: Moab's Scenic Drive Through Red Rocks

Towering red rock cliffs

Field Note Submitted by:

Chrissy Clary

Potash Road in Moab, Utah, is a hidden gem that offers an unforgettable experience for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. This scenic drive meanders alongside towering red rock cliffs, providing breathtaking views of the Colorado River. The road is not just a route; it's a journey through stunning desert landscapes and ancient petroglyphs etched into stone, reflecting the rich history of the region. Whether you're driving, jogging, or simply soaking in the views, Potash Road invites exploration and appreciation of the natural beauty surrounding you. The best times to visit are during the spring and fall, when temperatures are milder and the crowds are thinner, allowing for a more intimate experience with the landscape. For those flying in, Salt Lake City and Grand Junction are the closest major airports, making this spectacular drive accessible to travelers from afar. Potash Road is the perfect launch point for discovering iconic hiking and climbing spots, ensuring that every adventurer finds something memorable in this unique corner of Utah.

Observations

Towering red rock cliffs

Breathtaking river views

Ideal for hiking

Access to petroglyphs

Scenic desert landscapes

Perfect in spring/fall

Suppose you’ve ever wanted a drive that looks like a classic desert postcard. In that case, Potash Road delivers — a skinny ribbon of asphalt that hugs sheer red-rock walls, skims the Colorado River, and drops easy access to petroglyph panels, dinosaur tracks, and some of Moab’s best trailheads. This stretch of UT-279 (also known as the Potash — Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway) is short in miles but huge in scenery, featuring cliff-backdrop viewpoints, roadside rock art visible from pullouts, and access to arches and climbing routes that make even a morning drive feel like a full-on mini-adventure.

Why Potash Road should be on your Moab itinerary

Potash Road is the kind of detour that pays off instantly. Unlike busier park roads, this byway threads the river canyon with dramatic “Wall Street” cliffs that seem to rise out of the pavement. Suppose you’re into photography, geology, climbing, or just long. In that case, quiet drives with pop-up viewpoints, Potash Road gives you a concentrated taste of the Colorado Plateau’s best hits: rock art panels, dinosaur trackways, and pullouts for Corona Arch, Longbow Arch, and Poison Spider trailheads.

What you’ll see (and where to stop)

Wall Street — a dramatic vertical cliff section popular with climbers; slow down and watch for people and cyclists.
Potash Petroglyphs — several panels carved centuries ago; there are easy pullouts where you can view rock art from the roadside. Treat them respectfully and refrain from touching.
Dinosaur Tracks & Poison Spider — short walks from marked pullouts reveal fossil traces and sweeping canyon views.
Corona Arch / Longbow Arch access — Potash is one of the trailheads for popular arches; park at the trailhead and hike in for iconic photo ops.

Best time to drive Potash Road

Plan your visit to Potash Road for spring or fall to avoid the summer heat and crowds. Early morning gives the clearest light and cooler temps; late afternoon brings warm side-lighting that makes the red rock glow. Weekdays or early/late slots can reduce congestion; however, on busy summer weekends, expect increased traffic, including more cars, climbers, and cyclists.

Practical tips & safety

Watch for cyclists and climbers. Potash is a popular cycling route and climbing corridor — share the road and slow down at pullouts.
Respect the rock art. Petroglyph panels are fragile cultural resources; photograph, observe, and leave them unmarked.
Bring water and shade. Even in shoulder seasons, desert sun is intense; pack water, sunscreen, and a hat.
Check access & road conditions. Most of the route is paved, but conditions can change; follow posted signs and avoid wandering onto private or active mine property near the Potash plant.

Getting there & nearby hubs

Potash Road is a short drive northwest of downtown Moab (UT-279 off US-191). Major nearby airports: Grand Junction (CO) and Salt Lake City (UT); both are common arrival points before a scenic drive into Moab. You can also fly into larger hubs (Las Vegas, Phoenix) and road-trip to Moab as part of a Utah national park loop.

Photography & drone notes

Wall Street and river pullouts make excellent locations for drone and photography — expansive canyon vistas and late-day side light are especially photogenic. If you fly, follow FAA rules and local regulations; be mindful of other visitors and climbers. The reel by @hespinningatlas captures the road’s cinematic sweep and is a great visual field note to share with readers.

Credit & Field Note

Video & fieldnote brought to us by @hespinningatlas. Thanks for the cinematic capture — follow the creator on Instagram for stunning Moab reels and drone shots: https://www.instagram.com/hespinningatlas.

Conclusion — Make Potash Road Your Scenic Pit Stop

Potash Road is proof that some of the best travel moments happen on the way, not just at the destination. Park at the pullouts, walk to the petroglyph panels, snap photos of the Colorado River framed by red cliffs, and follow a trailhead to Corona Arch if you’ve got time. For travelers building a Moab itinerary, this byway is an efficient and unforgettable addition — especially in spring or fall.

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